Table saw enlargement?

[Gino]

Hi, I'm bouncing some ideas around in my head about creating something to fit over the small table saw table so as to have a safer and more efficient work top. Anyone else doing this? Thanks

[dusty]

Are you trying to increase the size of the table for working purposes or to cover the table for protection.

No, I have done neither. If table size is an issue, I recommend a 500 to 510 upgrade kit.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... ofence.htm

[algale]

I agree with Dusty. But if you decide to do this on your own, remember, there are a lot of moving parts to this problem, literally. The table has to work as a flat table saw, tilted for bevels, and in drill press mode. And for safety sake, it has to have accurate miter tracks and an accurate fence that stays square to the blade at all points.

[ChrisNeilan]

It's easiest to do this with an extension table or two. An upgrade like Dusty recommended is better still. If I am cutting smaller items (something crafty) I use the Shopsmith. For larger items, I use my stand alone table saw. You can get a decent used vintage Craftsman saw for about $100 if you have the room for it.

[reible]

I'm thinking you have a 500 so yes there are ways of dealing with the small table. They make various work supports with rollers or slick surfaces that you can place where needed. As an example here is one with rollers:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-43-in-St ... /202530462

This is one I really like and I have two of them:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-Flip- ... /100618242'


If you have only one extension table you can add another for the other end of the machine.

There are two different widths of extension tables so another nice upgrade is to get the wider ones if you don't already have them.

Of course as was mentioned the ultimate update is to a 510 or 520. With those systems you add rails and floating tables which greatly increase the work area. I think you have a bandsaw, if so you can set up your 510/520 rails and extensions to greatly increase the work area of the bandsaw table as an example.

I used the small table for a lot of years and it is still quite functional if you get creative and build jigs and fixtures to aid you work.

Ed

[jsburger]

Ed,

Your second link is broken.

[reible]

Sorry about that. Lets try it again.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-Flip- ... /100618242

Ed

Ed,

Your second link is broken.

[bill50cal]

I am NOT a fan of the rolling pin type of out feed stands. If not in perfect alignment they will cause the materiel to drift and bind the saw. I much prefer the ones with multiple balls on top like this one.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-mult ... 916488000P

or this one

http://www.boratool.com/tri-function-roller-stand

[jsburger]

I am NOT a fan of the rolling pin type of out feed stands. If not in perfect alignment they will cause the materiel to drift and bind the saw. I much prefer the ones with multiple balls on top like this one.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-mult ... 916488000P

I totally agree. I have one like that from Lee Valley. I used to use it a lot with my SS. I don't use it as much now that I have a Powermatic 2000 with out feed table but is still gets used.

Your observations on it's advantages are spot on.

[reible]

I just found this old post about the flip stands. I think after you see how they work you will know why I like them so well. Take a look here:

http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewtopic.php?t=5580

Ed