If you’re looking for a simple way to expand your workbench area, learn how to build a table saw extension desk. Rather than spending hundreds of dollars on a workbench extension, you can easily make one yourself for a fraction of the cost. There are several ways to make a table saw extension table, and this article will cover some of the most popular options. Read on for helpful tips.
Table saw rip capacity vs blade size
When choosing a table saw, rip capacity is the maximum gap you can cut, measured from the fence to the end of the blade. Increasing the rip capacity of your saw may require adding an extension table or readjusting the fence sliding rail. There are other methods of increasing the capacity, such as buying a rip fence and extending your existing workbench. Here are some of the most common ways to increase rip capacity.
The rip capacity of your table saw will tell you how wide you can rip a board. The most affordable table saws have an entry-level rip capacity of around 28 inches, which will allow you to cut up to 48 inches of wood. These table saws will work fine for most craftsman-level work. However, the fence will make it difficult to keep straight lines. The bigger the rip capacity of a table saw, the higher the rip capacity.
Attaching a table to a table saw
First, prepare your table saw by unplugging it. The table saw’s mounting plate can get gummed up with dirt and debris, so you’ll need to clean it before reattaching it. Next, use a hammer and drill/driver to install the table saw’s guide strips. Attach the strips to the table saw’s fence rail, keeping them as far away from the miter slots as possible.
When you’re ready to start ripping long boards, attach a temporary outfeed support. This can be a 2×4 clamped to the table saw’s fence. Then, clamp a piece of plywood or another board to it and use it as a temporary outfeed support. After the outfeed table is attached, the miter gauge slots should extend a couple of feet.
Mounting a table to a workbench
Installing a table saw extension desk to your workbench requires some careful planning and installation. The base of the cabinet must be positioned close to the rear edge of the table saw. Make sure the base of the cabinet does not interfere with the table’s dust port or casters. Mounting a table saw extension desk is simple once you have the correct measurements. You can download plans for this DIY project online for free.
First, you have to build the outfeed table. To mount the table saw, cut the MDF table core pieces to fit. Then, glue them together and set them in place. You can use brads to keep the pieces from shifting while clamping them. Next, you can apply a plastic laminate to the top and bottom of the frame with a J-roller, contact cement, and spacers. If you have a trim router, use it to cut the laminate.
Attaching a dust port to a table saw
If you are looking for an easy way to collect dust and protect your workspace, attaching a dust port to a tablesaw extension is a great choice. You can easily connect a dust port to a vacuum cleaner and have a cleaner attached to the extension table at the same time. These adapters are available in different sizes and can be attached to most table saws that are designed for open base.
A simple dust collection system can be attached to any table saw, from cabinet saws to contractor styles. The setup differs from one system to another, but most follow a similar blueprint. Dust collection for this type of table saw can range from simple to complicated, depending on the amount of dust and effort you’re willing to invest. To protect your workspace, attach a dust port to your extension table before beginning work.
Creating dadoes for the folding outfeed table
When creating the outfeed table, you need to take into consideration the table saw’s height. If the table is too wide, you can adjust it to a smaller size by using a miter saw. The height of the outfeed table should be at least 1/8 inch below the saw table, which will facilitate the transition between the saw and the outfeed table.
After milling the outfeed table, add a piece of wood with miter slots to accommodate the leg pivot brackets of the folding outfeed. Place this strip in the bottom edge of the folding outfeed table. It should be flush with the back edge of the table, so it will fit the leg pivot brackets snugly. Place a piece of wood at least 8″ into the back edge of the folding outfeed table and attach it to the table with screws or glue.
