One of my favourite tools has been my Axminster TS-200 table saw, which I bought with the intent of mounting it in its own mobile bench.
Having built the bench and whilst browsing the internet I found a video on how to build and use a cross-cut sled, which I made and has proved very useful too.
Table Saw Bench
Having fully modelled the bench in Sketchup, I used my Makita circular saw to cut out the parts from 2440×1220 (8′ x 4′) sheets of 18mm ply, rebated where necessary and was very pleasantly surprised when everything went together the first time.
As it turned out I did not bother to cut out the opening below the saw table to allow sawdust to drop through into the top drawer for removal. I found that after connecting my garage vac to the rear of the saw table there was not a great deal of sawdust underneath it. What is there I clean out with a long-nose extension on the vac.
I wanted to stow all sawing related items in the bench but having made the left hand drawers I found my Makita circular saw did not quite fit (should have measured that in advance!) so the right hand side only has two drawers in the final version with the bottom drawer being the height of the two lower left drawers to make enough room.
I still need to cut out the opening for a drop in router but even without it, the bench has been an incredibly useful tool over the last few years.
Notes
- All joints fixed with glue and pocket screws
- Drawer runners 500mm from G Johns & Sons, catalogue number 31537.4 (£5 per pair)
- Heavy duty swivel castors 75mm with brakes on two, bought on Amazon (£10)
- Used thin steel washers on front skids of saw table to finalise level with work top
Cross-Cut Sled
To help in safely cutting small pieces on the saw table, I made a simple cross-cut sled that runs to and fro in the grooves in the top of the saw table. As long as you keep your hands in the “grooves” right & left on the front fence, your fingers can never get near the blade!
This was based on a YouTube video by “The Wood Whisperer” which explained the build in very clear terms, included how to adjust the front fence for accurate 90 degree cuts, and how to setup for cutting several pieces of the same length.
Resources
- Sketchup model of the table saw bench (select tab for cross-cut sled)
- How to Make A Cross-Cut Sled by The Wood Whisperer (YouTube video)
TODO:
- add photo of finished articles