Originally Posted by
Eric DeSilva
Matt-
I was intrigued by your project. The only issue I see is you can only clamp get 3 of the 4 corners, but that is pretty good. I clicked on the link you had for the big Kreg table and the arrangement they have--with the sliding bar and pneumatic hold downs--seems pretty slick, but mondo spendy. But that--and your metalwork--started me thinking...
What about making a rectangular frame from 1"--fairly thick wall--square steel stock. Weld a easel-like stand to the sides only. Weld some tabs to the sides so you can attach a piece of ply to fill in the center--maybe even run some angle across the bottom for support underneath. Then do what they do with the Kreg table--build a bar that hooks to the underside of the top/bottom rail, slides back and forth, and has clamps to secure the frame corners. You could even make multiples of the rail if you have a complicated face frame. While the Kreg pneumatic clamps are nice, I'm not sure a threaded rod with a non-marring tip wouldn't do the trick nicely (and much more economically).
If you build it out of 1" square stock, it should be cheap, strong, and flexible. I need another project like a need a hole in my head, but I may have to put this on the list. As a welder and user of the Kreg table, see any issues?
BTW, if you do a lot with tube stock, I highly recommend the Evolution Rage cold cut carbide saws (Sears sells 'em). I've got a 7.5" chopsaw that was less than $100 (I think--it is big enough for most angle/tube stock that I deal with) and it works like a dream--faster, cleaner and without heat build-up.