Like the subject says, I'm wondering how often people really use that
wide rip fence on their TS? I mean, I understand its definitely nice to
have and all. As my dad used to say, better to have and not need than
need and not have. But the same goes for space and mobility in a
smaller shop.
The way things are looking right now I'm most likely going to have my
saw on some kind of mobile base for the foreseeable future, w/ or w/o a
wide table. The stuff I'm looking at building doesn't seem to have a
lot of ply or mdf in it (other than jigs, of course!) so ripping a panel
in half doesn't seem to happen all that often (yet) that using a CS and
some sort of panel guide is much of a hassle.
Is it possible to build a mobile cart incorporating an router table,
assembly bench, etc. as part of the right extension? That might at
least not waste all that space under that wing.
Ideas, suggestions, comments?
nuk
--
I know more than enough *nix to do some very destructive things,
and not nearly enough to do very many useful things.
Use much of the rip capacity on almost every project in one way or another.
Generally for cutting plywood case sides and backs to length and width. The
TS and outfeed table/bench takes up most of the middle of the shop.Also use
the extension table top for glue ups and other tasks where a flat surface is
handy, and the space underneath is used for sled storage.
Despite my small shop, it is handy to have the capacity.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 8/11/03
"nuk"wrote in message
>
> Like the subject says, I'm wondering how often people really use that
> wide rip fence on their TS?
nuk wrote:
> Like the subject says, I'm wondering how often people really use that
> wide rip fence on their TS? I mean, I understand its definitely nice to
> have and all. As my dad used to say, better to have and not need than
> need and not have. But the same goes for space and mobility in a
> smaller shop.
Honestly not a lot....less then 1 percent of my cuts go above 24 inches.
BUT I actually off set my 52" Bies about 10-12 inches to the left
because of space limitations in my 24x24 shop so my max rip is only
about 40 or so inches Only time I really had a problem was building a
large entertainment center..solved that by making a VERY heavy large
sled...which now sits behind my workbench waiting and waiting to be
needed again...
>
> The way things are looking right now I'm most likely going to have my
> saw on some kind of mobile base for the foreseeable future, w/ or w/o a
> wide table. The stuff I'm looking at building doesn't seem to have a
> lot of ply or mdf in it (other than jigs, of course!) so ripping a panel
> in half doesn't seem to happen all that often (yet) that using a CS and
> some sort of panel guide is much of a hassle.
>
> Is it possible to build a mobile cart incorporating an router table,
> assembly bench, etc. as part of the right extension? That might at
> least not waste all that space under that wing.
>
> Ideas, suggestions, comments?
>
> nuk
I am not a fan of having a router table set the same height as the Table
Saws top because I have a bad back and using a router at such a low
height just is a royal pain..in the back not the a$$ ...
I hate to admit this but I have a 40 x 60+ inch outfeed table on the
back of my saw that I use as an assembly table, coffee table, desk,
you name it...
Bob Griffiths
>
> Is there a connection btwn the sled and the offset fence? Not being
> picky, just making sure I'm not missing something ;)
>
>
No connection....just saving space since I can keep the saw closer to
the one wall of my shop ...
>
>
> Good point. Being 6'5", the 'normal' height of benches and the like is
> a bit on the low side for me. Right now my contractor's saw is at about
> 38", maybe a bit more, and 40" wouldn't be too much IMHO, high. Not
> sure if I'd want a router table higher than that or not. Guess that
> brings up one other negative of cutting sheet goods on a TS for me...
> gotta horse the darn things an extry half foot or so up to get to
> cuttin' ;) Always figgered there would be a downside to being tall...
>
I am only 6'2"....amd my stand alone Router table is darn close to 43
inches tall
tall just a comfortable height for me ..
>>I hate to admit this but I have a 40 x 60+ inch outfeed table on the
>>back of my saw that I use as an assembly table, coffee table, desk,
>>you name it...
>
>
> Dunno about you, but it seems like I spend more darn time clearing off
> the junk that large horizontal surfaces like workbenches, assembly
> tables, etc. seem to magically accumulate. I've got a hardware kit on
> order from Rockler's for a detachable/foldable outfeed table so I can
> stow it up against a wall when not in use... and to discourage too much
> debris from piling up ;p
>
> Thanks,
>
> nuk
>
Not me.... I NEVER have "stuff" laying around either my wood shop in my
garages...Everything always neat as a pin....... I LIE !!!!!!
Walk into my one garage and you will notice I no longer even have a
work bench in it..walk into the other and TRY to set your coffee cup
down... maybe you will find someplace on the floor...MAYBE!!!!
Bob Griffiths
Bob Griffiths writes:
>Walk into my one garage and you will notice I no longer even have a
>work bench in it..walk into the other and TRY to set your coffee cup
>down... maybe you will find someplace on the floor...MAYBE!
Fair enough. When we built my workshop, my wife looked it the day the roof was
framed out, but not yet covered, and said, "You'll never fill all this space."
I never did find room in the 25x48 shop for my main workbench, which still
resides in a storage shed. Maybe when I return, with fewer tools than when I
left.
Charlie Self
"The future will be better tomorrow."
Dan Quayle
On the rare occasion that I have to make a long rip cut on a piece of
plywood, I use a home made cutting guide and a circular saw with a plywood
blade. For MDF I would use a carbide toothed blade.
I took a 12-inch by 4-foot piece of masonite and epoxied a 48-inch metal
ruler (from home depot) down the center; then using the ruler as a guide
fence, trimmed the masonite with the circular saw.
To make a long, straight, precise cut on a piece of plywood, I either clamp
or tack the Masonite guide to the plywood with the trim edge exactly along
the line I want to cut. If I haven't changed saws or blades, the cut will
be deadly accurate.
It's definitely a lo-tech solution that involves groveling around on the
garage floor to set up pieces of 2 x 4 to support the plywood and cut-off.
"nuk" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Like the subject says, I'm wondering how often people really use that
> wide rip fence on their TS? I mean, I understand its definitely nice to
> have and all. As my dad used to say, better to have and not need than
> need and not have. But the same goes for space and mobility in a
> smaller shop.
>
> The way things are looking right now I'm most likely going to have my
> saw on some kind of mobile base for the foreseeable future, w/ or w/o a
> wide table. The stuff I'm looking at building doesn't seem to have a
> lot of ply or mdf in it (other than jigs, of course!) so ripping a panel
> in half doesn't seem to happen all that often (yet) that using a CS and
> some sort of panel guide is much of a hassle.
>
> Is it possible to build a mobile cart incorporating an router table,
> assembly bench, etc. as part of the right extension? That might at
> least not waste all that space under that wing.
>
> Ideas, suggestions, comments?
>
> nuk
>
> --
> I know more than enough *nix to do some very destructive things,
> and not nearly enough to do very many useful things.
In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] says...
> The way things are looking right now I'm most likely going to have my
> saw on some kind of mobile base for the foreseeable future, w/ or w/o a
> wide table.
>
My extension table is is supported by diagonal braces that sit on my
saw's cabinet base, and the base is in a mobile base. I'll post a
picture in abpf later today.
Kim
"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> One other thing to consider. A 50" fence only takes up 20 more inches
than
> the 30" version.
True, but that means I could not get to the size door of the shop.
I have a 30" and have only twice not had enough capacity but found easy work
arounds. I just don't do big stuff so it is not a problem for me. OTOH, if
I had the space, I'd have a 52" fence, "just in case".
Ed
nuk <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Like the subject says, I'm wondering how often people really use that
> wide rip fence on their TS? I mean, I understand its definitely nice to
> have and all. As my dad used to say, better to have and not need than
> need and not have. But the same goes for space and mobility in a
> smaller shop.
>
If you can fit it in the shop.. do it.. It is very nice to have..
Well worth sacrificing that extra 20" of floor space. I have a 52" and I'd be
kicking myself if I didn't get it.. Others have listed the reasons.
Igor <[email protected]> wrote:
> Having just assembled my new DeWalt TS, one thing that came to mind is why
> they don't design the rail system so that it can be alt-mounted farther to
> the right. In other words, temporarily loose the ability to move the fence
> to the left of the blade -- have the rails all to the right. This would
> mean that my 30" could become about 42".
The much-maligned Ryobi BT-3000 has exactly this feature. Mounted in
the "normal" position, you've got a 24" rip capacity to the right of
the blade. It takes about 2 minutes (and no tools) to relocate the
rails to the right, and then you've got another 12-18" (I forget
exactly) of rip capacity.
There's even an alternate scale on the front rail so you can get
accurate distance readings in the alternate configuration.
Hey Bob, you been in MY shop lately? Sounds like the same place.
On Thu, 14 Aug 2003 10:44:53 GMT, Bob G <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>
>> Is there a connection btwn the sled and the offset fence? Not being
>> picky, just making sure I'm not missing something ;)
>>
>>
>No connection....just saving space since I can keep the saw closer to
>the one wall of my shop ...
>
>>
>>
>> Good point. Being 6'5", the 'normal' height of benches and the like is
>> a bit on the low side for me. Right now my contractor's saw is at about
>> 38", maybe a bit more, and 40" wouldn't be too much IMHO, high. Not
>> sure if I'd want a router table higher than that or not. Guess that
>> brings up one other negative of cutting sheet goods on a TS for me...
>> gotta horse the darn things an extry half foot or so up to get to
>> cuttin' ;) Always figgered there would be a downside to being tall...
>>
>
>I am only 6'2"....amd my stand alone Router table is darn close to 43
>inches tall
>tall just a comfortable height for me ..
>
>>>I hate to admit this but I have a 40 x 60+ inch outfeed table on the
>>>back of my saw that I use as an assembly table, coffee table, desk,
>>>you name it...
>>
>>
>> Dunno about you, but it seems like I spend more darn time clearing off
>> the junk that large horizontal surfaces like workbenches, assembly
>> tables, etc. seem to magically accumulate. I've got a hardware kit on
>> order from Rockler's for a detachable/foldable outfeed table so I can
>> stow it up against a wall when not in use... and to discourage too much
>> debris from piling up ;p
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> nuk
>>
>
>Not me.... I NEVER have "stuff" laying around either my wood shop in my
>garages...Everything always neat as a pin....... I LIE !!!!!!
>
> Walk into my one garage and you will notice I no longer even have a
>work bench in it..walk into the other and TRY to set your coffee cup
>down... maybe you will find someplace on the floor...MAYBE!!!!
>
>Bob Griffiths
>
nuk wrote:
> Like the subject says, I'm wondering how often people really use that
> wide rip fence on their TS? I mean, I understand its definitely nice to
> have and all. As my dad used to say, better to have and not need than
> need and not have. But the same goes for space and mobility in a
> smaller shop.
I also have a small shop - and a 30" Unifence. I use up to 24" rather
frequently. Anything larger and I pop off the fence and use a panel-cutting
sled. My shop is too small to deal comfortably with large plywood sheets,
so I take those out the back door and cut them to rough size on sawhorses
with a circular saw - then final cuts to size on the TS.
I built my router table into my 24" TS extension back in my last shop, which
was only about 10x12. My shop is a little bigger, now (20x10+). I intend
to build a separate router table because the router table and TS seem to be
my most frequently used tools - and they are getting in each other's way.
If I was still in my smaller shop, I'd manage.
Chris
--
************************************
Chris Merrill
[email protected]
(remove the ZZZ to contact me)
************************************
I use my 50" Bies fence on my Unisaw on a regular basis. Wouldn't want
to give it up! Narrower fence wouldn't cut it for me. I always wanted a
better TS than my Crapsman, and now I have it. Never go back.
dave
nuk wrote:
> Like the subject says, I'm wondering how often people really use that
> wide rip fence on their TS? I mean, I understand its definitely nice to
> have and all. As my dad used to say, better to have and not need than
> need and not have. But the same goes for space and mobility in a
> smaller shop.
>
> The way things are looking right now I'm most likely going to have my
> saw on some kind of mobile base for the foreseeable future, w/ or w/o a
> wide table. The stuff I'm looking at building doesn't seem to have a
> lot of ply or mdf in it (other than jigs, of course!) so ripping a panel
> in half doesn't seem to happen all that often (yet) that using a CS and
> some sort of panel guide is much of a hassle.
>
> Is it possible to build a mobile cart incorporating an router table,
> assembly bench, etc. as part of the right extension? That might at
> least not waste all that space under that wing.
>
> Ideas, suggestions, comments?
>
> nuk
>
On Thu, 14 Aug 2003 06:11:52 GMT, Bob G <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> Honestly not a lot....less then 1 percent of my cuts go above 24 inches.
> BUT I actually off set my 52" Bies about 10-12 inches to the left
> because of space limitations in my 24x24 shop so my max rip is only
> about 40 or so inches Only time I really had a problem was building a
> large entertainment center..solved that by making a VERY heavy large
> sled...which now sits behind my workbench waiting and waiting to be
> needed again...
...???
Is there a connection btwn the sled and the offset fence? Not being
picky, just making sure I'm not missing something ;)
> I am not a fan of having a router table set the same height as the Table
> Saws top because I have a bad back and using a router at such a low
> height just is a royal pain..in the back not the a$$ ...
Good point. Being 6'5", the 'normal' height of benches and the like is
a bit on the low side for me. Right now my contractor's saw is at about
38", maybe a bit more, and 40" wouldn't be too much IMHO, high. Not
sure if I'd want a router table higher than that or not. Guess that
brings up one other negative of cutting sheet goods on a TS for me...
gotta horse the darn things an extry half foot or so up to get to
cuttin' ;) Always figgered there would be a downside to being tall...
>
> I hate to admit this but I have a 40 x 60+ inch outfeed table on the
> back of my saw that I use as an assembly table, coffee table, desk,
> you name it...
Dunno about you, but it seems like I spend more darn time clearing off
the junk that large horizontal surfaces like workbenches, assembly
tables, etc. seem to magically accumulate. I've got a hardware kit on
order from Rockler's for a detachable/foldable outfeed table so I can
stow it up against a wall when not in use... and to discourage too much
debris from piling up ;p
Thanks,
nuk
--
I know more than enough *nix to do some very destructive things,
and not nearly enough to do very many useful things.
On Thu, 14 Aug 2003 05:18:25 +0000 (UTC), nuk <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>Like the subject says, I'm wondering how often people really use that
>wide rip fence on their TS? I mean, I understand its definitely nice to
>have and all.
I've rarely needed more than the 30" my saw provides. The open area
on my right side is filled with an easy on, easy off router table
insert I made myself. I've raised my saw's mobile base, as I felt it
was too low, which in turn raised the router table.
The real question can only be answered by you. What do YOU plan to
make? If you're going to make mostly cabinets, built-ins,
entertainment centers, etc... go for a 50-52" fence.
A nice setup might be a good 30" fence with an extra set of long
rails. The long rails could be installed when needed and stored when
not.
Barry
Ditto!
"Tom Watson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Thu, 14 Aug 2003 05:18:25 +0000 (UTC), nuk <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >
> >Like the subject says, I'm wondering how often people really use that
> >wide rip fence on their TS?
>
> Yes. All the time.
>
> I have a Unifence that allows me to cut to a little over 96".
>
> It's very useful for doing things like cutting all the ply sides for
> bookcases to length before ripping the ply to width.
>
> Also very good for cc ply backs.
>
> In fact, I do almost all of my stock sizing using the Unifence; no
> sleds.
>
> The area below is used to store tablesaw blades, hold downs, etc. and
> so is not wasted.
>
> When I switched to making all my sizing cut on the tableaw, I was able
> to get rid of the 25" cut radial arm saw - so I figure I've actually
> saved space.
>
>
> Regards, Tom
> Tom Watson - Woodworker
> Gulph Mills, Pennsylvania
> http://users.snip.net/~tjwatson