Outfeed table base

Outfeed table base · 05-08-2006, 10:51 PM

Here are a couple of pics of my new out-feed table base. A friend gave me the wood for this and since my original out-feed table was rather rickety, I decided to make one that wouldn't move. Trust me, it doesn't. I typically overdo things and it kinda shows.

All members except the stretchers are 3 1/4" sq and the stretchers are 2 1/2 x 5". I laminated the stretchers out of some old wood that came from an old water bed. I am still contemplating a top but think it will be 2 layers of MDF and banded with something on 3 sides. It will eventually slide right up to the back of the tablesaw and I am also thinking about mounting a vise ( not the Emmert) on one of the out of the way sides just to have another place to clamp something. I am thinking about putting some type of grid system in the middle and attaching it to the insides of the ends so the middle will have better support. This might be overkill though. Since the shop floors are far from level, I put a lag bolt in the bottom of each foot so I can level the table to the table saw top. Wiped the whole thing down with BLO just to spice it up a bit. Won't fit the top til I decide whether to do the grid thingy. Thoughts??? I probably should have mounted the stretchers higher and lower but hind site is ... well you know the story. I got some practice for when I make my new workbench so all is not lost. Long term, I might make a couple of drawer boxes and put them in the ends / sides for additional storage. Anyway, here tis,

Monty · 05-08-2006, 10:56 PM

NIIIIICE!!!! I had to read you description before I figured out why the thing looks like it's levitating!

Nice wedged through tenons ain't gonna move!

Edit: regarding the question about support, if you're not going to make a laminated solid wood surface, then consider making a torsion box out of MDF or plywood. That way the support is built into the top and won't modify your nice base.

RandyJ · 05-08-2006, 10:56 PM

Nice outfeed base Michael. That thing looks strong enough to hold up the USS Cresent! I just wish I had a workbench that nice

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Take care,

Travis Porter · 05-08-2006, 11:08 PM

Extremely NICE!

That looks like a bench base, not an outfeed base.

mshel · 05-08-2006, 11:08 PM

Originally Posted by insomniac

NIIIIICE!!!! I had to read you description before I figured out why the thing looks like it's levitating! Nice wedged through tenons ain't gonna move!

Edit: regarding the question about support, if you're not going to make a laminated solid wood surface, then consider making a torsion box out of MDF or plywood. That way the support is built into the top and won't modify your nice base.

Insom,

That would be a good idea cept I only allowed approx 1.5" for a top. another hindsight thing. Reckon I could make a torsion box 1 1/2 " thick?

Mike

cpowell · 05-08-2006, 11:11 PM

Yep, I saw the assembly table base firsthand during my shop visit last Friday and I can vouch for it. It's solid for sure.

Mike, it looks like you've made some progress on the corner cab, too!!

Funny thing, from the pic it really DOES look like the base is trying to raise off the floor and you're using the cab to hold it down!

BTW, thanks for letting me visit your wonderful shop. Pretty neat walking around a shop so big that you can actually walk around in it without stepping over stuff.

Chuck

Monty · 05-08-2006, 11:11 PM

Originally Posted by mshel

Reckon I could make a torsion box 1 1/2 " thick?
Mike

Yes. Just need one layer (3/4") on the top. Or you could laminate it with another 1/2" or 3/4" piece if you want I suppose. But just make the cross-members underneath, arranged to leave a space where the trestle tops are. Clear as mud?!?!?

mshel · 05-08-2006, 11:16 PM

Originally Posted by insomniac

Yes. Just need one layer (3/4") on the top. Or you could laminate it with another 1/2" or 3/4" piece if you want I suppose. But just make the cross-members underneath, arranged to leave a space where the trestle tops are. Clear as mud?!?!?

Yea, I think I got the idea, the top would actually rest on the cross members but have a grid support system throughout. I think that would really stiffen it up. And since I would like to use this table as another work surface, it sure wouldn't hurt if it were flat. I could still use a double layer of mdf if I wanted to but might not need two. ??????

Mike

mshel · 05-08-2006, 11:23 PM

Originally Posted by cpowell

Yep, I saw the assembly table base firsthand during my shop visit last Friday and I can vouch for it. It's solid for sure.

Mike, it looks like you've made some progress on the corner cab, too!!

Funny thing, from the pic it really DOES look like the base is trying to raise off the floor and you're using the cab to hold it down!

BTW, thanks for letting me visit your wonderful shop. Pretty neat walking around a shop so big that you can actually walk around in it without stepping over stuff.

Chuck

Chuck,

Enjoyed the visit Friday. Remember, door is always open. Don't need an invitation, just drop in. Yea, I have made progress and am ready to mount the crown, pediment and have already put the base molding on. I am still thinking on how to make the grid for the door and will probably give it a go sometime this week. I cut out some pieces 3/16 x 3/16 to make the grid and think I will probably have to do some wet bending for two of the grid members which arc from corner to corner with smaller pieces intersecting them. Should provide some head scratching before it's over with. LOL

Mike

Monty · 05-08-2006, 11:28 PM

Only reason I mentioned two layers is to build up the height some to match your tablesaw height.

NCPete · 05-08-2006, 11:38 PM

that is a great looking table base!

D L Ames · 05-09-2006, 11:37 AM

Wow Mike, that is one stout looking base. Did you make the Trestles from those beams you were able to salvage?

D L

woodguy1975 · 05-09-2006, 11:46 AM

Looks pretty darn solid to me.

DavidF · 05-09-2006, 12:34 PM

Now, how do are you going to make it go up and down??? because as we've seen recently ALL tables must go up and down

D L Ames · 05-09-2006, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by DavidF

Now, how do are you going to make it go up and down??? because as we've seen recently ALL tables must go up and down

David, his does go up and down. Just use a wrench to adjust the lag bolts he used for adjustable feet.

Which BTW, was a great idea to allow for the compensation of uneven floors.

D L