Shop and Tools: Tips and Tricks

[PAToyota]

i just dropped in some 3/8 bolt expansion anchors and bolted down a chain. Would have done 2 D-rings but I couldn't find them at the time. I used the style that goes in flush, not the stud type, so you can pop the bolts out and put a button head in for almost-flush floor when not in use.

That's actually a really good suggestion. I think I'd go for larger than 3/8", but you could drop in an eye bolt to attach to.

how much strength do you really need if something is on casters being moved around

Well, in the case of the Bridgeport, it was on plywood to skid it so it took some force.

 

[budget76]

it seems to work well enough, and you're pulling mostly perpendicular to the ground so the bolt is in shear, not in tension so you're not trying to rip the anchor out

if you can space them such that you distribute the load evenly across a few and don't go too close to the edge of the slab , I'd think it'd be fine for the occasional pull. eye bolt is a good idea too but will be more leverage on the anchor than a bolted down chain height-wise. but if you're big enough, it probably doesn't matter

definitely plug it with something low profile like a button head bolt or something when not in use

 

[TTMotorsports]

I haven't used my corded grinder since I bought one with a battery. I don't sit and blend big parts/welds though.

I did switch to using fiber disks like these instead of flap wheels, so I spend a lot less time grinding.

4-1/2" x 7/8" Ceramic Resin Fiber Discs - 25 Pack24

Benchmark Abrasives 4-1/2" X 7/8" Ceramic Resin Fiber Discs are best for cool, rapid stock removal on all heat sensitive metals including stainless steel and high nickel compounds.

benchmarkabrasives.com

Yes I've been using Resin Fiber disc's for quite some time BUT fair warning if they catch the edge of the plate or tube they will explode and could hurt you. I treat them similar to a wire wheel where if it hits a hard edge it may catch and destroy itself AND usually the backing plate as well.

 

[Steve300xcw]

Yes I've been using Resin Fiber disc's for quite some time BUT fair warning if they catch the edge of the plate or tube they will explode and could hurt you. I treat them similar to a wire wheel where if it hits a hard edge it may catch and destroy itself AND usually the backing plate as well.

After the 2nd or 3rd time you launch a grinder across the room you seem to be a lot more careful with them

 

[gozuki]

definitely plug it with something low profile like a button head bolt or something when not in use

Set screw

 

[maveric]

I spent yesterday afternoon getting the Bridgeport moved into place. The Warn PullzAll and a couple cable pullers worked to swing it around and move it into place. As such, I definitely recommend pulling points throughout the shop.

I managed by strapping around the base of the columns, but really could have done with a few more locations. If I had known about them thirty years ago, I would have put in a bunch of floor pots.

They do have expanding anchor versions, so I may go to the trouble of coring the floor and putting some of those in.

We used to have a bunch of these in the floor at our old shop. The floor was at least 12" thick (Heavy equip shop built in the 40's). We added a few more over the years (its been quite a few years ago though). IIRC, you just drill the concrete and drop them in. The ones we used had a wedge on the bottom that would set them when they were pulled. I have had a LOT of pressure on them over the years (20t plus), they work well. Will scare the shit out of you when the chain breaks though.

Install instructions

https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.autobodytoolmart.com/downloads/tech-sheets/1600InstallationInstructions.pdf