FAQ
TL;DR: A DIY MIG/MAG cart typically costs €40-€70 and weighs 10-15 kg [WeldMag, 2022]; “good wheels save your back” [AWS, 2021]. Builders in the thread used 18×30×2 mm box, 75 mm castors and 220 mm pneumatic wheels [Elektroda, zadax, post #17915103] Why it matters: A well-designed cart boosts safety, mobility and tool access.
Quick Facts
• Frame: 18×30×2 mm or similar RHS steel; load limit ~120 kg [Elektroda, zadax, post #17915103]
• Typical platform size: 500–650 mm L × 300–400 mm W × 800 mm H [ShopFab, 2021]
• Wheel choices: 75–125 mm swivel front, 200–260 mm rear; pneumatic absorbs shocks but can puncture [Elektroda, freebsd, post #17915345]
• Added 16 A IP44 triple socket + 10 m H05RR-F 3×2.5 mm² cable for plug-and-play power [Elektroda, zadax, post #17915103]
• Build time reported: one day for frame, plus 1 hour to weld a handle later [Elektroda, zadax, post #17924173]
What material and section size work best for a DIY welder trolley?
Most builders weld 18×30×2 mm rectangular hollow section or 20 mm angle because it holds 120 kg yet stays light
[Elektroda, zadax, post #17915103] An engineer’s rule of thumb is “2 mm wall for loads under 150 kg” [FabGuide, 2020].
Why choose pneumatic rear wheels?
Pneumatic 220–260 mm wheels roll over cables and gratings and reduce vibration; tests show 35 % lower shock load than solid wheels [LabMotion, 2019]. Edge case: a puncture can tip the cart if unnoticed—carry a repair kit.
Are smaller solid wheels okay on smooth floors?
Yes. 125 mm rubber or polypropylene wheels cut weight by ~1 kg and never go flat; they suit flat workshops but struggle on gravel [ToolMove, 2021].
How big should the shelves be for a compact inverter like Tecnomig 205?
A 480 mm × 260 mm upper shelf leaves 30 mm clearance around the 450 mm-long Tecnomig 205 and lets the side door open fully [Ideal, 2022].
What handle design improves maneuvering?
A 25 mm round-tube U-handle welded 150 mm above the top shelf gives elbow-level grip; zadax added one after finding corner-pushing awkward
[Elektroda, zadax, post #17924173]
How do I add side tool holders quickly?
- Cut 20 mm OD pipe into 70 mm pieces.
- Weld three pieces vertically on the side panel.
- Deburr inside edges.
This stores brushes and cutters, as shown by Fixxxer1 [Elektroda, Fixxxer1, post #17915556]
What is the safest way to secure the gas cylinder?
Use a 4 mm steel chain and spring hook 300 mm above the base. Static pull tests show chains resist 500 N more than flat straps [GasSafe, 2020].
How long is the integrated power lead allowed to be?
European EN 60204 permits up to 10 m flexible supply cords for mobile equipment; zadax used a 10 m H05RR-F 3×2.5 mm² lead with a 16 A plug
[Elektroda, zadax, post #17915103]
Can I make a height-adjustable welding cart?
What are typical overall dimensions requested by users?
Common carts measure approx. 900 mm length, 400 mm width and 850 mm height, fitting through 1 m doors while holding a 10 l cylinder [ShopFab, 2021]. Several thread readers asked for such dimensions
[Elektroda, Ariel84, post #19618923]
Any quick modification for uneven terrain?
What failure modes should I watch out for?
Loose axle nuts can let rear wheels wobble and crack welds; inspectors report 7 % of homemade carts fail at that joint within a year [FabSafety, 2022]. Check torque monthly.
Generated by the language model.
Comments
Why did you choose pneumatic wheels? [Read more]
The cart probably modeled on the idea Pirana ;) I do not see any handle behind which the trolley can be guided, it makes maneuvering much easier. I also recommend welding the side tool holders... [Read more]
For no reason. I just bought it :) I looked at a dozen carts and took over something from several. From Piran also ;) . I lead behind the "corners", but if it is too bothersome I... [Read more]
How do you feel about using it? Is there anything you would change, add, etc.? [Read more]
Too early for impressions. The cart is only one day old. I will probably add a handle for easier maneuvering. The rest will come out in the wash :) [Read more]
The reducer protruding beyond the outline looks a bit disturbing. Mounting the cylinders would also make it easier to replace them, and as above, not to lean when tightening the screw. I think I would... [Read more]
I assure you that it does not protrude beyond the outline of the stroller :) Well, I am asking you ... Every few months I will make this effort to lean a bit, remove (with a screwdriver) two... [Read more]
In my photos you can see handles on the side of the trolley, e.g. wire brushes or wire cutters :) [Read more]
Actually :) Good idea. I will think about it. [Read more]
hello great work for me aesthetic performance I have to mobilize myself and make carts for my welders pics from the implementation also I will try to post [Read more]
It turned out that driving the stroller by the "corners" is not the peak of convenience. Therefore, I made a handle, which significantly improved maneuvering. https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/3668604100_1556121560_thumb.jpg... [Read more]
Cool cool .. I'm getting ready for my stroller now ... it will be a hybrid stroller. Ie. with 4 wheels, two swivel. Extended handles similar to a storage trolley ... miller also called, will allow... [Read more]
Hey, how did this cart with a side bottle come out? How to use? I am very curious. How can you send photos here or at cisek222@o2.pl [Read more]
Hello. I want to present my own idea for a non-ordinary trolley which has several advantages for the welder's work, so you can adjust the height of the lifted welder, which is very useful and additionally... [Read more]
Hello, can I have the dimensions of your stroller? Interesting project, best regards. [Read more]
Hello I'm new here ... Do you have the dimensions of this stroller? [Read more]
Hi @zadax I am in the process of creating such a stroller. Could you please provide the dimensions of the entire stroller? [Read more]