This was my first addition to my table saw. I built this in 2009 and it is made of MDF with a Formica top and oak trim.
There’s a bit of a story about the Formica used for the top. I went down to my local supply store and asked to search through their remnants. I wanted a piece large enough to supply several shop projects. A brighter solid color was also desired. Beyond that I didn’t care. I found this sheet that worked for me. When I took it up to the sales counter the comment I got was "Thank you - we have been trying to get rid of that for years!" I think I should have asked for an additional discount…
The table was sized to fit with the space available in my shop (36" x 36"). If I had more room available, I would have made it bigger. Over the years I have moved the saw a couple times. Even though I now have room for a larger table I think I prefer this size. I added angled corners for two reasons. The first reason is to just add a little extra room when maneuvering around the shop. Secondly, sharp corners hurt.
The legs are designed to fold up. The table rests on the back rail of the saw and stays in place by means of a pin through a hole in the rail. I have never taken the table off, but if I need to the legs will fold under the table. If I were to build another one I would skip the folding legs. The brace takes up space that could be used for other things. Also, I have only take the table off once and then only for a single day.
The slots for the miter gage are stopped. This is for an important safety feature for using my crosscut sled (project posting to follow). There are through holes at the end of these slots to keep dust from building up. The opening allows me to mount my blade guard. One change I would make is to increase the chamfer on the back edge of this opening - maybe a shallower angle as well. Every now and then a piece will warp down and catch on this edge.
I think this project gets the award for “Most Used”. Every time I use the table saw it is put to use. It also has turned out to be favorite work surface. Someday I hope to replace the legs with a full cabinet. For now it serves as storage for salvaged wood. Router
Looks like a fine piece of furniture, very "slick"!
My outfeed is cantilevered of the back of my saw which allows me to drop it down like a table leaf. Never have needed to do that so I agree with your leg decision 100%.
That wasn't an issue for me. My fence has no back hook. The table just rests on an angle iron running across the back. Maybe you could use a dowel fitted into the ends of the square tubing? That could serve as a pivot point if you want it to tilt down.
Thanks Steve. I considered removing the back hook. It just prevents the rear of the fence from lifting when you lock it down. I imagine I would be okay withjust holding it when I lock the cam.
Great job Steve, a run out table is always nice to have. I recently added a top surface to my table saw, leaving a gap along the length to accommodate the hook for the fence.
only a small thumbs up... due to the cruelty from the potential lack of exercise inflicted on those hinges, due to your indiscreet infliction of limited movement.
Just as a suggestion, you could convert that tabletop to a MFT style for additional constructive workspace (with the support of your legs)... the holes, like my knickers, make it easier (weight wise) to lift up and down should you need to once those scrap under it find a use. The only problem is... Murphy dictates that you would need to use the saw while in the middle of a glue up on the table.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
Another great edition I made to my table saw. The fence rides on a 2"x3" steel tube. i but little drawers in each end of the tube, one side has the tools I need to change a blade or make minor adjustments to it, the other side is a pencil box. I find them very handy
Nice job. I have an out-feed table for the SawStop. just bars so not a good work surface. I'm thinking of building a rolling cart as the out-feed table.
Petey - my outfeed table is roughly in the middle of my shop. It is the only surface I can access from 3 sides. I'm pretty sure that is why it's my default work surface.
