Table saw table width

[Don1357]

I'm finally setting up my 1974 Delta table saw. I could not find an older model so that will have to do

I'm installing a Vega Utility fence. the length goes to 53" and change. I do have the space but I'm thinking that this is a tad excessive? Most of the woodworking I plan on doing doesn't revolve around ripping sheets of 4x8 in half by the width. If I did need to do one I would probably skill saw it down on the low assembly table.

Basically my question for fellow woodworking aficionados; How much table saw width do you find adequate? I realize that there is an individual preference and the specific things each of us use a table saw for but I'm hoping to pick your collective brains as to what you thought you wanted and what you actually use.

 

[RTM]

Mine has 30” right of blade on the fence. I only needed more for one project, building the carcass for my under bench cabinet. Everything else, 24” would have been fine.

 

[Showkey]

Mine is 42” to the right of the blade. ( over kill yes, but it was custom build 40 years back no regrets)
42” run off table off the back that‘s moveable.

 

[tarmy]

I use all of this table top for various things…bigger is always better…

 

[seber]

I could not make do with less than 48".

 

[The Cobbler]

I had the same issue with my saw & Vega fence . The round front rail is 1-3/4 DOM tube . Rather than butchering the Vega rails I made new, shorter ones . the new front rail is 48" long, and 2 sets of holes drilled to enable moving the rail inboard to be the same width of the saw, or a bit outboard to rip a bit wider, maybe 24" or 30" (I can't recall)
most of what I do is rip lumber, not a lot of sheet goods . It's an easy swap to move the shorter rail and fairly easy to swap the originals

 

[Don1357]

I could not make do with less than 48".

What do you usually build?

 

[dnschmidt]

I use all of this table top for various things…bigger is always better…

No piker there. Sliding table I see. I was going to buy a Felder slider but never did. The three phase requirement turned me off but I sure did like the idea of a slider.

 

[ddawg16]

I can do about 26".....measure right and you fence up to the cut off side.

What I find more important, outfeed space. I'm working alone for a majority of my wood working tasks

 

[Indexmill]

I use all of this table top for various things…bigger is always better…

That's a beautiful damn saw.

 

[ddawg16]

I use all of this table top for various things…bigger is always better…

Ok, that is downright ****......

Does it take 12" blades?

 

[subroc]

I am a DIYer. My last saw set up was 30 inches to the right side of the blde. This current saw (my avatar) set up is 36 inches to the right side of the blade with just about 2 feet of outfeed and additional support (Workmates) as needed. I also use my saw top for a work surface and assembly table. If I had more space I expect I would have 48 inches to the right side of the blade with at least 6 feet of outfeed. That would allow me to rip 12 feet without additional support.

Good luck with your set up.

 

[Don1357]

My thinking is that a large table space invites clutter. I'm thinking taking it down to 36" rip capacity, router mounted, cabinet under, folding outfeed table.

For now I think I'm going to build the extension table as if it was a 36" rip, see how that works for me

 

[seber]

What do you usually build?

I don't usually build anything. The only thing that I do commonly is plywood packaging for heavy objects. Yesterday I packaged two cast iron reloading presses. Last week it was a 10" Baldor grinder. Shipping companies tend to throw those things around and drop them off the back of trucks. Nothing less than framed plywood boxes will hold up.

 

[tarmy]

Ok, that is downright ****......

Does it take 12" blades?

10”…

the 12” blades are for the RAS…

 

[ddawg16]

10”…

the 12” blades are for the RAS…

Nice

 

[PCustoms]

Pretty sure I have 56" to the right of the blade. I know I cust cut plywood at 54.5" this week.

Bigger is better.

 

[dnschmidt]

10”…

the 12” blades are for the RAS…

OK, you're just being a ***** now. The green monster rears it's ugly head once again.

 

[topcok88]

I own a 52” SawStop PCS. I do like having the extra width option and combined with my Incra 5000 sled it’s a great combination. But I will say I use my Festool TS55 with my FS3000 mm guide rail and MFT to break down sheet goods. I do batch a lot of parts on both depending on my workflow. I used to use the extra width on the TS to cross cut stuff but with the MFT and Kapex I really don’t see a need anymore.
The more I think about it if I had all my Festool gear earlier I probably would have bought the SawStop PCS in 36”. I guess it depends on what you have currently and what you want to do.