Mobile Systainer Cart (SYS3 Compatible)

Instructions

A mobile cart for T-LOC SYS3 systainers. I had a lot of Systainers sitting on the floor of my shop and decided to build some mobile bases for them. I needed the base to be very slim so they would continue to fit in their current locations. I found a great set of 3d printed plastic brackets for T-LOC SYS3 version systainers on Etsy from Lance at BadYorkieWoodworking. Thanks for the parts and project idea Lance! This project closely follows his original design, with a few minor modifications and with CNC compatible SVGs. I built a few of them, personalizing one with the Shaper Logo. I also included a photo of what one looks like with just standard plywood as well. Before building your own, make sure you check the Systainer version you have. This one is for T-LOC SYS3 systainers. If you need the older style system, check out this excellent alternative by Lee: https://hub.shapertools.com/creators/59d269961ca17e0010a3e29e/shares/5fefc8b05234e600108f6927 Have questions? Happy to give more details over in the Shaper Community Project thread (https://community.shapertools.com/t/mobile-systainer-cart-project-sys3-compatible/12440). 🪚 Building the Cart 1. Cut out the base Use the "Systainer Cart SVG" to cut the whole cart base out of plywood using the Shaper Origin. Alternatively, you can use other traditional woodworking tools (tablesaw, tracksaw, jigsaw, bandsaw, router, etc) to cut out as much of the base as you'd like. There's nothing Shaper Origin specific to this step, I just found it the easiest path for me. 2. Add any personalization or logos (see below) 3. Add the systainer corner brackets and swinging lock arm to the base 4. Flip over the base and add the casters to each corner ⚡️ Optional - Add Shaper Logo Inlay This step is optional, but I decided this would be a good piece to practice Brass Wire inlay techniques. This was my first attempt, and the result was better than expected. 1. Use the provided Shaper Logo SVG and the Shaper Origin to cutout a 1mm wide x 1mm deep groove. I used the Shaper Plate and imported the SVG at the default 3 inches high. 2. Carefully bend and tap in the brass inlay wire. I found pliers and a soft mallet worked best for me. I had trouble getting the wire to bend tight enough around the triangle curves. I eventually used the Shaper Origin to cut out a separate triangular blank out of 1/4 MDF that matched the inner dimensions of the Shaper Origin logo triangle. Then I slowly shaped the brass until it fit with my fingers and hammer. Would love to learn a better technique, as this took some time. 3. Used a random orbit sander to sand the entire base surface until the brass inlay sits flush, being careful to not burn through the plywood veneer 4. Hand sand the brash inlay in a single direction. I used 300 grit sandpaper, followed by 600 grit sandpaper to find the right level of polish I liked 5. Stain the wood (optional). In my case I came close enough to burning through the plywood veneer that I decided to stain it to fix shadows from the glue.