How to Make Simple Plywood Dolly // Woodworking

How to Make Simple Plywood Dolly // Woodworking | I Like To Make Stuff

Рет қаралды 283,458

Күн бұрын

I wanted to prototype a simple way to move plywood sheets easily!
TOOLS & SUPPLIES (affiliate links):
kit.co/iliketo...
kit.co/iliketo...
kit.co/iliketo...
This project was an exercise in problem solving. Everyone knows that moving around a full sheet of 3/4" plywood is awkward and cumbersome, but what if I could quickly make something to help with that problem?
In the past, I've moved big pieces of furniture and equipment by using an old skateboard as a makeshift dolly. This method isn't really stable or easy to steer so I thought I'd make a device that is meant to help one person move big sheets of plywood. I thought the new plywood dolly would use the same basic idea; a small, wheeled plate that could firmly hold a sheet of plywood vertically while I pushed it around.
I began my design process with a problem statement, "plywood is heavy and doesn't turn very well when using the skateboard as a dolly." Nailing down this core irritation will help direct the decision-making process once we started drawing out ideas. Each iteration has to address the problem statement or it shouldn't be considered as an option. The design had to be easy to use for 1 person, maneuverable, and simple to make; these are our design criteria.
Because the concept behind this project was to quickly prototype a functional solution to the plywood problem, I didn't want to spend a lot of time 3d modeling an articulated part and over-analyzing the mechanics. I rummaged through my wood scraps and found a piece of oak that was just big enough for some casters that I had laying around and I used some left-over oak strips to act as the side walls. I drew out a really basic cam shape, a tadpole-type shape but with a hole for an axel offset from the center point of rotation. This allows the rounded head of the clamp to engage more and more as the lever is turned. The shape was cut out on the scrollsaw and then transferred that outline to another piece of oak that was then cut in the same way.
I drilled the offset holes in the cams using the drill press and used my wood taps to create some threads in the side walls that would accept a 1/4-20 bolt to secure the cams to the base. We added 3 swiveling casters to the bottom for added maneuverability and it was all done.
Although not one of the initial design criteria, we wanted the dolly to be able to hold two sheets of plywood. The side walls were spaced far enough apart to hold two sheets and the cam clamps were designed to be able to hold either a single our double sheets. When we tested the prototype, we placed the dolly under the front edge of a 4'x8' sheet of 3/4" plywood and I easily clamped it in place using my foot. I was able to move the whole around my shop wayyyy easier than I could by myself, it was great!
While the dolly worked really well, I did note some things that could be improved upon. First, the dolly doesn't need two cams, one came can push the plywood up against the flat side wall all by itself. Second, I would add another caster which would held it not tip as much when you're putting it on. Lastly, I would make another one. Lifting the back edge of a full sheet is still pretty heavy, and adding another dolly to the back may really help.
I hope you found some value in this simple problem-solving project. You may not need to move large sheet goods around your space, or maybe you're way stronger than me and this isn't an issue, but I hope you got something from this systematic approach to looking at a problem and addressing it in a way that saves time and effort in the long run. If you liked this simple shop accessory, check out more of my videos where I improve my workspace one little piece at a time. MUSIC: share.epidemics...
Subscribe: bit.ly/ILikeToM...
Check out my TopVideos!: bit.ly/ILikeToM...
Learn 3d modeling, get digital plans, and cool merch at
iliketomakestu...
Want to support ILTMS? Get exclusive content and more...
www.iliketomake...
FOLLOW:
/ iliketomakestuff
/ iliketomakestuff
/ iltms
#ILikeToMakeStuff
About I Like To Make Stuff:
We have lots of projects including woodworking, metalworking, electronics, 3D printing, prop making and more!
These videos are our attempt inspire and empower others to make the stuff that they want to have. Hopefully you'll see something here that will inspire you to make something that you're passionate about!
How to Make Simple Plywood Dolly // Woodworking | I Like To Make Stuff
• How to Make Simple Ply...
I Like To Make Stuff
/ iliketomakestuff

Пікірлер: 607

@grn9209 6 жыл бұрын

Since subscribing to your channel I have learned so much! Today I built a swinging gate for our dog👊🏽. Thanks for the inspiration and knowledge 🛠

@talonlebaron2053 6 жыл бұрын

You're getting a like just for that Clamp Champ!!!

@monicaperdomo3983 Жыл бұрын

I was looking at buying something like this and the cheapest ones on McMaster care were $350. You just saved me a bunch of money! Subscribed!!

@AngieWilliamsDesigns 6 жыл бұрын

That's a great and simple project. This is really handy for me. I HATE trying to carry in plywood and always have to wait for someone to help me.

@GearheadDaily 6 жыл бұрын

My name is Eric and I like to watch people make stuff.

@GearheadDaily 6 жыл бұрын

Indeed.

@maxximumb 6 жыл бұрын

My name is Maxx and I like to write comments after people watch people make stuff.

@ohhaihooman6776 6 жыл бұрын

Maxx B My name is Keila and I like to reply to people who write comments after people watch people make stuff.

@nielsencs 6 жыл бұрын

EarperFriendomFanson 1023 My name is Carl and I like to... probably better stop it now! ;)

@insane_ravenger1558 6 жыл бұрын

My name is Earl and I have a beat up El Camino (For those who get the reference lol)

@Mike__B 6 жыл бұрын

LOVE IT! And I'm not saying this because I'm about to redo a floor and will need to move 14 pieces of 3/4 T&G from my garage door to a room at the back out of the house.

@stephescobar575 5 жыл бұрын

Btw, if anyone plans to make two, make sure that one is non-swivel, so that the assembly drives like a shopping cart (trolly). Otherwise, with a very slight tilt, the plywood can slide away from you at the base laterally and slam towards the ground kicking out at whatever is there. It could also kick towards you much more easily, so make sure if you stand beside it to always tilt it like you are carrying a ladder. Stay safe

@ukp42 6 жыл бұрын

I deliver furniture for a charity shop, & we put the dolly, in the middle. That takes the whole load, & you just have to steer. Simple :) Great video 5* :D

@IanEriccc 6 жыл бұрын

A two-wheel center dolly (larger wheels on an axle, channel between the wheels) works even better, with no need to lift the plywood as you move it. Just put the dolly near the center of the sheet instead of the end, and it'll be balanced front to back - no lifting as you move. I used to move hundred-pound-plus panels (and multiples of lighter material as well) this way without a problem. Mine was made from a scrap of heavy aluminum channel with Harbor Freight wheels and all thread for the axle, and a scrap of carpet on top to protect the panels and give friction (no cam-locks needed). Dig your vids, Bob - keep 'em coming!

@joshclark44 6 жыл бұрын

A couple of things to make this even handier: 1. Make the slot vertical 2. Only use one cam 3. Offset the cam on the other side 4. Add a spring to leave the cam engaged by default 5. Possibly add a rubber strip to the cam for grip This way you can drop the plywood in the slot and the cam would slide out of the way before grabbing it. You could then hit the lever with your foot to release the pressure and detach the caster from the plywood.

@Zahlenteufel1 6 жыл бұрын

really loving the clamp champ meme!!

@duckattak 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video! Simple little day projects are always fun. Lately maker channels get too heavy on using CNC machines, 3D printers and super expensive tools most of the viewers will probably never afford. Thanks again bob doing this project tomorrow

@trevhaydon5090 6 жыл бұрын

Another genius idea Bob..... And so simple. Great work my friend. All the best from North London, UK

@joeradosevich9393 6 жыл бұрын

This is awesome. Being handicapped, and needing 2 sheets of 3/4 in the near future, I've been contemplating how to make it easier on myself - I think this is the ticket!

@MrGuardcaptain 6 жыл бұрын

Once again Bob you give an easy and accessible solution when before I only saw a problem. I've just spent a day getting full sheets through my garage and up my back garden....I'm going to take this concept and build a all terrain version with thicker and bigger castors. Thank again.

@Iliketomakestuff 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome!

@cops2008 6 жыл бұрын

this video is an example of ( work smarter not harder ) ,,, great work

@Brauma54 6 жыл бұрын

Bob, for a convenient handle, use an old belt or rope, loop it under the end you’ll be carrying. It really makes carrying plywood easy.

@maxximumb 6 жыл бұрын

Bob, put the dolly in the middle of the sheet and then all the weight is on that. Saves your hands trying to lift the other end. The other way to use it is to give yourself a handle. Two ways to do this, a strap sling or old belt under the unsupported end. Hold the other end of the loop. Or make an arm extension. From a scrap of plywood, cut out a J shape with an oval on the top about 2" wider than your hand. Cut out a slot in the oval part that your hand can slide into. Now you have a device you can hook under the sheet material's unsupported end and hold comfortably with one hand. For a little extra friction, glue on some rubber from an old inner tube or offcuts of that non slip mat stuff with all the little holes in. Nice quick project.

@qhartman 6 жыл бұрын

Super jelly of that shop space!

@hugopohlak5831 6 жыл бұрын

You know it's a hell of a good day when ILTMS uploads a video!

@Iliketomakestuff 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Hugo!

@gwog 6 жыл бұрын

You could replace one cam with just another block the same height to have a taller 'back' for the plywood to rest against. Handy little project idea - thanks!

@paulinocosta2849 6 жыл бұрын

Two pieces of this makes it even easier to transport the plate, excellent job, thank you for sharing, brother hug!

@Followyourfeet 6 жыл бұрын

You could also simply flip one of the clamps and the fastening problem is solved

@almagill 6 жыл бұрын

Having hauled half a dozen 3/4" ply boards and twenty odd 12mm plasterboard (dry wall) panels into our shop last week... I really wish I could go back, make this and save my poor knees! Love those cams too. Nice action

@paulkubin 6 жыл бұрын

Brilliant. Love how you don't obsess on perfection, but you share what you would do differently next time so others can benefit from your learning. Keep up the good work.

@project_idea 6 жыл бұрын

I like the creative use of rocks as clamps!

@frankdiloreto2095 6 жыл бұрын

This is a great way to move stuff around in the shop! An accessory you could add is a gripping handle on the opposite end that functions in the same way as the base to avoid awkwardly walking backwards. Anytime I walk backwards in a shop I'm afraid I am going to trip on a scrap or something.

@tomtruesdale6901 6 жыл бұрын

Pretty slick tool there Bob, thanks for making it. I have used a 18X24 flat furniture dolly for moving plywood before your tool is a MUCH better idea.

@terrmosgmail 3 жыл бұрын

There is an easier way: you put the dolly in the middle of plywood sheet to make it balanced and you just steer it using one end of the plywood - this way the dolly support the most of the weight of the plywood, and you use a lot less power to move it arround. Great video by the way, and those cams.... oh boy, I love that ideea of fixing stuff with them.

@JoshMakesStuff 6 жыл бұрын

Look at those moving shots! True professionals! FIRST.

@Ollaris 6 жыл бұрын

The P.I. Workshop nicely done Josh!

@AFBoi120 6 жыл бұрын

I subscribe to a lot of channels, but your videos are the ones I watch RELIGIOUSLY. Thanks for always giving us awesome content!!

@Iliketomakestuff 6 жыл бұрын

That's very kind, thanks Joe!!

@Loredad13 6 жыл бұрын

If I ever make this, I'm only going to use to use 2 casters, because I like to live life on the edge. Great idea, Bob.

@owendehm1586 6 жыл бұрын

Thursdays are my new favourite day of the week

@GeneJordan 6 жыл бұрын

This is an amazing accessory for any shop, especially a makerspace or hackerspace. When you aren't using it as a dolly for plywood, you could add a camera mount and use it as a DIY camera dolly.

@horatioswrld 6 жыл бұрын

First off, love showing the design/thought process at beginning. My dad made something like this but it was longer and was meant to go in th middle so it kinda self balances.

@MakeThings 6 жыл бұрын

Bob, good project. I usually end up carrying it with my back and then sitting the rest of the day out complaining about the pain while my wife massages me. Now...I'll build your plywood dolly...and fake the lift with my back to get the massages. Thanks man!

@Iliketomakestuff 6 жыл бұрын

Good plan!

@DiningTablePrintPlay 6 жыл бұрын

I did one of these recently for lugging around 18mm MR-MDF - it certainly made a huge difference! No cam clamp, though, I may see if I can fit one... The other thing that really helped was even simpler: fasten a big G-clamp over the top of the other end of the boards, and it gives you a much more comfortable horizontal handle to use!

@laureldavis500 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your video! It inspired me to make something similar, but I used a clamp instead of the cams, and 2 larger swivel casters instead of 3. I’m a 67 yo woman and 5 feet tall, and was able to move 3 sheets of 3/4 OSB (one at a time) about 150’ over bumpy grass, and even up a small hill to my work site.

@danielallen2000 6 жыл бұрын

if you mount it 1/3 of the way in instead of all of the way on the edge you will have less weight to hold up but still have the control ... just a thought. great video, I watch them even if i have no interest in making the project, that's the sign of a creator that I really enjoy.

@stephanscott2206 6 жыл бұрын

Great video! One thing I noticed. Maybe spin the grain of the bottom board to be perpendicular to the sheets your carrying. If you would drop the plywood too hard you could split the dolly in half.

@vaughanchapman2930 6 жыл бұрын

I really love your channel. I rarely comment but I watch every vid religiously! Such great work

@Iliketomakestuff 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Vaughan!

@ianmathews8594 6 жыл бұрын

Great idea, Bob! This would be awesome to take along when buying plywood, as well. I bet it's less awkward to use than the huge, wobbly lumber carts. If your bolts are long enough, use a nut on the underside of the dolly as a jam nut to lock the bolt in place. You can dial in just the right amount of pre-load on the cams so they pivot smoothly but never loosen or tighten during use. And you won't be wearing out your wood threads over time!

@henkspenk74 6 жыл бұрын

Just watching it because the content is so good, thanks Bob, greets from the Netherlands!

@dvalley3344 6 жыл бұрын

I love this design with the cams. I made one using two 7 inch mower wheels. I needed these to get over the garage lip from my driveway. I will be adding a cam to my plywood carrier. These really help moving plywood. My design is not tippy so think about using mower wheels.

@davidclauson5256 6 жыл бұрын

Great quick project and video. Bob, put the dolly in the middle of the plywood and it'll be easier. Thanks

@boelie2001 6 жыл бұрын

Nice work Bob! You could add a rope in by making a loop and shove it under the side you pick up. That way, you can keep your arms in a lower position and you do not need as much strength as if you hold the sheets high at chest-level. Hope this makes sense :)

@markstegemeyer4976 6 жыл бұрын

I think that arranging the casters two to the front (leading during travel) will likely be the most stable. Also, my experience is that the clamps will hold better if clamping curve is gentler - though one wonders if a clamp is required at all. I think I would try using an old bicycle innertube or 60 grit sandpaper to create enough friction and forgo the clamp. I don't see a clamp as particularly convenient without a wall to lean the wood against. Overall, very workable however. ** Just a note: I have one with bicycle tires I use to cross the lawn to my detached shop - made with a Johnson clamp it is wide enough to hold the wood upright - hands free - on a level surface. Thanks for demonstrating a very versatile and scalable idea!

@carlosmol62 5 жыл бұрын

For move plywood is good with one, i see is more easily with two devices!!! Congratulations!!!

@MarkHolmberg 6 жыл бұрын

Yay! Josh finally got a speaking line.

@jonathanstef3218 6 жыл бұрын

Nice project Bob! One improvement I thought of was using rubber or sandpaper in the groove rather than a clamp, that way you can drop in a piece of plywood and the weight + friction would keep the dolly in place so that when it arrives at the destination, you don't need to un-clamp, just lift out. I've also thought of a plywood lift assist that could be added on to help lift the plywood onto a table, its a bit complicated to explain in text, but imagine the "buddy hook" attached to the rolling dolly and you'll get the idea. This would go along with the many suggestions to put the dolly near the middle of the plywood. Cheers!

@BryanCollette 6 жыл бұрын

Great idea, Bob! Always dig the bloopers too... Got some sheets to lug around the shop so might just have to throw one of these together.

@Iliketomakestuff 6 жыл бұрын

Great! Hope it's helpful!

@fernandomeneghetti 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent work. Quick tip: if you add a spring to the cam you don't have to use bolts or worry about it loosening while in use.

@marcosrodriguez8359 6 жыл бұрын

Yessss it's Thursday!!! Nice video Bob, Good job as always

@crystalsoulslayer 6 жыл бұрын

Great concept, and definitely works really well despite being designed on the fly! Suggest: You could size a single cam to have a full inch and a half extension when it's turned all the way, and have a taller "wall" on the other side. That would allow moving around thinner materials like hardboard without needing a spacer, and would probably be a little simpler to build. Alternatively, you might try cutting up an old mouse mat and gluing it to the bottom to get a nonslip surface instead of a clamp.

@dc85337 3 жыл бұрын

You still have to lift - with your hands - using friction pressure - to move the plywood. Get a piece of strapping ( ratchet straps - other ) or 1/2" rope and make a loop out of the stuff and make it long enough to go around the bottom then back up to a comfortable height (for you). Then you can carry the end easily with one hand and control tilt with the other. Then just drag or push easier. Non-castering would push/pull easier and not self steer - but they do work - so good job

@Duci1989 6 жыл бұрын

I like this style of video where you explain a bit more "live" what your thought process is

@TheDeadwhale 6 жыл бұрын

Great project! Small tip for use is to put the Dolly more near the centre of the sheet so you dont have to lift al much weight at one end. Should make it more maneuvrable too.

@ocular4925 6 жыл бұрын

Bob is like my second dad. i love it

@realguywithatie2363 6 жыл бұрын

That's a great idea! It's so hard to move them big pieces of wood. Nice thinking! Maybe you could put bigger tires on it so you could move the pieces of wood over dirt - just a thought though

@Zedekiah23 2 жыл бұрын

Great idea, thanks for posting this but being that I’m pushing 70, I’m going to use your idea except that I will be making mine about 12” long with the cams on one side and 4 casters as you suggested. This way I can just center the sheet of plywood on it and roll it to where I need it without having to hold up one of the ends. Easier on the shoulders!

@joshmadden6573 6 жыл бұрын

For the cam that loosens the bolt - if you take it out and flip it over and then put the bolt back in, it will lock in the clockwise direction like the other one and work better - it won't look the same on both sides, but it'll work!

@michaelneal3162 6 жыл бұрын

So I would love to see a rebuild series. Watching all the old ones and how you talk about what you would do different. I would love to see you put that into practice.

@blackattack2469 6 жыл бұрын

Great job! I build alone & I’m not tall so these helper ideas are great.

@baserockbathead 5 жыл бұрын

I have never seen a wooden clamp work that well! nice work!

@charleselkins4546 3 жыл бұрын

Really nice job. Simple and effective.

@CuriousCreator 6 жыл бұрын

Really interesting to show your thought process to get to a super useful final little tool! Now just need to come up with a super easy way to lift these full sheets onto a bench 😗

@BruceAUlrich 6 жыл бұрын

I'm sure it will involve a stepper motor somehow. ;)

@Iskelderon 6 жыл бұрын

The two cams do actually add value, since you don't have to care about which side you want to clamp from and there's also more wiggle room regarding board thicknesses.

@JonathanRansom 6 жыл бұрын

The clamps! I love the clamps!

@azraeiazman 6 жыл бұрын

CLAMP CHAMP!

@Hedrakk1 6 жыл бұрын

You really cracked me up when you added clamps on the clamps! Keep up the good work!

@Iliketomakestuff 6 жыл бұрын

🗜️🏆

@wb_finewoodworking 6 жыл бұрын

That’s a handy little plywood dolly.

@AYoungMansWorkshop 6 жыл бұрын

First: Great project! I really like it and made me realize I have enough stuff in the shop right now to do this. I have to work with a whole bunch of plywood in the next few weeks so very helpful. Second: This project made me think of many things, which includes that fact that the ying yang symbol are just cams.

@MrDoanxuanhai 6 жыл бұрын

It’s awesome and very very useful ! Thanks Bob!

@cookieboro19851 6 жыл бұрын

Great project bob. My suggestion would be make a little longer with a 1 sided cam and use it in the middle of the boards. It would still be small and easy to store but would take all the weight of the boards. Would have to have 4 wheels though.

@Zhir99 6 жыл бұрын

I will probably never make anything, but I love watching your videos.

@colinhawkins8265 6 жыл бұрын

You're a wizard, Harry.

@eflizotte 6 жыл бұрын

dude! just realized how big your shop is!

@brennenm2726 6 жыл бұрын

very cool layout in your house so you have the ability to move that so easy. Looking good bob!

@nitchmakes7550 6 жыл бұрын

Bob you are such a creative and genius individual. Keep up the good work

@BrainSlugs83 6 жыл бұрын

Huh. Neat. -- I didn't even know you could tap wood (even hard wood), or that there was such a thing as a wood tap. -- That's awesome.

@hervevandevoorde8457 6 жыл бұрын

Génial ! Congratulations from France .

@jacktorrance3522 5 жыл бұрын

OMG the size of that garage/workshop! I am so jealous.

@matimico 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Bob, i like to make stuff too. My suggestion is you can make some kind of hook for your side of the sheet. A "J" or "S" hook allows you to do less effort for support the sheet. Thanks for your videos.

6 жыл бұрын

This project remembers me something I want in a very long time: a gadget like that to move my motorcycle around the garage, but I'm always been undecided to do it for back wheel, center stand or side stand

@eliosaile1689 6 жыл бұрын

Great idea man! I bet if you placed it somewhere near the middle of the plywood sheets it could nearly balance itself and there would be no need for two. Keep up the great work!

@CorsoWorkshop 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent idea! I'm looking forward to make one out of metal (to practice welding)

@daniellong6907 6 жыл бұрын

Now you aught to make a handle to hold on to that uses a similar cam design!!! Great video Bob!

@mikesluitertijd 4 жыл бұрын

Great idea, I made it without the wheels (yes without) put two holes in the middle so I can clamp in to my existing trolley with wing nuts if I need to move sheets.... Thanks for your videos!

@jennibgmailcom 6 жыл бұрын

I think that tipping is actually a good thing and in that regard, two castors rather than four would be an interesting comparison video.

@vikassm 3 жыл бұрын

Use pieces of allthread/threaded rod (like engine block studs) glued through the bottom wood piece instead of bolts. Clamp down the cams with flanged nuts. That way they won't spin on their own. Some more advantages of studs instead of bolts: 1. Significantly stronger than bolts. 2. Significantly cheaper than buying individual bolts. 3. Buy them in lengths of 2 meters and cut them down to any length needed.