Adding wheels....


 
NeilH

NeilH

TVWBB Emerald Member
What kind of drill bit should be used to drill through the legs of the WSM to add wheels. Also, is there an easy way to find the center so the wheels roll true? I got some wheels the other day, just wanted to get an idea. Thanks.
 
It would seem that the best place to put them is about where the legs touch the ground. An easy way to check that is to place three pads on the ground where the legs will touch the ground and place something like oil or butter or paint on the pads. Then place the bottom section of the WSM on the pads. When you turn the base over, you should see marks from the grease or paint to indicate where the legs touch the ground. If nothing else, this should be a good starting point. As for what type of drill, I would use a cobalt drill. They will drill through stainless steel so the legs should not be a problem. This is the type of bit I use for most things. They are not cheap but they do work. One more thought on the wheels, you can use nuts on both sides of the legs to allow you to level easier. Also, lock nuts might be a good idea so they won't loosen. Good luck.
 
When I installed my wheels a couple weeks back it was recommended to me that I use a titanium drill bit. Not sure how pricing of it would compare to cobalt.
 
Matt, the titanium is cheaper than the cobalt by at least 30% but the cobalt is a better drill bit. Anything that will drill through stainless is worth it. I use them in my work so I always have them anyway. They are the only bits I will use. For what you are doing, the titanium should work. The difference is that the titanium bits are titanium coated but the cobalt are not.
 
I just got down on my hands and knees and marked the bottom with a felt tip pen on the top. I used movers wheels and like them a lot as I roll mine back and forth on a deck with a knock down texture, which is bumpy. Used a metal drill bit, not sure of make or model.... A pic of mine......

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Guys, the easiest way to ensure you are getting the perfect spot on each leg, is to simply take just the bottom section on some concrete and move it around a bit. Yu will very quickly make perpendicular wear marks at the area in the radius that is square to the ground. Then measure 1/2 way across the width and use a center punch. Then I suggest using a step drill for a nice clean cut. The material is aluminum so you don't need any kind of fancy bits.
 
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FYI, those legs are not stainless, they are aluminum, very soft metal for drilling. Also remember the wheel is round not flat so each wheel will find it's postion. If you are off a little bit it won't make any difference. Given the base of the legs you can't be off very much no matter what you do.
 
Gary S said:
Also remember the wheel is round not flat so each wheel will find it's postion. If you are off a little bit it won't make any difference. Given the base of the legs you can't be off very much no matter what you do.
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Gary is right plus it's got three legs. Three legs "always" finds the flat spot with no rock.
 
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