Let's see some table saw setups and storage ideas.

[Boyd]

Ok, we have several "show me your ______" threads but couldn't find any that related to table saws specifically. SWMBO is buying me a table saw for Valentine's Day and I'd like to see how some of you have set them up (custom "table", bench, that sort of thing) and deal with storing them.

I was going to include a link to the saw, but I can't find it on the Lowe's site. It's made by Porter Cable, 10" blade, left tilt, 28"x25" surface (if I remember correctly) and a small stand for $299. It must be a new model cause I even checked Porter Cables site and couldn't find it.??

 

[NotEnough]

It might be too late, but try Home Depot. Look for a Ridgid R4511. This is their hybrid table saw. 2/3 cabinet, cabinet mounted trunnions, motor in the cabinet (ie doesn't hang out the back), dust collection, built in lift and granite top. I wasn't considering this saw (not too big on the granite), but at the clearance price of $299, I couldn't pass it up. There is a long thread on slickdeals.net (look under "hot deals" and use the "tool" search).

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R4511-Table-Saw/

 

[49tandc]

I recommend making this table saw stand:
http://www.newyankee.com/getproduct.php?9908

The plans are worth the $10 & some change. It's inexpensive, easy to make & with the wheels on one end - it has a small footprint in the garage when not in use. You can cut a full sheet of plywood on it. Make the opening for tha saw to fit your particular brand.

I roll mine out & set it on 2 sawhorses to cut then roll it back into the tool crib. Easy for remote jobsites as well.

49T&C

 

[Boyd]

Not Enough - Wow! Thanks for the info - that's a heckuva deal! How long ago did you purchase yours? I definitely will check with my local HD's.

49tandc - Thanks for the link. That seems perfect for what I was looking for - something that doesn't take up too much room but would allow me to cut a full 4x8sheet.

 

[NotEnough]

Got mine a two weeks ago. It's still in the box. If you luck into one, get some help getting it home. It is a single box on a pallet with an integral steel cage around it. It's about 500#.

If you get lucky, drop me a line, there are quite a few threads on the saw: getting it home, assy tips, dialing it in, etc......

 

[Boyd]

Do you happen to know what the HD item # is? I'm going to call a few stores tonight, then go double check in person tomorrow.

 

[lilredex]

This may be a little more than you need, but you might be able to take away an idea or two.




EDIT: updated picture.

 

[Tscott]

I am planning to build something similar to this:

http://www.binkyswoodworking.com/TblSawCab.html

Tom

 

[ddawg16]

You didn't mention how much space you have or what you plan to do with it....

If it's for occasional projects....I would suggest the Ryobi table saw....does a great job....I have the extension table so it's pretty easy to rip a 2x4 sheet of plywood down the middle...side table holds a router....and you can make accurate miter cuts on it.....and the leaf extension folds down so I can roll it out of the way.

This is not the best view but all I have right now..

If your going to do a lot of wood working....I would suggest the Delta....


This pic is of my radial arm saw with the compound miter saw....I built a bench to hold it....lots more storage....my miter saw has a spot next to it...both share a commone rip fence....I can through a 12' board up there with no issues....

 

[harvey4804]

whats the cutting capacity on that radial arm?

 

[NotEnough]

HD SKU# 570-663.

dawg, nice table for the RAS & CMS. Wish I had the space.

 

[Falcon67]

I have a Craftsman 10" like http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921802000P?keyword=table+saw

I store the fence, lower the blade and slide it under a small wall mounted bench/surface mostly used for welding and grinding.

 

[onewaydave]

Over on OWWM.com are several examples of 2 table saws at right angles. The outfeed table of one is same for the other. The right infeed table for one is same for other. I will have a 14" and a 10" set up like this. But not your mobile/storable type set up. I'd give you a link but I'm at work and the boss doesn't allow OWWM on the net (I don't know why).

 

[the forgotten man]

I picked up a 12" rigid miter saw with folding stand and a 10" rigid table saw with folding stand for 100 bucks each, at a garage sale they were like brand new, they both fold up and "roll" under the stairs to the upstairs loft in the shop... the best saws ive ever had and they are easy to set up and get to work; id buy them again and pay full price... i seen them in home depot for $400 to $500 each

 

[Jack Olsen]

Not easy to see in this picture. But I keep my 10" Skil Saw under a welding table. When I need to cut long stuff, I have some supports made out of 2x4s that the table saw sits on so that its top surface is the same height as all my other benches. When I take the supports off, it slides away and out of sight.

The bandsaw up above it on top of the table is temporary -- I've got to source a motor for it and clean it up.

I got that canvas bag under the table saw from Harbor Freight. It attaches with snaps, and you can throw out sawdust by the bag-ful.

 

[eriksalo]

Shopnotes Solution

Shopnotes featured a solution for this problem a few years ago. A friend of mine built the shopnotes setup and it works great. Really useful and a nice setup. The plans are in Shopnotes #50. I've posted a picture.

 

[Boyd]

Jack - how do you like your Skil? If I don't have any luck tomorrow finding the Ridgid that Not Enough suggested, I've thought about getting the Skil (it's $100 cheaper than the Porter Cable at Lowe's) and a new router.

Also - what's with all the grinders? Do you collect them? Lol.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I like the Skil Saw, but then it's the only table saw I've ever owned. Others might be a lot better. I don't know.

With the grinders, I like to have four. One with a grinding wheel, one with a cutting wheel, one with a flap wheel, one with a metal brush. But after cleaning up the garage this week, I came up with six. Now, I know that one is a replacement for another one that died. But since I've hung them all up, I'm going to have to find the dead one at some point in the future.

And then wait... there's still one too many. But I guess that means one more can die. I've got a grand total of maybe $80 in grinders hanging on that table -- gotta love Harbor Freight for putting those things on sale.

 

[Owen454]

I wanted to store my table saw and chop saw off the floor. I put a french cleat on the wall and then did the same to the bottom of both saws. It is working great so far! I do not build enough to dedicate space to a table with storage (Nor do I have the space) but just set them up outside on the ground or up on saw horses when I need them.

I have looked around and not seen something exactly like this done before.

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[tdwilli1]

Here is my latest version. Will be redoing it again come summer.

 

[topcok88]

I like the set-up tdwilli1 with the SawStop Contractor saw. I have a similiar plan for the under-extension table storage for my SawStop PCS 3HP 52" TS. I contemplated the router in the extension wing but ultimately chose to go with a dedicated INCRA table. I will post pics of the beast in my tiny basement woodshop. Subbed for ideas! Great thread OP.

 

[Absentglare]

Interesting. I'm in the early planning phase for my garage, but i was more worried about my miter saw than my table saw. I was just going to get a simple cart for my table saw.

 

[topcok88]

Goal is between a purpose built torsion box out-feed/assembly table with laminate top, storage drawers, and casters and a box that will roll under the extension wing I can reduce a lot of clutter, spare consumables, and better utilize such a small work space.
IMG_2562 by Sean Lund, on Flickr

 

[mbatarga]

Here's my saw setup. I inserted it within 1 sheet of plywood and placed another behind it as an extension. Routed extension slots from the table saw into the plywood table surface to help with miter saw and custom sleds that I've made. I've since painted the table surface and legs with a complimentary industry grey color.

I've got plans to upgrade to a SawStop come spring. Looking forward to it!

 

[topcok88]

I had used various table saws throughout high school and with my dad. The SawStop PCS 3HP 52" is actually my first personally owned tablesaw and I must say it has met and exceeded all expectations based on prior experience. I had only seriously looked at Powermatic or SawStop and made my decision specifically based on safety features. And once you get to cabinet saw and above the price difference between is virtually nothing. I can understand sticker shock when looking at jobsite saws and maybe contractor saws.

 

[kentenn]

I'd suggest looking at the old saws and restoring one if you are so inclined. They are tanks compared to most anything you can buy now days. Fairly affordable and easy to work on (tons of guys on owwm.org that will help with any problems). I found a 1945 Delta unisaw for about $425, restored it, then built a rolling table for an out table that butts right up for sawing bigger boards (opposite end without the vise locates at back of saw).

 

[topcok88]

I'd suggest looking at the old saws and restoring one if you are so inclined. They are tanks compared to most anything you can buy now days. Fairly affordable and easy to work on (tons of guys on owwm.org that will help with any problems). I found a 1945 Delta unisaw for about $425, restored it, then built a rolling table for an out table that butts right up for sawing bigger boards (opposite end without the vise locates at back of saw).

Outside those who think that the only quality available can be found in anything made before the mid-sixties many of today's products are far superior to those of the past. The castings on modern Powermatics, Deltas, SawStops, and even Grizzlies put the past saws to shame. The serpentine belt configurations transmit less vibration providing a seperior cut, the precision ground cast tables are nothing to scoff at, the micro adjustment available makes setup a breeze, and the safety features such as riving knives, anti kick back pawls, and the such isn't even available on the old saws. The fences available from the factory are amazing and if a person wants the best you can order up a INCRA TS set up. The under table dust collection and dust collection blade guard is efficient enough for my shop vac to keep up to both. I think why those "gems" are so cheap on Craigslist is because most TS owners are coming into this century and getting a far superior product. I love the restoration of my 1951 Delta Rockwell Drill press but it doesnt mean I don't have a need for a modern Powermatic equivalent. I would personally buy a Ridgid Contractor 4512 before a old cabinet saw that needed restoration for that price. The Ridgid bang for the buck can't be beat compared to the old scrap metal being pawned off on Clist.

 

[turbowoodworker]

I fully agree with the above post. Last year I bought a new 5 hp Delta Unisaw and I cannot believe how much better it is than anything I have ever used before. And it is not my first table saw. Between the additional power and the safety features and the incredibly accurate fence system one cannot possibly compare these new saws to the old saws. The only thing that is missing is the romance of the old iron. I'm a fan of old iron but I do not believe that they can compare with what is being done with modern table saws.

 

[cgrutt]

Back of the outfeed table is an old Craftsman workcenter with about 8 drawers. I keep blades, featherboards, etc in the drawers.

 

[topcok88]

I fully agree with the above post. Last year I bought a new 5 hp Delta Unisaw and I cannot believe how much better it is than anything I have ever used before. And it is not my first table saw. Between the additional power and the safety features and the incredibly accurate fence system one cannot possibly compare these new saws to the old saws. The only thing that is missing is the romance of the old iron. I'm a fan of old iron but I do not believe that they can compare with what is being done with modern table saws.

I used a 80's Unisaw about 15 years ago and thought it was great. The old PM66's and the like are good saws. But when it comes down to it I went to the showrooms and checked out PM2000's and SawStops. I read the reviews about all the cabinet saws available including Grizzly. Originally I was going to go the Grizzly route but decided i wanted top quality. 3HP with a 50"-52" cut width was the standard and by the time you get done comparing them the additional $200 for a SawStop was a no brainer for me. The blade raise and tilt can be turned with a single finger, they lock reliably with out using two hands, oh and the lift mechanism has struts to reduce lift weight. From the factory my blade was within .0015 using a INCRA A-lign-it. The fence is incredibly sturdy, adjustable, and accurate to within .005 on cuts. I don't see how anyone can think saws of even 15 years ago can hold a candle to was they are putting out now days. I guess the only better I could do was go Euro-slider with a Hammer K3 or the like.

 

[topcok88]

Back of the outfeed table is an old Craftsman workcenter with about 8 drawers. I keep blades, featherboards, etc in the drawers.

You mind taking a picture of your outfeed table from the other side? Love the mustard yellow!

 

[James-W]

I have thought about possibly getting one of these saws, but I would like to go see one in person before I seriously consider buying one. Does anyone know anything about these saws? Where could I go (locally) to see one?

http://www.southern-tool.com/store/oliver-12-inch-tablesaw.php

 

[KCarGuy]

I'll have to take a few photos...
I have some 4x4 8020 extruded aluminum laying around.
17 foot lengths of it
So, I built a frame on 6 HD rollers that holds my Old Craftsman Radial Arm saw on one end, My Old Craftsman Table Saw on the other end.
The Middle is my Large Metal Tanker Desk (cut 2" off the legs to fit in the Framework).
Under the Radial Arm Saw is an Old Snap-On Tool Box facing sideways and facing forward and backwards is 2 Metal Storage Pull-Out Boxes.
The Top is made of 5/8" Plywood with 1/16" sheets of Stainless.

My Son-in-Law called it "The Manstrosity"

Plenty of storage...and surprisingly rolls around pretty nicely (although its as long as a Car)

 

[topcok88]

I have thought about possibly getting one of these saws, but I would like to go see one in person before I seriously consider buying one. Does anyone know anything about these saws? Where could I go (locally) to see one?

http://www.southern-tool.com/store/oliver-12-inch-tablesaw.php

I have no experience with them and maybe turbowoodworker has better experience with larger saws but I can't think of a reason to go to a 12" blade or 7.5hp. I bought my SS PCS 52" 3HP for $3100...

If your goal is to increase DOC (depth of cut) and addional HP for resawing large lumber just buy a large bandsaw. Other than that I'm stumped why so large with only a 36" cut width.

 

[cgrutt]

You mind taking a picture of your outfeed table from the other side? Love the mustard yellow!

Sure, I post one up tomorrow.

 

[James-W]

I have no experience with them and maybe turbowoodworker has better experience with larger saws but I can't think of a reason to go to a 12" blade or 7.5hp. I bought my SS PCS 52" 3HP for $3100...

If your goal is to increase DOC (depth of cut) and addional HP for resawing large lumber just buy a large bandsaw. Other than that I'm stumped why so large with only a 36" cut width.

A few weeks ago a guy brought me some 4X4 oak posts about 5 feet long. He wanted some boards half an inch thick made from the posts. I used my table saw (10 inch blade with 3hp motor) to rip the posts into boards a little over half an inch thick. I had to cut one side, then flip the post over and saw from the other side because the blade would not go thru it. Also, I could have used a bit more power because although the blade was sharp, the wood was pretty hard and it took a lot of power to cut thru that much material.

If I had a 12 inch blade and a few more hp I could have cut thru the post in one pass and quite a bit quicker. Yes, a bandsaw large enough and powerful enough to rip the posts would be nice to have, but I like a table saw for cutting more than I like a bandsaw. I have a bandsaw but it won't cut anything that thick and it won't cut anything that large perfectly straight either.

Another thing too, even though I have a 24X36 garage, the more tools/equipment I have in the garage the less space I have to work. I have a LOT of equipment and to be quite honest, there are times when I need to move stuff around to make enough space to do a particular job.

Anyway, that's why I had thought about getting a larger table saw and selling the one I have. But then again, I am getting older and I really am not inclined to do all that much work anymore. I would rather go play golf with my buddies.

 

[Jackfre]

I have a nice problem. I have a copy of TC88's Sawstop, with the mobility kit. It drives like a sports car. Dust collection is excellent and it does a fabulous job. Pricey, but what are your fingers worth. As well, I have a '48 Unisaw which I re-wired, new motor and arbor assembly. The SS was a gift from my daughter. I was never undergunned with the Unisaw and really love it. I have an underhanded old friend who is trying to get his hands on the Unisaw. I like the idea, if you are looking for a table saw to take your time and pick up an old Pwermatic or Unisaw. They are terrific saws. If you can go the freight on the SS, do it. Cuts are jointer quality and miters are very accurate. Another option, should you choose to go with a smaller saw is to look at the Festool trac-saw. I do not have acres of indeed/outfeed tables for my table saws. When I cut sheet goods I use the Festool with very good results. Depending upon the project, I may use the Festool to get it close and finish cut the smaller piece on the table saw.

 

[zcar751]

I have had a Craftsman table saw for about 25 years and it has traveled with me through three homes where it has always been mobile but usually center stage of the shop. But my current setup is dual duty shop that is more for cars but there is the occasional wood working project that I want to do. So I built a large "work bench"/storage area for the table saw that way it doesn't end up as a resting place for other projects and when I want to cut something I just have to pull it out. Keep in mind My saw has the cast Iron wings and router table extension so it takes up a little space. Oh and for fun I made without any screws or nails.

 

[dirt_dobber]

Great solution zcar751. I love the workbench with no screws or nails - that is beautiful.

 

[Sawdustmaker]

A Saw Stop.....Sweet!