I got nothing but naysayers on another forum but thats OK, I can take it. I decided I want the Powermatic Planer on rollers. All my machines are stationary but this one I think I want to be able to move since I can't find a good permanent home for it. I just can't see the sense in spending $100 on a base, as a DIY'er and woodwork why not just make one? Besides I have less $100 that in the Planner so far!
Since my welder is out of commission I have been thinking about a wooden base Yes the planner is heavy. Not sure what it weights, I am guessing 300#? It's a bear to move it around the shop. Heck it's hard to tilt it back on a handtruck. So yes the base has to be sturdy.
Here is what I have come up with,. The photo is mock up I am toying with.
Some 5/4 oak I have around the shop. I am thinking about cutting a shallow dado for a lap joint on the two. Just to keep the base form trying to twist when it is moved. Glueing and screwing the joints together. Caster mounted to the upper boards (will only add 2-3" height).
I was going to add a small strip along the front and back to keep the planner from sliding off the base. The more I have thought about it I have decided to add a heavy piece along there to serve as reinforcement and a stop. Probably take a piece of 5/4 and just cut a shallow dado and glue it to the front and back. That should make it very strong.
All I will have in it will be my time and the casters which I could reuse if it were to fail. But I can't see any reason it won't work, as long as my glue joints are good.