“Moving heavy stuff around, especially fragile glass carboys and fully loaded fermenters, is much easier and safer if you have a dolly to set them on. A very funny video on YouTube has a frequently quoted line that goes something like, “Making wine is 49 percent cleaning stuff, 49 percent moving heavy stuff around, and 2 percent drinking beer.” With this simple little platform on wheels, your heavy stuff will glide across the floor of your winery, allowing you more time for the beer. I shoot to increase the beer ratio to about 4 percent.” — From by Steve Hughes (Storey, 2012).
MATERIALS
Four 2-inch-diameter pivoting casters (two with locking wheels)
16 ¾-inch screws to attach casters to platform
One 16-by24-inch piece of ¾-inch plywood
Primer and paint (optional)
Note: You could use smaller casters, but they are less likely to navigate over bumps in the floor and things like mats or extension cords, so I don’t recommend them.
PROCEDURE
Fasten a caster to each corner of the plywood, with the two locking casters on the same end and the edges of the caster mounting plate about ¾ inch in from each side.
If desired, paint the dolly with some primer and gloss paint to help with cleanup and keep it looking good.
Use it: You’ll find that this little workhorse will help you move all kinds of bins, equipment, and other stuff around your winery.
