Portable table saws are always the
toughest kind to set up and use. The base slides all over the place
while you're ripping and there never seems to be a place to store
it.
Operating a table saw mounted in this module is a snap. It has a
built-in outfeed support table and storage for accessories and
blades. It even sports a removable sawdust collection drawer. Hinges
on one end and pivoting wheels on the other make it a cinch to swing
out. Once it's out, flip up the outfeed support table and lock it
into position with a simple gate latch for a rock-solid table saw
station. Its location near the garage door lets you open the door
for room to rip the longest wood the lumberyard sells. Quick-release
wing screws attach the saw to the table for easy removal and
portability (Photo 9).
Our garage had plenty of room behind the table saw to feed in
long stock, and we could open the overhead door to feed the material
out toward the driveway. If your proposed location is tight, you can
move the table saw to a different bay or eliminate it entirely.
Depending on your portable table saw, you may have to customize the
dimensions of the module. Pay attention to the height of your saw to
make sure it'll clear the workbench above when it's put away. Also
adjust the outfeed table to make it even with the saw table. Some
table saws have larger cases that may also require a deeper base to
rest the saw on.
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ASSEMBLE the table saw module and dust drawer
following the dimensions in Fig. B. Mount two 2-in.
swivel wheels to the bottom of the module on the side opposite
the hinges. Screw the tapered sides of the T-strap hinges to
the sides of the module using all the hinge screw holes.
Position the module in the opening so that it's perfectly
level, supporting the end with blocks. Clamp the hinges to the
bench leg and screw the square sides of the T-strap hinges to
the bench leg.
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PIVOT the module into the working position and
flip up the outfeed table. Screw a 14-in. 2x4 support block
directly below the outfeed support table into the bench leg
with two 3-in. drywall screws. Mount the gate latch on the end
bench leg directly above the outfeed table, then mark and
drill the hole for the latch.
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PLACE
the table saw in its permanent position on the table saw
shelf. Mark the shelf through the front mounting holes of the
table saw. Remove the saw and drill two 5/16-in. holes through
the shelf and tap T-nuts into the hole on the underside of the
shelf. Reposition the saw and secure it with wing
screws.
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