Improving a portable table saw

[Tyler Purcell]

Hey guys,

I don't have any money for tools right now, but I'm building a pole barn soon and I'll be looking to add a new table saw then. However, for now, I have a cheap ryobi portable TS w/ a tiny, flimsy, 13" fence. Theres no room for any real work to be done, so I was thinking about extending the table saw somehow and at least making some sort of out feed table for it. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I might build to improve it?

Thanks everyone!

[Pat Germain]

An outfeed table would likely be a big help for your little saw. While you're at it, a small infeed table should also be a help.

I've seen people build large, wooden fences which fit over existing small fences. I've never done it myself, but you could probably find some examples online. If you did it right, having a longer and taller fence should be helpful.

Be aware that if your fence clamps and the front and the back of the saw, it will almost never be square to the blade. Such fence designs are notorious for this problem. I replaced the original fence on my TS for this very reason. Therefore, I wouln't get too carried away trying to modify a fence which is inherently flawed.

[mark page]

You might do a google search on I believe it was the ryobi bt3000 or bt3100 series portable table saws. They had what I would call a cult following and may have valuable information you can use and adapt to your tablesaw. No offense to those owners though.

[Tyler Purcell]

Thanks guys! You've both given me some great information.

EDIT: Wow! A quick Google search brought up a few websites. These guys really are into their Ryobi saws... as for me, I'm just buying a bigger Delta or Jet TS eventually!

http://www2.gol.com/users/nhavens/htmlfile/bt3k2-e.html

http://www.bt3central.com/