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It always seems like I need something when I'm working at my table saw and I can never find it. I've tried laying things between the faces of my fence, but they tend to fall off. So I set out to build a little storage box that would keep things close at hand. I needed it to be big enough for a tape measure, safety glasses, push sticks, a pencil and set up squares. I also wanted it to be easily removable and sit flat when not in use. I gathered up some scrap birch plywood and built this little box. The edges are rounded over to make it a little more comfortable when I reach in to grab something. I dadoed a 1/2" groove in the bottom so that it will sits on my UHMW fence faces. I also epoxied in a couple of rare earth magnets. The accessory box sits snugly and won't move unless I really want it to.

Thanks for looking.

Cory

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Cory,

Really Neat. Keeps everything in one place- especially the pencil- which I can never find! And easily removable for jigs that ride on the fence.

Thanks,
Lew
 

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Cool idea.
 

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That's a good concept. I'm definitely going to work out a version of that for myself. Thanks!
 

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Great idea!
 

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I'd be a little concerned about something falling out and hitting the saw blade
 

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Thanks for the comments, guys.

Jim: Me, too. I thought the risk of that happening was greater, though, when things were just sitting on my fence. When the blade is spinning the only thing I ever reach for is a push stick. Both of the sticks in the box aren't "covered up" by anything so they come out easily. Before I turn on the saw, I put on my headphones and glasses, so they're not in the way.
 

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I am always into new ways to store things in frequent use. The top of my fence is traveled by a "finger saver" that is in frequent use so it is not an option for me. But the concept is interesting. Thanks for the post.
 

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Greetings Cory: I'm not so sure I would be keen on the idea you come up with. To me (this is just a personal view), that box would be in the way (for me). Why not just wear a shop apron with big pockets, put all your smaller items in it (except the push stick, of course), and call it good…. safer,too….that way you have nothing on the saw except the work piece to interfere with what you are doing….. just an idea….... later.
 

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I understand exactly what you mean, Rick. I don't like wearing an apron, though. Right now this is the best way for me to keep those things close at hand. I've used the saw with this box on the fence a few times and it hasn't gotten in the way. I do have a couple of jigs that mount on the fence and I just take the box off and set it on the extension table for those operations.

Thanks for the input and the honest critiques. I appreciate it!

Cory
 

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Looks like a good accessory for you Cory, I have the same issue of misc. tools on the table top.
 

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I see that you're working in a shared space (who let the car in the shop?!? :) ) Being organized is obviously important and I admire you for coming up with ways to make it work. I bet you spend a lot less time looking for your pencil and your tape measure than I do.
 

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that's a clever idea. I can understand some of the critiques you received, and they may be warranted. But that being said, you put together something that works for you and that is what's important. Your idea has given me a little inspiration. I may do something similar, but have it sit kind of hidden from the saw blade on the other side of the fence.

All in all you made something pretty slick for your shop. Nice Job.
 

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Cool idea. Finding ways to "make it easier to be successful" is always great.

After recently causing a SawStop brake to blow, I am more tuned-in to options to keep stuff gathered away from the blade.
(I boneheaded and left my measuring tape on the table when I started to crosscut: the tape hit the blade)
 

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I have to agree with most of the comments in some way or other… Safety is huge on my list of priorities and is far above convenience. Having measurement tools, push sticks, layout tools, etc near the saw is important, but not at the cost of safely operating your saw. Perhaps a drawer added to the underside of an extension wing would be better?
Anyways, as always it comes down to what the home owner likes and uses… best of luck and be safe…
 

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that is a great idea not that I have a ts but if I had
I wuold make the side nearest to the blade 1-2 inches higher

Dennis
 
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