Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Lamont Manjrekar photo
1 Level
770 Review
65 Karma

Review on πŸ› οΈ Enhanced Bora Portamate Mobile Base Kit PM-1100 - Heavy Duty, Universal, Customizable, Adjustable Rolling Set, Dolly Roller Frame and Casters - Move Equipment, Tools, Machines Effortlessly - 400 lb Capacity by Lamont Manjrekar

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Too bad I didn't discover this before buying another mobile base!

I first bought an HTC2000 adjustable mobile base and an additional set of extensions to make the base for my miter saw which sits on a 28" wide x 63" long stand. The HTC2000 and the extension kit fitted together perfectly and moved the saw perfectly. The problem I had with this arrangement was that every time I wanted to use the saw I tripped over the moving base frame because it was a huge rectangular frame. The stand on which the saw stands has inverted V-shaped legs. Between the legs, the saw sits on a pair of parallel bars that connect to the top of the inverted V so they are more central than the full width of the legs at ground level. I was trying to figure out how to modify this mobile base so that the front of the frame isn't exactly where you have to be standing to use the saw. I started looking around the Revain mobile bases again and found the Portamate PM. -1100 so decided to give it a try. Glad you did! I just finished building it and it works great. I used some 1x6 pressure treated boards for the short 28" ends and a 63" 2x4 board in the middle to get a big H configuration. I connected the boards in an "H" with carriage bolts. Set the saw to a capital "H" and it works great! Drives very well and no longer stumbles over the frame. A few assembly tips. When assembling the corner pieces, drill holes slightly larger than the size of the screw. If you have a drill, use it. I didn't drill some of my holes straight initially and had trouble aligning the holes for the top/bottom plates until I widened the holes I had drilled crookedly. It would also be great to have a second pair of hands, especially when struggling with crooked holes, but I ended up using a workbench and it helped. Plan and then recheck your plan for where you want the casters to be - both on the short and long ends. I thought I figured it out until it was all assembled and I realized that for such a long piece it would be better to have swivel wheels on the short end. After struggling with all my crooked holes, I had to take everything apart and put it back together with the wheels at different angles. Together it was easier for the second time! Finally, note that there isn't much clearance under the bottom panel, only about half an inch. So if your floor is uneven or you move a long object across the floor at a significant incline, you will scratch the floor. I buy another Portamate PM-1100 for my lathe and set it up the same way I did for the miter saw. I just don't know what to do with the HTC2000 now, but I'm sure over time I'll find a tool I need wheels. Good luck - this was a good project for me, a newbie just starting a business.

Pros
  • Decent performance
Cons
  • Expensive