Raise height of Sawstop PCS in ICS mobile base?

[Brian Steeves]

Hello all. I'm about to take delivery of a SS PCS and am thinking about how I can raise the working height of it. I have the ICS mobile base already so another Mobile base is not an option.

I'm 6'4" and the 34.5" is not optimal for me. In fact it would be down right too low. My old saw and outfeed table is at 36.5" which I find to be perfect for most things. So I'm not looking to raise the overall height that much, maybe 2-3".

Anyone have suggestions to share and or what you did to raise yours? Pics would also be very helpful.

[David Utterback]

Since the ICS base moves so easily, you might consider a platform of sorts. Be careful with the design of a ramp for the platform since the base has very little excess space and might bottom out along the transition. This was a problem when I unloaded my PCS from my pickup. The ramp could be removable so not to be in your way. Just some thoughts.

[glenn bradley]

I’m only 5’10’ and I raised mine about 3". The exact platform height was to match my other work surfaces that matched my previous tablesaw. Regardless of the reason I simply made a small plywood torsion box. Since my saw is not mobile I just added some stops to make sure the saw stayed in position. It would be easy enough to lag screw or bolt the machine to the platform. I am not familiar with your mobile base but, I imagine there is a way to sandwich a plywood riser between the base and machine.

[Jim Becker]

What Glenn describes is how I'd do this...a box to raise the "floor" of the mobile base with the provision to security bolt down the heavy tool since it will no longer be contained by the OEM mobile base laterally. Oh, and part of the "tool set" you'll need for this projects is some significant help lifting the saw up... ;)

[ChrisA Edwards]

I think a lot depends upon how mobile you need it to be.

2x 4's on edge almost give you the extra height. I would build a torsion box out of 2 x 4's and make it about 12" wider than the mobile base footprint.

If you need to roll it up a ramp, often, I would build a shallow ramp where the ramp is in the outfeed side of the table. I think if you made the ramp part about 4'-5' it would be shallow enough for the mobile base to roll up.

And if pushing 300lbs+ up the ramp, a cheap winch or come along, electric or manual, might be fairly easily to setup.

I have a Sawstop PCS and the ICS base makes it very easy to move the saw on a flat surface. I used to have to move mine everyday when I needed to use it.

[Brian Steeves]

Thanks for the replies so far.

As to making a platform to roll it up on.. Not really an option. I move my saw very frequently since my shop is in a relatively small space. Especially when I'm making cabinets. So whatever solution it needs to be integrated into the mobility system.

[ChrisA Edwards]

I just went out and looked at my Sawstop on the ICS base.
The PCS cabinet just sits in the ICS mobile base. It would be easy to make a torsion box that sits in the ICS mobile base and that cabinet sits on top of.

On three sides, you could easily incorporate a lip or edge border that would stop the cabinet moving on the torsion box.

Then you would still have full mobility.

[Paul F Franklin]

Don't really see the need for a torsion box since the saw weight is just carried along the edges, so you only need support around the edges. A simple square or rectangular frame of 4x4s set onto the two thick metal bars where the saw normally sits would give you 3.5 inches. You would need to figure a way to fasten the frame to the base and the saw to the frame. The supplied hold downs should take care of the attaching the frame to the base, and adding a lip around the frame like Chris suggested would give you a way to fasten the saw to the frame. Of course a torsion box would work, just seems like it would be extra work though.

[Steve Mathews]

Don't really see the need for a torsion box since the saw weight is just carried along the edges, so you only need support around the edges. A simple square or rectangular frame of 4x4s set onto the two thick metal bars where the saw normally sits would give you 3.5 inches. You would need to figure a way to fasten the frame to the base and the saw to the frame. The supplied hold downs should take care of the attaching the frame to the base, and adding a lip around the frame like Chris suggested would give you a way to fasten the saw to the frame. Of course a torsion box would work, just seems like it would be extra work though.
After looking at my ICS and mobile base I agree with Paul. Simple blocks located at the corners should suffice along with appropriate bracing. Keep in mind the industrial base does not lift straight up but rather more on the right side therefore making the bracing even more important after elevating the saw.

[Larry Frank]

I made a platform out of 2x4 on edge and the same flat across the top. I painted it gloss black and put my PCS on top. Very simple, raises it about 5" and works great.

[Brian Steeves]

I made a platform out of 2x4 on edge and the same flat across the top. I painted it gloss black and put my PCS on top. Very simple, raises it about 5" and works great.

Any chance you would post a pic or two of yours?

[Tim Janssen]

I would have to check, but I have my PCS on the ICS base and if I remember correctly put 2 pieces of 3/4" plywood panted them black and put those in the bottom of the base and put the PCS on top of this and this put the top of PCS at 36.5" (Just did a quick check and it is indeed 36.5")
I can take some picture tomorrow if you are interested.
Cheers,

Tim

[Brian Steeves]

I would have to check, but I have my PCS on the ICS base and if I remember correctly put 2 pieces of 3/4" plywood panted them black and put those in the bottom of the base and put the PCS on top of this and this put the top of PCS at 36.5" (Just did a quick check and it is indeed 36.5")
I can take some picture tomorrow if you are interested.
Cheers,

Tim

I would definitely appreciate a couple of pics. Thanks!

[Bill Dufour]

I would make a frame of three 4x4's leaving the front open for storage. Or two 4x4's with a piece of 2x4 in the back Nail a piece of plywood across the top and bottom to keep out sawdust. Or box in the bottom to allow dust extraction. Just use extra long bolts or all thread to hold it all together. If you do the dust collection I would still have door in front so you can store blades and jigs underneath in the breeze.
Bil lD

[Tim Janssen]

Here are some pictures I took when I assembled the saw 10 years ago in my basement shop.

431634

431635

431633

Hope this helps. I don't have any pictures of the "modified" base by itself.
You will like your SawStop.
I made my living in the technical end of broadcasting and recording.
Woodworking became a hobby more so after I retired.
I have never before seen such well documented instructions as those that came with the SawStop

[Brian Steeves]

Here are some pictures I took when I assembled the saw 10 years ago in my basement shop.

431634

431635

431633

Hope this helps. I don't have any pictures of the "modified" base by itself.
You will like your SawStop.
I made my living in the technical end of broadcasting and recording.
Woodworking became a hobby more so after I retired.
I have never before seen such well documented instructions as those that came with the SawStop

Apparently I can't see your pictures without being "a subscriber"?

[ChrisA Edwards]

Become a Contributor $6, then you can see the pictures.

[Tim Janssen]

Well worth the 6 bucks, Brian!
Cheers,

Tim

[Brian Steeves]

Well I received the saw last week and got it assembled this past weekend. My first project with the saw was to make the riser. I did as was suggested and made a torsion box although not sure you call it that since it only has one piece of plywood on top. The underside is open. Didn't really think it was necessary to make an all out torsion box since the outer perimeter of the saw base sits on the outer edge of the plywood. It's supported by the frame and metal of the ICS base. No weight is being put on the inner portion of the box.

But enough of that. It works and I'm much happier with the height now. Raised it up 2". So it sits at 36.5" now. Perfect height for me (6'4").

So now I have a another problem to tackle. The leveling feet for the right side extension no longer reach the floor. LOL I suspected this might happen. It appears that I need at least 1/2" longer threads than what the stock feet have. Maybe I can find some that are longer. I looked at Mcmaster Carr and the y have some that might work but I'm curious what those of you that raised yours ended up doing about this?

Here are a few pics... Not sure if I'll be able to see them but maybe you guys can.

https://i.imgur.com/pF5SjQy.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2SaQvjf.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/SpwWucm.jpg

[Jim Dwight]

I agree completely that a sawstop is too short. I raised mine to 38 inches with a custom base. It has several 2x4s on edge length wise. I integrated the extension table support and built in storage. this picture was to show the overhead but you can kind of see the base.

[Marc Fenneuff]

Thank you for sharing the pics-I’m glad I found your thread as I will need to do the same thing and yours and the others’ posts have shown that it can be done, even with the ICS mobile base.

For the too-short extension legs, I’d just make a platform of similar height and mill recesses to retain the adjustable feet.