Shopsmith Forums

I see this morning that SS has a sale on the larger Band Saw table and wondered how you fellas who have had the smaller one (like me) and have gone to the larger table have liked it. I don't use the Band Saw all that much but hope to get some time to be able to make some small boxes & birdhouses. I have Festool saws and a Saw Stop so not sure I need to invest in the table unless it is THAT much better.

I bought the upgrade and like it with the fence that goes with it. Very u handy for resawed pieces. Although, it's bigger, doesn't fit where it used to, and could be done on the old one as well. The cast is nice on the old one as well.

For the price, I might actually stay with the old cast one. But I still have no buyers remorse. I do like it. Wish the fence could angle more, since my resawed blade has a nasty drift

Basic question(s): Are any of the things available for the newer table that are not usable on the current table important to you?

Will you miss the ability to use the miter gauge as a fence?

I guess I'm not really clear on what more you can do with the new table vs the old table.

Nothing -- other than more easily support larger work pieces and use one of the fences they sell with it (of course you can use a miter gauge-based fence in the cast iron table). I've got one of each. In the end, I don't think it is a big deal -- there are advantages and disadvantages to each.

JPG wrote:Basic question(s): Are any of the things available for the newer table that are not usable on the current table important to you?

Will you miss the ability to use the miter gauge as a fence?

I know this is not directed to me and I also have never had a cast iron band saw so take it as you wish.

First the table is bigger which to me is always a plus. Then there is the table extension that gives you an extra 6 or 8 inches on the right side. Just pull it out and lock it in place. Great when you need a little more support but don't need all the room the extension/floating tables give you. Also you have a circle cutting jig available. I use it enough to be glad I bought it and it works very well.

As for the fence, I don't know if there is any advantage to the newer fence over using the miter gauge but I doubt there is a disadvantage either. Also, there is the advantage of the precision Kreg fence if you need it.

Yes, all that I mention are extra with the aluminum table but they are not available with the cast iron table except for the basic fence capability.

I will say, I would almost prefer the old table currently because my 5/8 resaw blade has a hefty drift that maxes out the fence adjustment, but there is less limit to the fence angle with the miter gauge option.

Beave2012 wrote:I will say, I would almost prefer the old table currently because my 5/8 resaw blade has a hefty drift that maxes out the fence adjustment, but there is less limit to the fence angle with the miter gauge option.

Sounds to me it is time for a new resaw blade.

jsburger wrote:

Beave2012 wrote:I will say, I would almost prefer the old table currently because my 5/8 resaw blade has a hefty drift that maxes out the fence adjustment, but there is less limit to the fence angle with the miter gauge option.

Sounds to me it is time for a new resaw blade.

I have had a similar issue with this blade. In fact several of us have had that issue with this blade. The blade is plenty sharp. Once adjusted for lead, it cuts beautifully. It just wants to point off to the right (from operator's vantage point). I suspect a manufacturing issue.

algale wrote:

jsburger wrote:

Beave2012 wrote:I will say, I would almost prefer the old table currently because my 5/8 resaw blade has a hefty drift that maxes out the fence adjustment, but there is less limit to the fence angle with the miter gauge option.

Sounds to me it is time for a new resaw blade.

I have had a similar issue with this blade. In fact several of us have had that issue with this blade. The blade is plenty sharp. Once adjusted for lead, it cuts beautifully. It just wants to point off to the right (from operator's vantage point). I suspect a manufacturing issue.

After a thread discussion this week re blade twist, I would suspect upper wheel cant being insufficient.