Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: Austin.Wolff on August 04, 2007, 10:15:42 pm

Title: Average weight of a cabinet?
Post by: Austin.Wolff on August 04, 2007, 10:15:42 pm
I'm looking to get wheels to slap on the bottom so I don't have to drag it anymore, and I need to know what kind of wheels to get.  Also, if it's rated for 250pounds etc, is that per wheel, making 4 of the taking 1000pounds distributed?
Title: Re: Average weight of a cabinet?
Post by: ScottS on August 05, 2007, 03:36:07 pm
Ratings are usually per wheel, if the wheels are sold individually. I'd suggest a pair of rigid casters for the rear of the cabinet and a pair of swivel casters for the front. If your design allows access to the front casters, buy a pair of double-locking (swivel + whee) casters for the front. Using a pair of rigid casters and a pair of swivels reduces maneuverability a bit, but makes it much easier to push the cabinet in a straight line once it's pointed in the right direction. I like to use casters with a four-bolt mounting plate in most circumstances.
Title: Re: Average weight of a cabinet?
Post by: Spaz Monkey on September 18, 2007, 10:27:09 pm
Remember that wheels add about 2-4 inches of height on the cab, which will make playing feel wierd since the CP is higher.  I used the four bolt mounting plates drilled though the bottom of the cab, but I reinforced the cab base.  Go to Home Depot (or where ever you're getting your wheels) and check out the electrical dept.  Get 8 of the metal faceplates that cover a 2x2 electrical box.  (2x2 is two of the normal household electrical sockets next to each other).  Take the plates and the wheels to a local metal shop.  Ask the metal shop to drill holes through each of the plates.  My shop charged me only $20 for all the drilling, which was worth every cent.  I'll be glad to e-mail a picture of what I mean.
Title: Re: Average weight of a cabinet?
Post by: ScottS on September 19, 2007, 05:01:48 pm
The reinforcement is probably overkill. I have 350-400lbs of melamine cabinets sitting on top of a plywood torsion box that has casters on the bottom. I think I probably put fender washers ($1.50 for 25) on the back side of the plywood, but I certainly didn't do anything more than that. After almost three years in service, I haven't had any problems...