Tony West
12-31-2010, 9:27 AM
Hello fellow woodworkers.
I have an older craftsman bench saw (contractor saw on steriods) that has served me well. The current project that I'm working on requires me to build a crosscut sled. In doing the research, I noted that most newer saws have a t-slot miter track...I do not. I see this as an advantage for a sled to keep it on the table when you are at the extremes of your cut.
I also have been designing an outfeed extension for the back of the saw, since the blade is only inches from the back of the table. Additionally, I have cast aluminum wings that mark up my wood (which really ticks me off). Lastly, I have a goofy throatplate that is a real pain to make ZCI's for. So...As I got creative, I thought, why not combine all the problems into 1 project. So, here's my crazy idea that I would like feedback on. Am I just plain nuts, or will this work?
Put a layer of 3/4" MDF w/ laminate over my entire saw top, extension wings and extend it over the back of the saw (with support obviously). Cut a square insert, so the ZCI's are easy to make in the future. Fasten the top to the wings and to the supports on the back of the saw...and embed rare earth magnets along the front of the top so they attach to the CI table. This should hold it in place just fine. For the new miter slots, just use the miter track commonly available, and run it right over where the current slots are. The current slots would have hardwood strips run in them to provide a good grip for the screws holding the new miter track on. I have a t-square fence that could just have the front tube raised up 3/4" to account for the added height.
The only drawback that I see to this is the loss of 3/4" of cut height, which I feel is far outweighed by the benifits that it will bring me for every cut.
As I said, I'd like to know your thoughts...nuts (if so, why) or not?
Thanks!
I have an older craftsman bench saw (contractor saw on steriods) that has served me well. The current project that I'm working on requires me to build a crosscut sled. In doing the research, I noted that most newer saws have a t-slot miter track...I do not. I see this as an advantage for a sled to keep it on the table when you are at the extremes of your cut.
I also have been designing an outfeed extension for the back of the saw, since the blade is only inches from the back of the table. Additionally, I have cast aluminum wings that mark up my wood (which really ticks me off). Lastly, I have a goofy throatplate that is a real pain to make ZCI's for. So...As I got creative, I thought, why not combine all the problems into 1 project. So, here's my crazy idea that I would like feedback on. Am I just plain nuts, or will this work?
Put a layer of 3/4" MDF w/ laminate over my entire saw top, extension wings and extend it over the back of the saw (with support obviously). Cut a square insert, so the ZCI's are easy to make in the future. Fasten the top to the wings and to the supports on the back of the saw...and embed rare earth magnets along the front of the top so they attach to the CI table. This should hold it in place just fine. For the new miter slots, just use the miter track commonly available, and run it right over where the current slots are. The current slots would have hardwood strips run in them to provide a good grip for the screws holding the new miter track on. I have a t-square fence that could just have the front tube raised up 3/4" to account for the added height.
The only drawback that I see to this is the loss of 3/4" of cut height, which I feel is far outweighed by the benifits that it will bring me for every cut.
As I said, I'd like to know your thoughts...nuts (if so, why) or not?
Thanks!