From: msi@ESD.3Com.COM (Mark Isfeld)
Newsgroups: rec.woodworking
Subject: Re: Comments on fold-up outfeed tables for Table Saws
Date: 22 Jan 93 01:04:00 GMT

jesse@mars.slu.edu writes:

>In article <14340024@pollux.svale.hp.com>, rstarr@pollux.svale.hp.com (Rob Starr) writes:
>> I consider the outfeed table on a table saw to be a necessity.  It is dangerous
>> to have parts falling off the back uncontrolled as well as damaging to small
>> pieces of stock hitting the concrete.  I am surprised there is not more talk
>> about something so useful & basic.
>> 
>	< remainder deleated >
>>  Good luck!
>>  Rob
>> 
>> 
>   
>The local wood supply company (St. Louis Hardwards) build a 'outfeed' cabnet
>with a smooth top that simply sits (on castors) behind their Delta saw.

>I am planing to build the same thing.  I will use meliniate (spelling) since it
>has the veneer already on both sides.  This will function as an outfeed table
>for my saw, a router table and an assembly table/work area.  It will also have
>drawers/shelves.

>Jesse

If you mean Melamine (A plastic "paper" bonded onto Particle board at a
factory, usually both sides), then I suggest reconsidering.

Melamine will make a good cabinet, but in my opinion, will not be
durable enough for the top.  I suggest you use an uncoated Particle board
or plywood, and laminate Formica (Or another equivalent brand) on the
top as suggested by others.  It is probably 10 times more resistant to
scratching, and I think it is easier to slide objects across it also.  
I don't know if you can laminate anything to melamine.  I know that
glueing is not recomended without removing the plastic "surface".

I suggest reading the comments on the type of material that Norm
uses. I thought the suggestion (today) that smaller pieces of Formica 
(or equivalent) may be available for $.50 per square foot was excellent
(cutoff's).  I have not seen such a thing(but I'll start looking)
, and paid $38 (Home Depot, San Jose CA)
for a 4 x 8 sheet(oddly enough closer to 49" by 97").  I have finished
my extension table and am planning to work on the outfeed table tonight.
When I'm done I'll have used about 5/8 of the sheet.  I'll probably use the
rest for building Jigs.

By the way, do you have a perfectly flat floor?  In my case I move the saw
around based on what kind of cutting I have to do, and the floor is not
at all level (garage floor cast concrete designed to drain to the outside).
I have forgone the idea of the roll up table because I don't think I'll be
able to line up the two surfaces easily, and to any accuracy.  The cabinet
company probably never moves the saw, and may not move the table.

I am leaning toward making a tilt up table hinged to the back.  The front
edge should align when I tilt it up, and the back end will have to be aligned
using an adjustable support leg.  Note though that I am fortuneate enough
to have a Unisaw that does not have a motor hanging out the back!
These type of tilting tables can be difficult for most contractor saws with
the motors mounted on the back, and can have a big effect on the decision.
(Maybe they are difficult anyway.... I'll see)

Just me ideas... I look forward to your input


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| Mark Isfeld   
| Mark_Isfeld@3Com.com                     
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