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My son's birthday gift

Beave2012

Well today I finally got some good work done on my 5 year olds birthday gift. Thought I would share the start of the project with you all. I won't give up the final result until the end, but feel free to wonder. Although all the hints are in the pictures, we'll at least 59%.

nuhobby

Oh man, that is looking great!

Chris

Hobbyman2

Looking good

JPG

Now WTH is it?

camerio

I guess it is a table saw for a 5 years old.

Beave2012

Added the cutter head today. It lacks some rigidity, but once the drill is attached it will remove any play in the bracket. If needed be I'll add some foam to it for a more secure hold.

Going to now find a way to secure the drill to the base rather than the top, but with it being removable. However, I think I need a new drill, the hammer drill is to big size wise. Might just buy a cheap big box store corded drill (harder to come by than cordless). Wish me luck this weekend as I also need to figure out the fence assembly as well.

Beave2012

Swapped the drill to keep it under the table. Not happy about how it will look compared to its design model... but it's functional currently. Need to modify the base to include a motor access door and attach the base.

rpd

So, the cutter head looks like a nibbler. Something for sheet metal work?

LumberJack

It looks amazing ! What people build never ceases to amaze me .

Beave2012

rpd wroteSo, the cutter head looks like a nibbler. Something for sheet metal work?

It is a nibbler. That's the fun part because a nibbler cuts material up to 2mm thick and is not a rotary tool. Due to that it's fairly safe. While I have no intention in letting my then 6 year old cut sheet metal on it (although he could) it does cut cardboard, posterboard, plastics, paper, etc... and its near impossible to get a finger in the cutting area because of the cap and the 2mm slot. That's what makes it an excellent starter table saw. Build good safety habits with this so he can build with me when he does up.

Still lots to do with this project, and I'll try to keep progress pictures coming.

Beave2012

More progress today support legs on, electrical done, cabinet installed and painted. Still need to poly the oak and make more accessories.

Beave2012

Question for you all. My focus on this is building safety habits early. So with that do you think I should add a painted zero clearance insert as a reminder of the danger zone for a table saw? I'm not going to route out the spot for one, but painting is an option, but will it ruin the look... that's why I need your opinions. Thank you in advance.

jsburger

Beave2012 wroteQuestion for you all. My focus on this is building safety habits early. So with that do you think I should add a painted zero clearance insert as a reminder of the danger zone for a table saw? I'm not going to route out the spot for one, but painting is an option, but will it ruin the look... that's why I need your opinions. Thank you in advance.

First, I would not worry about the look as long as it conveys what you want your son to understand and you teach him what it means. I think some kind of physical guard would be more of an every day reminder without having to maybe say stay away from the "red" area until he learns that concept.

Beave2012

Gave the table a custom paint job. Just need to poly it up now.

fjejgiei

It's great to hear that you're making progress on your son's birthday gift! It's always a special feeling to create something with your own hands.

jumbnimb

Sounds like you're up to something exciting for the big day. Can't wait to see the final result – you've got us all intrigued! You know, I've always appreciated useful gifts too. Speaking of birthdays, my buddy's got one coming up, and he's tying the knot soon as well.

edflorence

Looks like a great tool for a lucky kid! Very clever idea.

edflorence

Futurama Forever!

edma194

Great looking project, great Dad effort. Using a nibbler was a brilliant choice, and I'm a Futurama fan too. Now that he's 5 years older has he upgraded any of his equipment?

edma194

An ad for the InvenTable cardboard cutting machine popped up on a video. It uses a nibbling tool like Beave2012 did with his design.

I now realize his son is 6 years older and maybe using other tools.