Jet Cabinet Table Saw

[paredown]

Well, I figured I'd post an update. <snip> It is so much better of a saw than what I have used for the last 35 years, I should have upgraded long ago.

^^This^^

I finally got my Unisaw up and running pretty recently--long story--it languished in my non-closed garage/carport, started to rust etc--but I finally got on the project and cleaned it all up, put a shorter fence on it (i'm space constrained), painted it and got it on a base.

I'd been 'getting by' with my original Makita 10" contractor saw and I'm kicking myself that I didn't get the Unisaw set up sooner. A powerful saw is a nice tool to have--but you got to be safety conscious. I worked with a pro a couple of summers ago--we were using a Bosch contractor saw--and I noticed that he was ALWAYS in the same position with his hands in the same place (he'd run his push hand with his fingers tracking on the top of the fence.) I've been trying to be even more careful since working with him...

As luck would have it though, I have a chance to get a SawStop at a price I can't refuse, and I will probably put the Unisaw up for sale with the Bessie and short fences...

 

[Pen & Wrench]

I hear you about the safety factor. I had planned on getting a Sawstop, but I bought about $4,500 worth of equipment for $600. Time will tell if I should have gotten the Sawstop or not. If you have a chance to get a Sawstop I think that is the best safety you can get. I may opt to do the same thing, but for now I will keep using this Jet saw. I use Grippers push pads almost always. When that 3 hp motor snaps to life, it gets my attention every time, but a lower hp saw could hurt you just as quick.

 

[turbowoodworker]

I’m always amazed about how most TS threads turn in to Saw Stop vs standard arguments.
OP, you’ve got a great saw, at a great price. Enjoy your woodworking and be safe.
Rick

 

[Zeke]

Every tool is a safe tool if you don't lose your concentration. The riving knife is pretty much a no brainer. Try not to stand in line with the blade. I think some of the bases I see here are trip hazards, but again, concentration.

 

[PoorUB]

If I were to go spend $4,000-$5,000 on a saw it would be a Sawstop, Really, if that kind of money was required to buy a table saw I wouldn't own one. I simply can not justify that amount of money for something I don't use that often.

Sure, what are my fingers worth....

I am taking my chances. I do other stupid stuff regularly that is more apt to do me damage!

 

[tarmy]

Well, I figured I'd post an update. I did build a base that can be moved with pallet forks. I plan to change it a bit and lower the saw into the frame as much as possible, but I've been using it quite a bit just as it is in the picture. I bought a Sawstop outfeed table and had to modify it a bit to make it fit on this saw. Because of the blade guard mount at rear of the table, I had to move the outfeed table over about a foot to the right, and I found square tube to match up to the outfeed table and I widened it to match up to the left side of the saw table. I put a Milwaukee 3 and a half hp router in the Jessem lift and have enjoyed the use of that also. Once I get a shop properly built I will probably put the saw on a more traditional base, but this allows me to move the saw to another building if necessary for storage. It is so much better of a saw than what I have used for the last 35 years, I should have upgraded long ago.

Here is mine on a home made frame. I lowered the saw and made the drop frame for the castors. Maybe some ideas there for you…

 

[Pen & Wrench]

I really like your design. Those casters look large enough to roll easily.

 

[jar944]

If I were to go spend $4,000-$5,000 on a saw it would be a Sawstop, Really, if that kind of money was required to buy a table saw I wouldn't own one. I simply can not justify that amount of money for something I don't use that often.

Sure, what are my fingers worth....

I am taking my chances. I do other stupid stuff regularly that is more apt to do me damage!

If you have the space a used euro sliding saw can be had for the same money.

 

[tarmy]

I really like your design. Those casters look large enough to roll easily.

That is very important to consider. Where you want to move the tool…and what it has cross will determine the castor size (for me anyways). I like to roll this around easily and to various places in the shop depending on the other rolling tools I will be using. I have, on a few occasions, rolled it out of the shop into to driveway and the lip at the door was easily crossed.

 

[Firstram]

I plan to change it a bit and lower the saw into the frame as much as possible

You can unbolt the base from the cabinet and lower the saw about 4". It will end up about factory height sitting on your base. My Unisaw is 34 1/2" high.

 

[Pen & Wrench]

That's a pretty good idea, thanks! I am planning to lower the frame the saw is sitting on, and maybe I won't have to unbolt the base. I like the looks of your mobile base, and I may do something like that once I get my shop built where the saw will reside permanently.