In my shop, there has been little sawdust over the past couple weeks, the real world has been more demanding of my time. However, I found a few gaps to hide in the shop and work on mobile bases for my lathes. Taking the hoverboard concept from my first post “Tools Floating on Air”, I have made some improvements.
The base is still made of 3/4″ plywood and 1/4″ ply but instead of plastic sheeting for the airpillow, I used closed cell foam that I found at a local craft store.
In addition, to achieve better balance I created two airpillows on each base with the hope that they would be more balanced than having one large airpillow. It’s better…. not perfect but much better!
The foam, 3/4″ and 1/4″ plywood is all cut to 21″ X 8″. The 1/4″ ply has two 6″ diameter holes cut out. The 3/4″ ply has holes drilled for air supply. It is important the the holes be possition within the area of the matching 6″ holes on the 1/4″ ply. On these I used the plastic air fittings and 3/16 tubing found at your local hardware store.
These three pieces are sandwiched together with wood glue to bond. Take care not to glue the foam within the circular areas. Secure them all together by driving 3/4″ screws through the 1/4 ply around the perimter.
Once the glue has set set, drive a 3/4 screw and 1/5″ washer in the center of each 6″ opening securing the foam to the 3/4″ ply. About 1/4″ away from this screw you need to cut a small air hole in the foam. I sharpened the edges of a spare 3/8″ socket and puched these holes.
Attach hoses and fittings to the top. Be sure to use a regulator to slowly increase air pressure. Too much, too fast will blow out the foam. With only 10-15 psi my Jet lathe with a 100lb. puching bag as weight can easily be slid across a smooth floor.
See it in action, below is a video of my Jet lathe being moved.
