LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

What is your "must have" jig/guide/sled for your Table Saw?

Tags
guides jig sled table saw tips tricks
Jump to Latest
18K views 54 replies 40 participants last post by  kelvancra  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
So far I've been doing all my cutting with my miter saw and my Skilsaw. Tomorrow I am going to pick up my table saw. It's a used Craftsman bench top. I'm getting it from a friend. He has it all tuned up for me and I can't wait to pick it up. I'm pretty sure that he said it was a 10" blade. Other than that I'm not really sure till I get there and see it again. I just know it's a table saw.

I wanted to get out and build something today but with the rainy weather it looks like I may not get to. So I've been watching some YouTube videos and checking things out on LJ's. I watched a video on making a cross cut sled. Looks like a pretty handy piece for the table saw. I've checked out a couple on LJ's as well. I've seen some nice ones.

So this leads me to my question. What are your "must haves' for your table saw?

Right now I know I'll be making some small things (picture frames, boxes… maybe some more boxes… :) but I have plans to gradually get bigger. I eventually plan to make beds for my kids. So I do have some lofty ideas of making big furniture. But with the small things I'm doing now I like the idea of repeat-ability. I can already see where a cross cut sled would make the projects I've done so far (lol… all three) easier.

I've already learned SOOO much on this site. So I thought I'd throw this out to you guys to see what you think. I'm don't buying tools for a while (for at least a week or so… right? LOL). I just want to build stuff with the tools I have… and like many of you said… let my next project dictate what tool I may need to get.

I look forward to reading your responses. :)
 
#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
Oh… and also… since it's a bench top table saw… your comments about out feed (?? is this the correct term?) is also welcome.

Obviously I'm going to be asking my friends lots of these questions as well. But since my time there is limited we might be able to actually make some of the things recommended instead of just talking about them. :)

nwbusa… That's the video I watched today that I thought was the most helpful. I know there was another posted on LJ's, but I found the Wood Whisperer video much easier to follow.
 
#4 ·
For me, since I have a Ryobi BT3100 which features, at least from the factory, no miter slots, Suwat's Multi Purpose Tall Fence.

It's a tenon jig, spline jig, panel raising jig, thin strip ripping jig etc… all in one jig…Fairly simple construction. I have no idea why I haven't built one yet other than I have had too many other projects going on…
 
#5 ·
I had to make a cross-cut sled. It seems to be the only thing for accurately cutting panels that are too big for the miter saw. An in feed and an out feed support are also necessary for safety on my little fold up table saw. This sled really, really, really makes cross-cutting nice!
 
#7 ·
I'd start with a zero-clearance insert for what you are not using a sled. followed by some featherboards to keep stock tight against the fence. these are things that can be done in the shop and adds a lot of quality for the finished cuts.

a push block is also something you need to have. if you don't have one - make one
 
#8 ·
Well, the fence, of course.

I usually use the mitre gauge that came with my Unisaw for 90 degree cuts, and its "okay". But I plan to get an Osborne EB3. For any angled cut, or for precision panel cutting, I rely heavily on my "Double Dubby". I had one with my old contactor's saw, and its the first accessory I bought after I got my Unisaw.

I also use a real good dado set quite a bit.
 
#10 ·
I'm not sure that there are any real "must haves", but there are tons of "nice to haves". That list will depend on the projects you do, the tools you already have, and your particular skills.

If your new TS is well set up, it and your miter saw (assuming it cuts accurately) will get you thru a great many projects. If you're cutting long pieces of stock, workpiece support should be at the top of your list of things to add. Even the best set up saw will be hard to use if the workpieces aren't well supported, and correctly supported workpieces usually result in more precise cuts.

ZCI's are handy, but only necessary if you're ripping thin strips which can drop into the throat of a stock insert, or trying to minimize chip out on plywood. I use my stock plate most of the time for the added air flow around the blase which makes my dust collection more effective.

As you do projects, you'll reach points where your particular "must have" will be quite apparent.
 
#11 ·
Not so much a jig, but BLADES! A good blade makes all the difference. If you are on a tight budget, you really can't beat the 37$ 50 tooth diablo combo blade. If you can afford it, a better option would be a good cross cut (60 to 80 tooth) and a good rip (24 to 30 tooth) blade. If I was forced to use the blade that came up with my saw, I would be extremely frustrated
 
#15 ·
Lots of good suggestions. The friend I'm getting it from made a zero clearance insert already. Which is really nice.
I don't know what kind of fence is on it now. I guess I'll find out tomorrow. When I first checked this thing out I didn't know what to look for. After doing some research and things I've learned here on LJ's, I'll be better equipped now.
Have I mentioned how excited I am??? I can't wait! And… two other things I'll be getting tomorrow… a table… like a clamping table of some kind. I saw the legs of it and he was putting a new top on for me. Can't wait to see it. And he made me a tool (he can do some welding too). It's for disassembling pallets.

The weather here has been so dry… but I'm hoping that this weekend there will be no rain. I work outside and I'm planning on making some sawdust. Probably gonna start with a cross cut sled. AND… well… I"m sure I'll make some more boxes :)
 
#20 ·
Speaking if splines… I did like that multipurpose tall fence that dbhost had a link for.. It will do the cuts for the splines. But that leads me to another question…. This may be a silly question… But how do you cut the small pieces that go into it? Is it the obvious?
 
#22 ·
Make yourself some push blocks . I use pieces of 2Ă—4's and notch them. Install a splitter on the ZCI if possible.
Keep that blade as low as you can. Make sure the blade is sharp. No necklaces. Be careful. Find a local club and join it. Keep them fingers away from that blade.
 
#24 ·
Thanks for the link to the book about boxes. I'm sure it will help a lot.

I saw the video on the Super Sled. It's pretty impressive. I wonder though if it matters what size table saw you have for that? Me and my daughter are stopping for snacks. On our way to get it now. Almost there.

Cutworms--definitly going to make some push blocks. Don't have any yet. Might e able to make those today when I pick up the TS and use his.

I think I have a healthy fear of getting hurt. When my hubby uses my tools he's not as careful and he scares me. I want to keep all my fingers and other parts. But the reminder to be safe is always welcome. Thanks.
 
B
#26 ·
A good rip fence is a must. And I also will throw another vote for the Incra miter gauge! I have one and it's very accurate. I still use my old one from time to time. Out feed & in feed tables are nice, but if you don't have lots of room, roller stands will get the job done, without eating up too much real estate. I have a few home made push sticks i made, but I also have a Bench Dog push block from Rockler. I really like it. It sells for $10, but I'm pretty sure I got mine on sale. http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=30571&site=ROCKLER. 1 other thing I'd say to get or make would be some feather boards. I only got one recently(have used a table saw for 20-25years) and I really don't know why I didn't get any sooner.
 
LumberJocks Woodworking Forum
posts
2.5M
members
128K
Since
2006
A forum community dedicated to professional woodworkers and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about shop safety, wood, carpentry, lumber, finishing, tools, machinery, woodworking related topics, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Blogs Power Tools, Hardware and Accessories Woodworking Skill Share Off Topic Coffee Lounge Hand Tools