Reproduction Antique Warehouse Cart
My wife wanted an antique warehouse cart to use as a coffee table.
I decided to build a reproduction cart from scratch.
I built the wood structure from 1″ x 6″ pine boards. Pocket holes were used to join everything together. I worked the platform with a file and kicked it around on the street to give it a well used look. For a finish, I chose Minwax mission oak combination stain and polyurethane.
Here is a picture of a vintage warehouse cart side-wheel…
For my reproduction, I cut 14″ diameter wheel centers from 3/16″ plate with my plasma cutter. The smaller holes are 2 1/4″ diameter, cut with a hole saw.
I used parts from 3″ steel casters for the end wheels. The rest of the steel parts were built from scratch. Here are the pieces fresh from the blasting cabinet.
Here is a picture of a vintage axle mount…
I made the axle mount from 2″ angle iron and 1 1/2″ x 1/4″ bar stock. The center is made with 1/2″ i.d. x 1/8″ wall tubing. The axle is 1/2″ and is 24″ wide. The rim on the side wheel is 1 1/4″ x 1/8″ steel. I spot welded one end to the wheel center. Next, I spot welded in several places as I bent the steel around the circumference of the center. Finally, I finish welded all the way around as I turned the wheel on an axle held in a vise.
Here is a picture of a vintage end wheel…
This picture shows a vintage cast iron corner piece…
The vintage corner pieces are designed so that stake sides can be installed. I simplified the design and installed corners made from 2″ angle iron. The end wheel mounts are also made from 2″ angle iron. The lower wheel support is made from 3/4″ pipe. The upper wheel pivot is made from 5/8″ axle stock. I think the end wheels look too much like modern casters. I intend to scratch build new end wheels that will look more like the vintage parts.
My total cost for the project was about $80. Here is the finished warehouse cart.
I have built a second industrial inspired coffee table. You can find it here…
Thanks for taking so much time and so much care in making my new coffee table. I love it! It is even better than I had hoped. You are the best!
What a beautiful coffee table! You did such a wonderful job on it.
Brillant! Taunnie Is a very lucky girl!!
Wow. It looks fantastic… I tip my hat.
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Great job, nice touches with the re-purposed wheels…Did you add the springs on the end wheel to keep it level, or are there tubes to hold it level?
Thanks for sharing…
Very nice result! Not sure the cost represents the cost for an average Joe. Buying the metal and visiting a plasma cutter shop, sandblasting, etc. Still, DIY is much much cheaper than visiting an antique shop. Only problem remains – what’s a better line when your friends come over – this is a restored antique or this is a mock up? Thats why people are willing to dish out double, but not a reason for restorers to triple prices. Last but not least, the question of how many similar items exist, is always valid and affects pricing.
Max63,
You’re right that the cost would be higher for someone who isn’t a metal worker, though I have to admit, I hadn’t even thought of farming the work out. I read this article with jealousy, thinking I’d never be able to achieve the same effect, but your mention of buying the metal and taking it to a shop for welding/cutting makes the project seem a lot more plausible. I wonder what the cost would be?
As for your critique of the final product “this is a restored antique or this is a mock up?”, I have to disagree. Which would you rather say to a guest “Yes, I got this at Restoration Hardware, they say it’s a restored antique!” or “Yes, I got the idea from Restoration Hardware, then designed and built it myself, using my own ingenuity.” Explaining the build is an entire evening’s worth of good conversation, especially when compared to the consumerism of the alternative.
I love it…it looks beautiful!! I have been looking for a cart like this to restore and I don’t want to pay the asking prices for a “trashed” cart. I agree with Longwing, I would rave about how I made it from scratch! Such talent you have!
Hey I found both your wife’s blog post and this post from you while searching for ways to diy a warehouse cart table just like this. I asked on her blog already but thought I’d do the same here. What brand and color of stain polyurethane did you use here? I think the color is great and want to get a similar look for a cart I found lying here at work.
Not sure what woods it’s made out of, which will influence choice of stain but you definitely nailed the effect here.
Lastly – maybe I should have said this first…but great job sir – you’re talented.
I used Minwax combination stain and polyurethane. The color was mission oak. Thanks for the complements.
Great, thanks for the tip! Now to see how my project turns out.
Beautiful workmanship! Wish it was mine – love, love, love – the color!
Great Job!!! I’ve been looking for plans to build one myself but have been unsuccessful. Could you maybe email a list with specs of all the metal pieces you used on the table? I know that is a big thing to ask for but it would be greatly appreciated.
I’ll update the article with more details of how I made the metal parts. Give me a few days.
Thank you sir. I really appreciate it
Hi I just found your’s and your wife’s blogs and I am blown away by the incredible job you have done on the coffee table. I have been researching the web for awhile looking for cast iron wheels and the parts to make this table. My brother-in-law put me onto this site. They have 4in cast iron wheels for $13.92. However I have not found the other parts. I am looking forward to reading your update on the table.
MSC Industrial Supply Company This is the actual page. If the link doesn’t work maybe you can copy and paste it.
http://www1.mscdirect.com/eCommerce/NavigationServlet/Material-Handling-Storage/Material-Transport/Casters-Glides/Caster-Wheels/_/N-77gkuZ1yz7i1r?refinement=4294910402&searchandizedOk=N
Found you through Funky Junk Interiors. This is wonderful! Thank you for the instructions and I pinned the picture of the table to Pinterest.
Beautiful Work… found this through your wife’s website. I love both of the tables you created…Keep up the beautiful work.
This is just fabulous! I love the stained color. Hubby and I just saw one of these at Nebraska Furniture Mart for like $389 or something crazy! You did a beautiful job! Well done!
This tutorial is great! I hope to soon try it myself with my hubby. I’ve been looking for some new or vintage axle mounts but haven’t had much luck. Any advice on where to find any? Thanks!!
Look around at flea markets and antique stores. Look for axle and wheel parts on other things thay may be re-purposed for your project. New parts from the hardware store may also be painted to look old. Good luck.
Thanks so much! I just might have to stop by the local hardware store soon to see if they have anything I can use for the project.
Hi I loved this warehouse cart reproduction but I don’t have a welder. Would you sell the hardware parts made already. I have the wood but cannot find the wheels and casters anywhere reasonably priced.. Please let me know thanks Donna
I have too many projects and not enough time.
So many have asked; here is what I am going to do…
I am going to make a wheel with common tools and document the process. I will try to write the article within the next week.
Beautiful
I love this wheel cart too.. I so loved the description,”I kicked it around on the street”. I wonder if anyone was watching? ha! I did the same thing with a new pair of boots I wanted to age them. I went in a orange grove and kicked everything I could find for hours…. It worked. I was only 11 at the time. I have always loved junk! Born to junk..Twiggs