Build your own Mini Dolly 2

January was a crazy month. Everyday there were multiple projects going on, but we still found time to get some work done on our Mini Dolly clone project. We started out by purchasing two hole saws from Lowe’s. The inner cut required a LENOX® Bi-Metal Arbored Hole saw 3 1/2″ and the outer cuts required a LENOX® Bi-Metal Hole Saw 4 1/2″. We clamped down our plywood pieces to a roller rack and started drilling!

Drilling was progressing well until we started on the thickest piece of plywood. First the drill started to smoke a little, then it would constantly jerk and ruin the fine surface of the plywood. Eventually it gave up halfway through a hole and died, the front part that holds the bit in place just snapped off. Luckily Lowe’s was only a hop, skip and a jump away! We found one that was not too expensive but still had more than double the amps of our last one.

After all the holes had been drilled out it was time to cut out our “patterns”. Again we clamped down our plywood and cut out the each piece individually. When it came time to cut the base piece it was cut in three parts. cutting one angle then rotating the base and clamps to cut the other angles. The last cut that needs to be made is to the rotating piece that will encompass the wheel. This will be a little complicated so we have decided to wait until we have a precise plan of attack for this cut.

The pieces that were cut were put in place and mounted together. The edges are a little rough and might need small cuts to match each other. Once the minor cuts have been made a lot of sanding will be done to make the corners look like on solid piece.

So hopefully soon the final cuts will be made, the sanding will be taken care of and the painting process will begin. Once that all has been completed we can go on a search for a head mount for our camera.

One last thing, since everthing is being done in an office environment, when drilling and sawing it would be wise to purchase a drop cloth.

Or your floors could look like this:

Related link: Build your own Mini Dolly 1