Help me store my table saw!

[bshusted]

In December I decided to ditch the simple bench table saw I had been using because I was so frustrated with its lack of precision. To replace it I found a 10" Rigid on CL and have loved every minute of using it. The problem comes with storing it in my garage. I have a single garage to work in and have been able to park my car inside thus far by pushing the saw all of the way against the far wall. The car fits with inches to spare.

While I enjoy the woodworking, my primary passion is working on my car in the garage, which is not really possible with the TS in place. I knew that this would be an issue when I purchased it and thought I had planned ahead. One of my first additions to the garage was a storage loft and my plan was to put the saw up there while not in use. I began by separating the base from the saw and found that it was still MUCH too heavy to lift. I've now removed the extension wings, motor, and fence rails. With just the top, trunnion, and sheet metal body this thing is still too much to muscle up the ladder. My simple plan to have a nicer saw and still be able to use my garage for car work is quickly unraveling. Thus I am turning to you all for suggestions.

Parking situation with the saw intact. You can see the loft above, where I had planned to store it.


Torn apart.

 

[James-W]

I don't think taking the table saw apart in order to get it someplace out of the way is a good idea. What you need is a smaller table saw or a larger workshop. I would go with the larger workshop. Is it possible to add on to the present garage? If you can't add on to the side or the back of the garage, could you add on to the top of it, like a second floor?

 

[bshusted]

I don't think taking the table saw apart in order to get it someplace out of the way is a good idea. What you need is a smaller table saw or a larger workshop. I would go with the larger workshop. Is it possible to add on to the present garage? If you can't add on to the side or the back of the garage, could you add on to the top of it, like a second floor?

This a condo garage, so addition is out.

Build a table top for it and use it as a work bench.
Put cleats on the bottom of your table top that fit in to the cutouts on your wings.

That would be perfect if the garage were like 3' longer. It can't be part of the bench because I still wouldn't be able to get the car in there and move around.

 

[Cyberbear]

Be glad you chose a contractor's model table saw which are lighter than a typical pedestal saw as used in professional shops. I agree that taking your saw apart is detrimental to maintaining it's accuracy, and perhaps putting it on wheels and using it as a portable work surface is a good solution to your space requirements. If this isn't a good solution, just buy a car cover and park outside. It appears you've got more stuff than space and the laws of physics have not been repealed. ;-)>

 

[taumac]

I say you move the workbench down the space needed and put it in that back corner. Build a small platform with casters so it's level with bench and small bottom shelf will the extensions. Leave the motor on but leave the extension off.

 

[Doug427]

Sounds off the wall, but.......

What if you mounted a quality made pulley type contraption to the ceiling of the garage, and raised the saw to the ceiling when not in use and tied it off for storage to a cleat on the wall. When needed, release the rope from the cleat and lower it to the floor, raise back up when done.

Obviously, it would have to be high quality components used as you don't want the saw falling on your car or head when it's stored, but this can probably be thought through and made to work.

Or perhaps you can use a similar idea to raise the saw onto your storage loft shelf.

Just a thought.....

 

[bobabuee]

redo your bench separate tool boxes put saw over to were tool boxes are now need couple more shelves back wall. maybe pulley system get it up without base kind what they use for bikes but heavy duty

 

[Killer95Stang]

I have a 25 year old heavy duty craftsman that was given to me. Only used a couple times by the original owner in its life time. I wanted to have it so bad, but in the end I had to just get a portable jobsite table saw. The space it took up in the garage was too much to safely work around my vehicles. I did try to store it under tarps on the side of my house for a couple years, but finally just decided to sell it. I the jobsite saw is just too convenient for me to pull out the larger saw.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

I like the idea of building it into the workbench.. but it'll still be there and in the way most of the time.

Have you considered purchasing a "better" portable table saw? Is there such a thing. With the space you have, that makes the most sense to me.

With a table saw...and only a table saw (and a drill press) how much will you really use it and is precision (contextually) a real concern? If this were a wood shop with lots of cabinet making going on.. yes, precision is necessary.

A third option, not always good in the winter, is to simply pull the car in mid way to work on it..

Good luck with your predicament..

Dennis

 

[351cmach]

Can you move your toolbox to where you have the table saw, and the table saw to that corner?

 

[CTyankee]

I like the idea of building it into the workbench.. but it'll still be there and in the way most of the time.

Have you considered purchasing a "better" portable table saw? Is there such a thing. With the space you have, that makes the most sense to me.

With a table saw...and only a table saw (and a drill press) how much will you really use it and is precision (contextually) a real concern? If this were a wood shop with lots of cabinet making going on.. yes, precision is necessary.

A third option, not always good in the winter, is to simply pull the car in mid way to work on it..

Good luck with your predicament..

Dennis

Agreed. There are a few compact table saws that are more than capable of producing accurate,quality cuts. A Dewalt 10" compact being one of them. That along with the fold up stand, could reside along the back wall and likely not even stick out as far as your tool box. It's even light enough where it could be hung on the wall if you wanted too.

 

[Terranova]

Reassemble it. Put it right where it was I. The first pic. Build a cleat our 2x4s that runs the whole length of the saw top. Place the cleat right under neath the top on the back wall. (Just below the stripe.

Basically, I would set it up so you lower the blade, take off the fence, push it against the cleat and lift up pushing the table top flat against the back wall. You have to have some sort of twist/flip,down holding mechanism to hold it while you then take the base off and store the base in the overhead. Make the base connectors/bolts some sort of quick connect or wingnuts. The precision part of the table it keeping the surface and wingsmflat, the blade 90 to the fence.

Sorry for the rambling incoherence, I'm still waking up.

Here's a pic. Make it flip up.

View media item 49734

 

[Scottwi]

Just seperated it from the base and mount it to the back wall with the table top flush to the wall. It would take 2 people to safely lay it on it side. Store the base up top.


I see some beat me to it.

 

[DonPowers]

Replace it with a Shop Smith.

I bought mine in the early 80s and used it for years when I lived in places where space was limited and it will easily roll under a bench for storage. You also get the added benefit of using it as a drill press.

 

[RickP]

What if you mounted a quality made pulley type contraption to the ceiling of the garage, and raised the saw to the ceiling when not in use and tied it off for storage to a cleat on the wall. When needed, release the rope from the cleat and lower it to the floor, raise back up when done.

Obviously, it would have to be high quality components used as you don't want the saw falling on your car or head when it's stored, but this can probably be thought through and made to work.

I like this idea - you might have to remove the table saw base, but you could lift the entire top intact. That would save a lot of time when you need to store it.

Here's a high quality lifting system, with a safety cleat that makes it harder to drop it:

Harken Hoister: www.hoister.com

 

[David Paul]

First off, nice set up. Very clean, I like it. 2nd, get a portable saw as previously suggested. I bought a craftsman NOS for $200. Folds to about 2' high. You could hang it out of the way on the side wall under the parts cabinet. Sell the current saw on CL, done. I like that your trying to keep the car in the garage....

Ps. Nice vise.....

Oh, oh and the Craftsman goes with your color scheme...lol. I can post a pic of the saw it you'd like....open and folded. It litterly take less the 15secs to open or close and is pretty accurate.

 

[bczygan]

What the heck are cars doing in a garage?

 

[jives]

Without knowing the load bearing strength of the rafters, I would not dare hang a table saw. The fold-up-against-the-wall idea is not bad, but would work best if the saw legs could also then be folded.

Taking the saw apart to store it will be way more trouble than it is worth, not to mention potential issues with accuracy. Every time you wanted to cut some trim or other small jobs, you would be frustrated by a saw lying in pieces. I think the suggestions by others to get a quality portable saw with a folding stand is the best solution.

My table saw is currently set up in my power-less shed waiting for my garage to be built. I set it up in the shed so that I could power it from the generator, but over time it has become just a place to dump junk on. It is so inconvenient to use that in 5 years I've used it twice, and resorted to my Skilsaw or hand saws instead.

 

[CNGsaves]

I see cooler and bunch of plastic tubs up on storage shelf. Can those go in basement or somewhere other than garage ??

For table saw, I'd cut the upper shelf storage right above the table saw (ie slightly larger than table saw). Put new threaded rods into ceiling rafters to hold outer shelves.

Short shelf above saw needs changed into "hybrid" shelf that slides on tracks on wall . . . use couple pieces of Uni-Strut on wall (lag bolts into studs) with rollers that attach to shelf. Rig up attachment arms on bottom of shelf that go under the table portion of saw. Thus, the "gliding shelf" will go down low enough to attach the saw, then roll up wall to ceiling with cable lift. Once you get it lifted up, you'd put bolts through Uni-Strut on both sides to prevent any roll back down. Then relieve tension on cable lift.

Uni-Strut will be the bones of your infrastructure lift. Watch for sale on cable winch at HF for the lift power.

 

[Jackfre]

That sawz isn't that heavy. I think Doug idea is good. Get some angle brackets attaching a 10' piece of Unistrut to the rafters with 4 or 5 attachment points cut a couple slots in the loft and add a come along or two. Have the saw sit in a cradle so the saw table comes against the loft. Get some bumpers for the lift base or wear a helmet in the garage.

The idea of building it into a bench is great, if you have the room to move it. You are tight on space and it may be more ungainly than what you have currently.
In going back to look at the saw, if you make some quick connects for the base you could remove the base/legs. That will allow the otherwise assembled saw to be lifted clear of the space. When you want it, just lower it to the base.

 

[stokefire7]

If you take off just the base , your depth is that of the bench . It could be stored vertically against the wall with no more intrusion than your tool chest. Several places you go with the base.

 

[James-W]

We can talk about storage ideas all day long, but in the final analysis what he really needs is either less stuff, or more space. Maybe the best idea is to sell the condo and move. I am not trying to be funny about it, I am being serious. If you want to work on cars and do some woodworking too, you need the have enough space in your garage/shop in order to do these things. Since you don't have the room to do the things you want to do in your present location, and since you can't add more space to the existing space, your options are rather limited. Moving may be the best option you have if you wish to do the things you enjoy doing.

 

[Firebird 1]

Can you move the workbench down the wall a bit, make a table bench high, then flip the table saw upside down on the bench. One guy should be able to tilt the saw up on the table. The top of the saw is the heavy part. I do this in my barn with the spare saws when im not using them. My suggestion would be to sell the saw back on cl, and buy a fold up saw. We use a ridged fold up when we need to take one to the jobsite. I used to carry a cast iron delta contractor saw. These fold up saws go up and down in a minute and store flat against the wall with very little footprint.

 

[Titanium Frost]

I had the same issue in my single garage, and I just have a Bosch 4000 job site saw (with the standard fold up stand, not the more expensive gravity rise stand). The Bosch is much which smaller than your saw, so I can't run a 4x8 sheet through it safely, but it does everything else accurately.

When I first started laying out my storage and cabinets, the saw was the tool that everything was designed around. I ended up storing my saw vertically in a custom drawer so it was hidden away, but easily accessible. There are some photos of my table saw storage here

You may have to do the same. I would look at storing the saw vertically, but with the table flat against the side wall where your rolling toolbox is now. Build a custom bench overtop of it and you won't even know it's there. That way the table portion is only intruding into your space by the thickness of the table, not by it's entire width as it is now. Move your bench to the back wall and gain back the width of the garage.

As a side note, the job site saws are excellent if you buy a quality professional grade tool and a good blade. I built all the storage in my single garage, custom closet organizers, and am now doing all the finish carpentry on our house reno with a sliding compound mitre saw and my trusty Bosch 4000.

PS...nice looking space!

 

[bshusted]

I appreciate all of the responses guys. Moving really isn't an option for the next couple of years and it was hard enough to find a place with a small garage for me to enjoy. I wish it was bigger, but nothing to be done about that at the moment.

I went to Home Depot this morning to look at the newer portable saws thinking that the problem was the one I had. Of the two Dewalts that I was looking at, neither seemed to be very good. The fence would not square up when clamped, so I'd be back to using a framing square every time the fence is moved. The cross cut capacity is also very limited. Anything more than 5-6" wide and you're hanging off the edge. I'd rather have to disassemble/reassemble my current saw than deal with those issues.

The cleat along the wall idea is interesting. I hadn't thought of that. I'll have to think about that some more. The motor wouldn't have to be removed if I put the front down.

I had thought of pulley/winch setup, but worried about supporting the weight of the saw from the trusses. Since it is a condo, I can't really get up into the attic to inspect the ceiling structure.

 

[y'sguy]

i've been in your shoes.
Here's what I would consider now. Put the table saw back together and sell at a decent price.
Then check into something of this style.
Track Saw

Also the disassembling of your saw removes all the convenience of having your own table saw ready to go when you need it handy. My table saw is assembled and in a more convenient place AND I STILL have to find a justifiable time and place to get it into a better position and start making shavings in my part time woodwork project-full time 2-car garage.

But, why am I lecturing you, I should sell mine too!

 

[Kin Creed]

This is the saw I have...

DeWalt DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Saw

I am not a table saw expert, but I freakin' love this saw. I think it's super precise for my needs, and there are mods you can do to make it even more solid and precise.

Dust collection is also amazing.

My number one concern was space, and that was the major factor in deciding on this saw. It breaks down and sets up really fast and stores in a very small footprint. And the price was not bad brand new from Acme Tools. This was one of my most satisfying tool purchase of the past five years, a grand slam in terms of meeting and surpassing all of my expectations.

 

[CTyankee]

I appreciate all of the responses guys. Moving really isn't an option for the next couple of years and it was hard enough to find a place with a small garage for me to enjoy. I wish it was bigger, but nothing to be done about that at the moment.

I went to Home Depot this morning to look at the newer portable saws thinking that the problem was the one I had. Of the two Dewalts that I was looking at, neither seemed to be very good. The fence would not square up when clamped, so I'd be back to using a framing square every time the fence is moved. The cross cut capacity is also very limited. Anything more than 5-6" wide and you're hanging off the edge. I'd rather have to disassemble/reassemble my current saw than deal with those issues.

The cleat along the wall idea is interesting. I hadn't thought of that. I'll have to think about that some more. The motor wouldn't have to be removed if I put the front down.

I had thought of pulley/winch setup, but worried about supporting the weight of the saw from the trusses. Since it is a condo, I can't really get up into the attic to inspect the ceiling structure.

No offense..but you couldn't be more wrong about the Dewalt compact table saws. If you don't believe me...look at the 4.5+ star reviews given by over 400 people.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HXT2N6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Having used one of these in a commercial situation for over 5 years, all I can say is you can't be operating the fence correctly. The rack and pinion fence system on these saws IMO is the best you will find..even on saws that cost 2X as much. It is accurate, consistent and easy to adjust if need be. The newer ones are capable of making rips from 20-25 inches wide depending on the model. Yeah, the table width is small, but most folks are going to use a slider or just a skill saw for cross-cutting.

I could set up, cut my material and put away my saw before you could even get yours put back together. Having said that....it's your time, your garage and your choice. Good luck.

 

[cagullett1]

i've been in your shoes.
Here's what I would consider now. Put the table saw back together and sell at a decent price.
Then check into something of this style.
Track Saw

Also the disassembling of your saw removes all the convenience of having your own table saw ready to go when you need it handy. My table saw is assembled and in a more convenient place AND I STILL have to find a justifiable time and place to get it into a better position and start making shavings in my part time woodwork project-full time 2-car garage.

But, why am I lecturing you, I should sell mine too!

This is probably what I would advise as well. I love my table saw, and use it frequently, but I've got my 2 car garage set up as a 1 car garage with the other half being a wood/work shop. If I had your setup, I would be using a track saw/router/miter saw.

 

[Kin Creed]

The 7491RS has a 32.5" rip capacity to the right of the blade I believe. The fence folds over and clamps in a different spot to give you more room.

I believe guys have posted some really detailed custom wood work and cabinet builds they have done with the portable DeWalt saws. If you take time to learn the saw I believe you can get a lot out of it. Not that it's hard to learn, it's really easy.

It also feels safe, which is not something I would ever say about some of the older saws I have used in the past!

It's not a cabinet saw obviously and it's loud like any direct drive saw, but for the space savings and price I think it's tough to beat.

Also the other day I ran across a Shop Fox track saw for $250 new that looked pretty cool. That might an option for ripping down sheet goods. Still, the table saw is more satisfying to use for my money. It just feels good. It's one woodworking tool I look for excuses to use instead of avoid!

 

[dragracer98]

Perhaps a version of this, if space allows it. If it would work for you maybe it could be modified for your saw. I still have it on my list of things to build.

http://www.plansnow.com/dn3118.html


Randy

 

[Toolfool]

Sell the saw you have. Pick up one of the smaller, lightweight portable saws. Then go to rousseau.com and purchase a folding table and outfeed for your saw. They have a guide that shows which unit fits which saws. Once you do all the adjustments it's ready to throw together and take apart in just seconds, and the individual pieces are lighter to store. I've been using this set-up professionally for almost 25 years, so I think it's accurate enough for you (see my thread). Picture is exactly what I work with every day. Saw body is light plastic.

 

[taumac]

We can talk about storage ideas all day long, but in the final analysis what he really needs is either less stuff, or more space. Maybe the best idea is to sell the condo and move. I am not trying to be funny about it, I am being serious. If you want to work on cars and do some woodworking too, you need the have enough space in your garage/shop in order to do these things. Since you don't have the room to do the things you want to do in your present location, and since you can't add more space to the existing space, your options are rather limited. Moving may be the best option you have if you wish to do the things you enjoy doing.

MOVE? REALLY? That's the best option? Oh that's good advice to the OP.

 

[James-W]

MOVE? REALLY? That's the best option? Oh that's good advice to the OP.

In my opinion, moving is his best option. He wants to work on cars and he wants to do woodworking. It takes space to do these things, more space than what he has available. He is asking for ideas because he does not have the room to do the things he wants to do. He has a choice to make, he can screw around trying to compromise and make things work as best as he can, or he can look for a larger place in which to do the things he wants to do. He isn't going to be happy until he has a larger space, so why try to sugar coat it. I am just being honest with the guy. Sometimes the best option is to move to a place more suitable to your needs. I believe this is one of those times.

 

[72Anthony]

I have a track saw (mine is a festool, but makita, dewalt, and grizzly make them), and a Bosch 4100 job site table saw with the gravity rise base..

The track saw is really great at working with sheet goods, from breaking down full sheets to cross cutting, etc. The table saw is great for quicly ripping lots of pieces of the same size, dados, and working with thicker stock.

You may even be able to get away with an even smaller table saw depending on the type of work you do.

Depending on the type of projects you do, you could sell the table saw and rely solely on the track saw, using biscuits and pocket screws instead of dados, for example.

 

[boomer12831]

I had a Makita portable table saw for many years. After using the Porter Cable 10" portable contractor saw that my neighbor had, I went out and got one of those. For $ 300.00 dollars, this saw is fantastic. It is much more accurate and a lot safer than my Makita. I have enough room in my shop so I don't have to fold it up when not in use. You might want to go to Lowes and check out one of these before you go any further. It might work for your needs and space. I really like the color combo on your garage. gives me some ideas for my upcoming paint job in my shop. Good luck, Ed.

 

[Steevo]

You can store it at my place.
I'll make it available on a moments notice any time you wish to use it.

 

[toplessHO]

what kind of garage door do you have?
I like using above the garage door for storage
cant be see when door is up and easy to get to when its down.

 

[taumac]

In my opinion, moving is his best option. He wants to work on cars and he wants to do woodworking. It takes space to do these things, more space than what he has available. He is asking for ideas because he does not have the room to do the things he wants to do. He has a choice to make, he can screw around trying to compromise and make things work as best as he can, or he can look for a larger place in which to do the things he wants to do. He isn't going to be happy until he has a larger space, so why try to sugar coat it. I am just being honest with the guy. Sometimes the best option is to move to a place more suitable to your needs. I believe this is one of those times.

I think that moving up to a 2 car would help but it's not always financially feasible. It's not only the finical but family needs factor in too. I believe those needs supersede the garage needs. Garages and doing hobbies in them are just that hobbies. If doing it for a living that's a different story. There's always a compromise no matter the space. Sometimes it comes down to space management or someone running into same issue and seeing how solved it and seeing if that solution works for your space.

 

[James-W]

I think that moving up to a 2 car would help but it's not always financially feasible. It's not only the finical but family needs factor in too. I believe those needs supersede the garage needs. Garages and doing hobbies in them are just that hobbies. If doing it for a living that's a different story. There's always a compromise no matter the space. Sometimes it comes down to space management or someone running into same issue and seeing how solved it and seeing if that solution works for your space.

I am not suggesting that he put a "For Sale" sign on his condo tomorrow morning. I am all too aware that it takes money to get a larger place and right now may not be a good time for him to consider moving. But I do think he should talk it over with his family and as soon as the opportunity to move to a larger place with an ample sized garage/shop presents itself, I think he should jump on it. I am a firm believer in that people should be able to have fun doing what they enjoy doing when they have some time off. Most people work hard and having a hobby, or some sort of recreation, is important if people are to unwind and enjoy their time off. Some hobbies require more space than others, woodworking and automotive repairs fall into this category, especially if you have a lift and a whole lot of tools and equipment.