Custom Sofa any ideas?

[gemma.windsor]

hey all!

I recently purchased a sofa from http://www.fashion4home.co.uk/ this is what it looks like in the picutre in the link below

http://www.fashion4home.co.uk/camden-3- ... Microfibre

however I want to remove that regular legs of it and put wheels onto it like an office, I want to create a movable sofa ( don't ask why it's part of a very complicated art project) anyway I was wonder what would I need to do to be able to make them withstand the pressure of the couch and 3 people sitting onit?

anyadvice would be great

 

[9fingers]

Are those legs made from round tube? If so you could cut through and fit the type of castor that has a round spigot.
I expect you would need some sort of bush to adapt between the different diameters but that is an easy job for someone with a metalwork lathe to make for a beer voucher or two.

castor picture here http://www.roldroyd.karoo.net/shop/ShepherdCastor.html

hth

Bob

 

[Oryxdesign]

Or perhaps use the existing fixings to attach a sub-base which would help spread the load.

 

[DOOGYREV]

Yes the simplest way would be to cut a piece of 18mm Ply and fix it to the underside of the the sofa, then fix some wheels to the Ply and your done, I would reccomend 6 wheels as I can see the sofa has a centre support.

 

[gemma.windsor]

but will replacing the four legs with the wheel recomdned actually hold 3 people cause I don't want it to flop out... I need it to last for atleast 36 hours like that?

 

[Oryxdesign]

It looks like it has 5 or maybe 6 legs so I think if you fit a sub base of ply or mdf with 6 wheels on it, as suggested by Doogy, it will be fine. If people are actually going to sit on it the other problem is that it will tend to slide away as people sit down. If its on carpet and you use small casters it'll probably be ok, if it's on a hard surface perhaps fit locking casters.

 

[9fingers]

Whilst a wooden sub base is a good sound mechanical idea, I can't be sure that it would be visually acceptable especially for 'artistic' purposes mentioned by the OP.

If the OP's reply was aimed at my individual castor solution then fitting 5 such castors properly would carry the load but do beware, Simon's comment above about skating on hard surfaces. The ball type Shepherd castors I suggested do not come in a locking version AFAIK.

Bob

 

[Oryxdesign]

Whilst a wooden sub base is a good sound mechanical idea, I can't be sure that it would be visually acceptable especially for 'artistic' purposes mentioned by the OP.

I think you might be right Bob

The sub structure could be a couple of bits of flat steel say 75 X 800 X 5 to spread the load from front to back and utilise the existing fixings.

 

[DOOGYREV]

Any of the above would work, providing you put a wheel or two in the centre.

However I maintain that a ply or mdf board cut to the correct dimentions, would not hinder the aesthetics, and wont even be seen when fixed under the sofa, you could could even bevel the edges.

 

[gemma.windsor]

Are there any locking mechanisms I could impliment into the wheels that you can quickly pop on or off so that when people site on it it doesnt keep sliding back?

 

[Racers]

Hi,

Spring loaded castors like a kickstool, where you would get them from i don't know.

Pete

 

[DOOGYREV]

Locking wheel

http://www.screwfix.com/p/rubber-tyres- ... f-4/63626#

Doogy

 

[goldeneyedmonkey]

Any of the above would work, providing you put a wheel or two in the centre.

However I maintain that a ply or mdf board cut to the correct dimentions, would not hinder the aesthetics, and wont even be seen when fixed under the sofa, you could could even bevel the edges.

I'd go for that as well. This may be a RUBBISH idea, but could you put these universal transfer balls from Axi on? They have a very low profile compared to castors.

Just a thought, feel free to shoot it down with a glaringly obvious criticism

Cheers _Dan

 

[gemma.windsor]

Oh and don't forget that the force of 3-4 people sitting on it at the same time can't allow the couch to roll back as well haha

I can just imagine what everyone is thinking what the hell is this girl trying to do

 

[chunkolini]

With casters you are surely missing the point.
You want a mobile sofa that can be used as transport.

Made by some guys I know in America.
Somebody did pedal one these right across the US.

If you are just after making it portable try supermarket trolley wheels, I have several sets of these in my workshop. You just have to round up the strays and escapees.

Chunko'.

 

[DOOGYREV]

Hi Gemma,

Have you done your art project ? If so how did it go?

I am sure we would all be intrigued to see some pics.