Shopsmith Forums

I have in the past but no longer cut up full size sheet goods with my shopsmith. For me it is just a matter of them having gained weight over the years... or me loosing my grip on reality??

We know that is one of the things that can be done, maybe with a little help from some friends or outboard stands but do you, and I mean you do this?

I gave a few options so pick the one that best describes your feelings.

Ed

I aircraft mode with an extra outfeed support I have done it (with help) but I don't get close to the line and then run the smaller pieces through for final cuts. I just purchases a track-saw (just before Shopsmith released theirs) so now I use that for the first cuts and finish on the Shopsmith.

I like the quality of the cut on my Shopsmith and a great blade much better then what I get with any portable saw. Maybe if I spent $200 on a blade for my portable saw I would be happier with the results but I won't.

I have when done so if I have help to handle them, it's already out, and it's setup in table saw mode but usually I cut it down to a more managable size with the circular saw before hitting the table saw.

I break it down to approximate size with circular saw, then use the SS

I have but that was when I could handle a full sheet without losing my grip on it. I can do that no more.

Even then, I seldom cut to the finished size; cut wide and trim to dimension.

I have used a clamp on straight edge the last few years. Before that it was c-clamps and straight edge.

I just became aware that my clamp on straight edge (EEmerson's AIO) is compatible to a saw plate; I am thinking about getting one. If I do that then I just might become a track saw guy - maybe.

AIO = All In One

I have an All-in-One printer by HP and it is nothing but trouble. I hope that is not a sign.

As I hate to even carry full size 3/4" plywood, I usually have the dealer make at least one breakdown cut for me. However I have used saw horses and a skill saw out in the driveway.

Like most of you I also break it down with a straight edge clamps and circular saw, I just don't have the space to swing a sheet around in it. Also those suckers seem to get heavier each year or maybe I am just a little older.

I'm in the process of building three large base cabinets for my workshop and garage. Two are 6' 2" long and one is 8 ft. I'm using 1/2" plywood for backs and shelves and 3/4" birch plywood for the tops.

With a helper (my wife) I have ripped the sheet goods pretty easily on the Shopsmith. For the crosscuts, I use "C" clamps to hold a straight piece of wood offset 1 1/4" from my cut line. I'm using a fine finish Freud 40T blade on my circular saw and the cut is extremely smooth. The kerf is ultra thin, and there is not much dust either. Like Nick said in one of his Sawdust sessions, " An average saw with a great blade is better than a great saw with an average blade."

They're getting heavier for me too. The weird layout of my flat doesn't help with 2 tight corners to get to the workshop.

Has anyone gone back to breaking down sheet goods with a table saw because they prefer doing it that way over a tracksaw?

jm51 wrote:They're getting heavier for me too. The weird layout of my flat doesn't help with 2 tight corners to get to the workshop.

Has anyone gone back to breaking down sheet goods with a table saw because they prefer doing it that way over a tracksaw?

If I ever get my Unisaw and get the table built all around it - I will breakdown the sheet goods on the table saw. Until then - NO - I will continue to use the circular saw.