Outfeed Table, How Big Should It Be?

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 3:28 pm

If you here in the process of building or buying an out feed table for use with your Shopsmith, how big would it be?

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This one is 28"x36" and could be installed as 36"x28".

If installed as 36"x28" it would span the width of the main table and two floaters with an inch or two of over hang on either side.

I am in the process of rebuilding my out feed table and am debating with myself about what I really need. Your inputs to this decision will be appreciated.

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 4:03 pm

Dusty,
That's almost identical, in size, to mine.
I really get tired of moving the darned thing. I'm thinking of making my own swiveling outfeed like Rigid's.
Don't need the table....or I should say, I need the space more. I quit breaking down sheet goods on the SS when I turned 50.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 10:51 pm

dusty wrote:If you here in the process of building or buying an out feed table for use with your Shopsmith, how big would it be?

[ATTACH]6663[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]6664[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]6665[/ATTACH]

This one is 28"x36" and could be installed as 36"x28".

If installed as 36"x28" it would span the width of the main table and two floaters with an inch or two of over hang on either side.

I am in the process of rebuilding my out feed table and am debating with myself about what I really need. Your inputs to this decision will be appreciated.

Hi Dusty,

Even though you do not cut 4' X 8' panels on your SS (neither do I), you must consider that there may be a time when you might want support for large panels, say the size of a kitchen cabinet side. Personally, I like full support for the panel AFTER it has passed through the blade. If you put your outfeed table so the 28" is the depth, along with the area of main table that is between the blade and the outfeed table, that should work fine for cabinet size panels. If, on the other hand, you frequently rip long narrow boards, you will probably want the depth to be the 36" direction. It's 6 of one and a half dozen of the other!:rolleyes:

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 12:18 am

Dusty
I'm a believer in the lighter the better. I think I would make my out feed tables no wider than my main and as long as I could. I would use the thinnest wood that will support itself and piece i'm cutting.

Presently I use two sets of Rigid's flop top stands and they work perfectly and if you know what they are their surface is only about 1 - 1 1/2 feet wide and about 6" deep. The only problem with them is you have adjust them everytime you adjust the main table. Not fun!

I rarely if ever cut sheet stock on my SS. My need for an outfeed is to support the long boards I often rip on my SS.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 12:33 am

Dusty, what is your usual requirements? Does you present one do what ya need?

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 5:22 am

beeg wrote:Dusty, what is your usual requirements? Does you present one do what ya need?

Most of the time but not always.

The things that I typically build do not demand an out feed table at all. But when I do take on things like out door furniture or cabinets or door casings, etc I like to have the support out there.

I would continue to use the one I have but it has some structural problems and it is not going to last. If I had not installed the t-track or if I had used thicker stock, every thing would be okay.

As long as I am rebuilding, I am reconsidering the size and the mounting methods.