Table Saw

[hcbph]

Now on the other side of the coin. WHAT can ya do with a stand alone table saw? Besides the sawing function?

In my case, it's one of the tools that I use in earning income. Each task has a solution and many of mine exceed the capabilities of a SS and at times even some of my other tools. For horizontal boring the SS does well, but for some of the other tasks there are other tools that are better suited, space or no space. It all comes down to your needs and what fulfills them. It all depends on what you're doing, that dictates the best tools.

Paul

[pennview]

While I really like my Shopsmith equipment, I also have a Delta Unisaw and there is no way that you can compare the two when it comes to sawing. If I have a simple cut to make and the Unisaw is set up for some specific task, I'll use the Shopsmith. Or, I might use it to cut a dado or rabbet, but for ripping or crosscutting, I'll stick with the Unisaw. For cutting plywood sheets, I use a circular saw and straight edge to cut slightly oversize and then cut to final size on the Unisaw.

The tilt table is one of my biggest complaints about sawing on the Shopsmith. If you've ever made a jewelry box or something similar with mitered corners, you'll quickly realize that trying to cut miters on a tilt-table saw is a challenge; it's awkward and those little off-cuts get to flying all over the shop. Nevertheless, if I didn't have the space for a tablesaw, I'd find a way around the problem. I'd make a jewelry box with dovetails or boxjoints, or build jigs, etc.

If I couldn't fit a tablesaw into my shop because of size, I'd think about a radial arm saw, a combination I had when I bought my first Shopsmith in 1980.

[ddvann79]

[quote="JPG40504"]Let us know when you figger out how to attach that humongous thing to a '500' table!]

Do I hear a gauntlet being thrown down? Well, I'm inclined to pick it up!

I don't think SS sells the particular table that Drew and Nick put together that fits inside the support tube of the table. Hmmm.....

Getting back to backhertz's original question - as I understand it - this isn't about whether a table saw or SS is better. It's about how to improve the performance of your SS table saw. And Paul is right as far as the comparison goes, it depends on your needs.

I'm certainly ready to get mine back together and see how the Goldie compares to my homemade table saw. The SS doesn't have a 1970's vinyl flooring table, so it's already at a disadvantage.

[ddvann79]

[quote="pennview"]If you've ever made a jewelry box or something similar with mitered corners, you'll quickly realize that trying to cut miters on a tilt-table saw is a challenge]

Would a zero clearance insert help? Does anybody in SS world make their own?

[damagi]

Would a zero clearance insert help? Does anybody in SS world make their own?

I made some zci with 1/4" hardboard and a trim bit, using existing inserts as a template

[dusty]

Would a zero clearance insert help? Does anybody in SS world make their own?

Whenever producing small cutoffs a ZCI is imperative for ones safety. However, when working on a tilted table, the size of the cutoff is really unimportant. Anything that slides down into the blade can become some sort of a projectile.

I can't have a Unisaw, so I have to work safely with what I do have - a tilting table five in one workstation.

The thing that is interesting to me, whenever I get into one of these discussions, is how infrequently I find myself working with the table tilted.

BTW, I make my own ZCI using 1/4" hardboard. I use a new one whenever I need backer board support or a close fitting ZCI due to the number of small cutoffs. A little bitty cutoff that gets thrown in your face hurts. Wear your safety glasses.

[JPG]

[quote="ddvann79"]Do I hear a gauntlet being thrown down? Well, I'm inclined to pick it up!

I don't think SS sells the particular table that Drew and Nick put together that fits inside the support tube of the table. Hmmm.....

Getting back to backhertz's original question - as I understand it - this isn't about whether a table saw or SS is better. It's about how to improve the performance of your SS table saw. And Paul is right as far as the comparison goes, it depends on your needs.

I'm certainly ready to get mine back together and see how the Goldie compares to my homemade table saw. The SS doesn't have a 1970's vinyl flooring table, so it's already at a disadvantage. ]
SORTA!

Point being made was that the '500' aka Greenie/Goldie/Brownie does not have rails to which the tubes are inserted to allow 'hooking' the non-EOM table onto.

Now that does not mean that some independant minded(stubborn:D) clever inventive individual could not figger a way to attach one. Doing so without altering the existing table(holes etc.) would indeed be a gauntlet!

Any one who would build a table saw utilizing a hand(skill) saw would surely not be intimidated by such a meager looking gauntlet.

I think we ALL look forward to your 'publishing' the outcome.

Ya might wanna look at Dusty's lower support of his outfeed table if you intend to make it 'tiltable'.

[ddvann79]

SORTA!

Point being made was that the '500' aka Greenie/Goldie/Brownie does not have rails to which the tubes are inserted to allow 'hooking' the non-EOM table onto...

Ya might wanna look at Dusty's lower support of his outfeed table if you intend to make it 'tiltable'.

I know what you mean. That rig would only work with a 510. Where's dusty's tilt table?

I'll put this challenge on my list of things to do.

[keakap]

Would a zero clearance insert help? Does anybody in SS world make their own?

Interesting question in that it was even asked.
If I remember correctly making a couply ZCIs was one of the first things-- and easiest-- I did on my SS.
And now that I think about it I can't tell ya why I don't have a dozen or so blanks in the cabinet ready to go.

Besides the inserts I've also made the SS Sled ZC, and of course the Miter Esspress is as well.

Now if I can just figure out how to easily make a ZCI also a ZDI...

(zero dust)

[JPG]

I know what you mean. That rig would only work with a 510. Where's dusty's tilt table?

I'll put this challenge on my list of things to do.

It is in his workshop in Tucson!:D

I will let him show you the way!;)