Where to find industrial casters for furniture upcycling projects
Caster wheels are not only a great invention; they are used worldwide for all kind of projects in the domestic as well in the industrial arena. Indeed, since the invention of the wheel life has become much easier for humankind. Maybe, for the first time, people got mobile, without having to carry heavy loads themselves anymore. Caster wheels are just an extension or refinement if you so wish of the cartwheel from back then in time. Chances are you are sitting on a chair, fitted with caster wheels.
As time went by and people settled into big cities, built houses and furniture, a new way to use casters was required. In the industrial as well in the domestic domain, caster wheels are among others needed for upcycling projects.
The 21st century is marked by a society which realizes that natural resources are running low. There is a greater need than ever to protect the environment and create everyday objects from readily available materials. The upcycling industry of furniture is one of those companies. And they do need caster wheels.
In short, what is a caster wheel
A caster wheel is usually a small wheel attached to a metal plate, which in turn has several holes so that it can be screwed to a large object easily. Think of commonplace objects such as couches, beds, office and hospital equipment, to mention just a few.
Technically, casters and wheels are not really the same; even we use the term interchangeably. If you look closely, you realize, a wheel is an object which rotates around an axel in its center. Typically, a bicycle has two wheels. Depending on where the wheel is needed, it is manufactured from different materials such as steel, hard rubber, polyolefin, and more. The spokes, which extend from a solid core to the outside, are a typical feature of a wheel.
A caster on the other side is more a device than a wheel. Typically for the caster, it always must be mounted on something: usually on heavy objects, those which are moved frequently. You find them readily in the furniture industry. People refer to casters commonly as casters or caster wheels.
Now let us explore, where, within the furniture industry, you might find caster wheels.
In the office environment, you find caster wheels on all heavy furniture. Think of a massive filing cabinet. In most offices, those pieces of furniture are fixed in one room. However, there might be times when the filing cabinets need to be moved. Just imagine, they had no casters, and you had to carry this load. Emptying it on one side only to filing it again at the new location would be your only option. What a time-consuming job that would be. With casters on your cabinet, you just roll it where you need it!
Office chairs
Those casters do not just roll into one direction. They swivel which make them highly adjustable and enjoyable for the user!
Computer table and periphery equipment, such as the printer, are often placed on tables or cabinets with casters.
For sure it would not be exaggerated to say, that the food industry hardly could get by without caster wheels anymore. From the cold house over food storage to the vendor machine, most of those objects are furnished with casters.
And if nothing else, think of the shopping trolley you are getting your groceries. How difficult would shopping be, if you had to carry it all to the checkout?
Have you ever thought about how aisles in the supermarket can be changed overnight? Without casters, that would hardly be possible. Those caster wheels do not only swivel for smooth movement; they are also fitted with stoppers. Once they are in place, they cannot move anymore unless the stoppers are released.
Filling all those mobile shelves is also done much more easily done with food racks. They come in different shapes and sizes, but what they have in common is, they are all fitted with casters.
Caster wheels in the furniture industry
Just as the food industry, the furniture industry could not exist the way it does today, was it not for the caster wheels. They are used on the furniture themselves but also to transport finished pieces.
In terms of the upcycling furniture industry, those vintage pieces manufactured from solid wood are cumbersome. Modern furniture is often constructed of pressed chipboard, which is incomparable lighter. None the less, furniture of any kind is bulky and hard to move. Whether the furniture or the trolley on which you are moving them are mounted with casters will make your job much more comfortable!
The hospital environment
From the stretcher in the ambulance to the hospital bed plus the mobile equipment, they are all fitted with caster wheels. Most of those casters are designed to swivel. A stopper is a must. Several mobile devices like some x-ray or ultrasonic devices are designed so that they can be taken to the patient's bed. Thus, providing extra care and comfort for sick people. And lastly, even the food is served on a food rack with casters.
Not to forget, the wheelchairs. Without caster wheels, which are usually the small wheels in the front, disabled people had no way to be mobile, enjoying freedom and independence.
Most people still remember the time of carrying heavy suitcase when going on a trip. No longer is this the case. Modern luggage is fitted with caster wheels, making traveling a great deal easier!
The home
Many kitchen islands are on casters. Once in the permanent position they can be fixed in place and are no longer visible. Couches, bedside tables, computer equipment and many other furniture around the house are mounted on caster wheels for smooth movement.
All those industries mentioned above are relying heavily on the use of casters. They are convenient, easy to use, and often prevent back and muscle injuries.