Bora Portamate Mobile Base Kit PM-1100 - Heavy Duty Rolling Base

In this review the Bora Portamate Mobile Base Kit PM-1100 is evaluated for woodworkers, hobbyists, and small shop owners who need a durable, customizable solution to move heavy machines. The bottom line: it excels as a modular dolly system that converts any 3/4' plywood platform into a rollable base, making it ideal for table saws, bandsaws, drill presses and storage cabinets because it supports up to 400 lb and installs in minutes using predrilled corner plates.

Key Features

• 400 lb capacity: Allows a wide range of shop machines and heavy cabinets to be moved safely without overloading the base.
• Custom size flexibility: Uses standard 3/4' plywood so users can build an exact footprint for benchtop tools or large machinery.
• Easy-install mounting design: Corner plates come predrilled to quickly secure the kit to a plywood base and have straightforward hardware alignment.
• Quick-lock wheel system: Foot levers on the casters let you lock and unlock mobility instantly to stabilize equipment during use.
• Durable casters: Premium 3' wheels provide reliable movement across a typical workshop floor and strong support for repetitive repositioning.

Who It's For

The PM-1100 is best for woodworkers, metalworkers, and small shop owners who want to reclaim floor space and move heavy tools without buying multiple dedicated dollies. Its customizable footprint makes it especially useful for those with irregularly shaped machines or who plan to reuse the kit across different tools.

It is less suited for users who require integrated decking or those who want a complete platform included out of the box, since plywood is not supplied. Shops needing higher than 400 lb capacity should look for heavier industrial mobile bases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sturdy build and machined components deliver a dependable mobile base that feels solid under load.
• Flexible design works with any standard 3/4' plywood, enabling custom sizes for many machines.
• Quick-lock casters and 3' wheels make moving and locking tools straightforward and repeatable.

Cons

• Locking levers have been reported to have occasional lockability issues and may require adjustment.

Specifications

Brand	BORA
Model	Portamate PM-1100
Load capacity	Up to 400 lb
Wheel size	3 in casters
Deck material	Uses user-supplied 3/4 in plywood
Mounting	Pre-drilled corner plates for easy installation

Our Verdict

The PM-1100 is a practical, value-minded mobile base for workshops that need flexible mobility without specialized platforms. It is a good buy for users who can supply plywood and want a long-lasting kit that supports common machines up to 400 lb, though those needing absolute perfection in caster locking may need to inspect or adjust the locks after installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does plywood come with the kit?
No. The kit requires user-supplied 3/4' plywood to create the platform that the corner plates attach to.

What is the maximum weight it will handle?
The PM-1100 is rated to support up to 400 lb when properly installed on a suitable plywood platform.

Are the casters lockable?
Yes. The casters include foot levers for quick locking, although some users report occasional lockability adjustment may be needed for consistent operation.