LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

Project Information

My goals with my outfeed table were to:
(1) - Support the center of gravity of a full sheet of plywood behind the blade, i.e. the plywood won't tip backward once it clears the blade.
(2) - Have static / stationary support behind the saw for everyday use, including miter tracks so I can use a crosscut sled, miter gauge, etc.
(3) - Fold out of the way when not in use, such that the saw isn't a whole lot bigger than before.
(4) - Be sturdy and not look like a hacked together mess, without being unnecessarily bulky or overbuilt.
(5) - Not require excessive modification or disassembly of the saw.

Table measurements:
Stationary section - 54" W x 14" D x 1.5" thick
Folding section - 48" W x 31" L x 1.5" thick (clears the floor by ~1.5" when folded)

Parts:
Piano hinge - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005J0WE3C
Lockable table leg brackets - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06VTJZHS6

The main table sections are built from some of the laminate scrap I snagged when my office was undergoing a remodel. I reinforced the outer ~3" with a second layer of plywood using glue and brads, then edgebanded the whole thing with ~3/4" thick poplar. The width of the folding section was determined mostly by the width of scraps I had on-hand, and at 31" long it clears the ground by ~1.5" when folded.

The brackets that attach the saw to the table are fabbed from 3/4" plywood, poplar, glue and screws. I bolted the lower bracket to the saw using 1/4"-20 bolts, washers, lock washers and nuts. I temporarily attached, shimmed and leveled the upper table and brackets to the saw, then held the rough-cut support gussets in place. With everything in place I marked the hole locations on the gussets, drilled them, and bolted everything in place.

I used a 48" piano hinge to connect the stationary and folding sections. I secured the hinge to the table sections using 1.25" panhead (Kreg) screws into every other mounting hole. the connection is very solid without a hint of flex or play or sag.

I found the leg brackets on amazon and they work well in this application. They lock securely in either position, but have a release lever that is easy to actuate by feel (i.e. without having to bend over to look at it). The legs are solid poplar, and are small enough to be lightweight but sturdy enough that I feel completely comfortable not taking it easy on them. I've piled sheets of plywood on the table, sat on it, etc. and nothing moves or flexes.

I included the second pic to show how it looks without the folding section, in case anyone is interested in that configuration. I actually used the saw this way for a month or two until I got around to finishing the folding section, and it was great aside from being too short to handle full sheets.

If anyone has any questions on this, just let me know!

Jim

Gallery

Comments

· Banned
Joined
·
5,339 Posts
looks to me as if you have cleared all your goals GREAT JOB :<))
 

· Registered
Joined
·
497 Posts
missio9n accomplished!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
746 Posts
I have one for my saw as well.
I attached the two pieces together with door hinges so I could pull the pins and remove it when needed.
I have used it not only for an out-feed table but as an assembly table as well.
I never intended for it to be used that way. but its just kind of happened.
My long term plan is to replace it with an actual rolling table.
Anyway, you did a really nice job and I can tell that a lot of thought went into it.
Congratulations!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
2,242 Posts
Very nice
 

· Registered
Joined
·
3,876 Posts
Very Nicely Done Jim! Looks Great! & Very Functional.

Rick S.
 

· In Loving Memory
Joined
·
8,391 Posts
Nicely done and a great idea!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
5 Posts
I've been thinking about this very project. Well done.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1 Posts
WOW! Great idea. I just may have to use this version instead of the one I was dreaming up… Thanks for sharing.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
2,088 Posts
Jim, that is a great design! I have an outfeed table that needs to be cut down a bit and made permanent and fold down. Have to take the time to attach it every time I need it. Creates severe nerve impulses in the lower posterior regions.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1 Posts
Thanks for the feedback guys, I definitely appreciate it and hope that this continues to help or otherwise inspire people!

Jim
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1 Posts
Attached to the rear fence rail or to the saw table top?

- BlueRidgeDog
The table is attached via (4) 1/4" lag bolts through the rear angle iron (aka fence rail) into the bottom of the fixed portion of the table. I believe I used existing holes in the angle iron but I'm not 100% sure; I wouldn't have considered it a big deal to drill them if needed. I believe I used three strips of 1/4" MDF to shim the table up from the rail and slightly below flush with the main table. The bolts therefore go through the angle iron, through the shims, and into the plywood frame of the table which is 1.5" thick at that point.

Any other questions, just let me know!

Jim
 

· Registered
Joined
·
655 Posts
Nicely done, and very clean looking.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1 Posts
Thanks! Looks like it's been in use for a couple years now and I don't have any regrets about the design. It's held up really well.

Jim

Nicely done, and very clean looking.

- RyanGi
 

· Registered
Joined
·
2,507 Posts
Very nice. I like the idea of the hinge about 10" or so from the table so you don't crimp the dust hose. Looks pro too.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
191 Posts
Hyper deluxe design and construction - I'm officially jealous!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
0 Posts
I am shamelessly going to clone your idea! Looks simple very functional and space saving. Thank you for posting in such detail.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
7 Posts
what is the dimension of the vertical strutsl, looks like 2.5" wide. +-
 
Top