Hi,

            Several months ago I built a  new cutting table for my shop, and had said that I would post it. Well I am finally getting around to doing so. It has worked out well and has many cuts in the sacrificial top layer now.  I am posting this in three  parts in order to allow for more than ten pics.  After using my plunge saw (and regular circular saw before that) for several years making cuts on a folding table with two layer wood top, dragging the hose etc. I had a pretty good list of what I wanted feature wise in my head. 
                  This is not an MFT and not even close to portable. It is made to stay put in one place in the shop and provide a large stable cutting surface. It may be overkill to some degree but it works very well and is my primary cutting set up. It also does not do everything an MFT can do and is not intended to. It is built for the one purpose of cutting sheet goods and long boards as well as small stuff.

             Features-
 
                        Longer and wider than 4' x 8'

                        Full support for the wood being cut

                        Mechanism to get heavy sheets onto table.

                        Full support for the guide rails

                        Narrow sections for shorter cross cuts.

                        No snag edge for hose.

                        Storage for 118" guide rail.

                        Shelf to store cut parts.

                        Ability to use Quick Clamps all the way around.

       The following are construction shots. Nothing fancy about the assembly. It is a framework with legs and a folding leaf section.-


             Main table frame being assembled on bench.
               


            Main frame  done and standing on edge.
               


            Some fillers to strengthen were legs attach.
               


           Legs in place.
               


           Folding section attached with folding shelf brackets , partly folded.
               


          Folding section unfolded. Upside down on bench.
               


          Frame in position.
               


           Showing storage shelf underneath. The legs have rectagular frame as well.
               

   
           MDF top.
             


           1/4" sacrificial top.
             


          The sub top is 3/4" mdf. The shelf on the bottom is some inch thick material similar to MDF , maybe HDF(?).  I am not sure what it is I had picked it up at an auction years ago. But it is incredibly heavy. It adds lots of counter balance weight to the bottom for the sheet tilting mechanism. The complete table weighs in around three hundred pounds.   Overall dimensions are 118" long, 36" wide at the narrow points, 60" wide at the wing, and 32" tall. The folding wing is 24" x 72" centered along the side.

            More to come in part two.


Seth


srs
             


         

           




                       

Hi,

                OK here is part three.



       This edge of the table has a large round over to keep the hose moving along smoothly.
                 


       Guide rail support.
                 


     Cross cutting. The vac is much closer than it appears. About four feet from the table edge.
               


      Run out space at end of rail
               


     Another clamping spot.
               


    Showing leg area.
             


  Stack of parts after cutting stored underneath.
             


   Hundreds of cuts later.
             


           I will add info that I may have missed as I think of it. Please feel free to ask questions.  If anyone wants additional photos of parts etc. let me know.


Seth





srs
       

Hi,
  Thanks,

   Right, I mark the wood.  I have been using Woodpeckers, T squares and rules with very good success.  I plan to get an MFT at some point. I think the table and MFT would compliment each other nicely.

   You are right. A lot of thought went into it.    And yes, at night lying awake  though, not dreaming, I get onto an idea and find that I can't get it out of my head.  I can visualise pretty well it is both a curse and a blessing.  Keeps me up often.


Seth

Hi,


       I generally mark both ends too, and sometimes one in the center.    I don't use the T square so much for squaring as I do for marking. The Woodpeckers T Square is set up with holes for accurate marking.    I will now be up at night figuring out a squaring jig for repetitive cuts.  At least until I et the MFT for that purpose.

         I use this for ripping solid wood also.


Seth

The Asquare is wonderful. 

I have owned mine for years.  Amazon.com also sells it.  I am glad to see Lee Valley is supporting it.  For some reason, it is not very well known in woodworking circles.  I found it while doing some research on a concrete project and actually bought it for checking square on a vertical panel saw that was not cutting plywood correctly.

 Measuring 3' by 4' by 5', this triangle is built on the the geometrical Pythagorean theorem (c squared = a squared plus b squared  (remember high school geometry)).  The item is either square or not square.  There is no question about it! It is also useful for setting the fence square to the guide on the MFT 1080 and MFT/3 tables

Nice table. Thanks Seth for taking the time to post pics.

Hi, Seth, I just noticed this thread tonight.  Very well thought out, very impressive.  Wish I had room for one.

Regards,

John

Hi,

   Here is a series of action shots for the tilt mechanism.  I am cheating and using a 1/4" piece for the pics. It may seem like a process but the whole deal only takes about thirty seconds.  I should also note that the lift wing is not just for tilting sheets onto the table, It also provides the width for fully supporting the sheet and rail ends while cutting. The fact that it folds down keeps walk around space free when not in use.


  Carry the panel in.  Sorry for the dark background, thats where the top secret stuff is 



Set the panel on the lift blocks.





Remove panel carrier.


Hold panel and grab lift wing.


Lift away.





Keep going until brackets lock.


Remove lift blocks.


Everybody is happy including the lift block 



Seth




srs

Thanks for posting with all the great pic's. I've been looking for an easier way to load panels.

Hi,

      The folding brackets are from www.woodworkershardware.com   item # SP179416  they are available elsewhere too I am sure. Several types of folding brackets that I have seen would work.  These looked like the best option for the way I built the table ( I can't remember why now).  The wing is also held on / supported by four other 2 1/2"  or 3"  hinges.

       I am very happy with Woodworkers Hardware BTW.  Good packaging and quick service.  Good catalog too.


Seth

Cheers for all the photos, I think it will be my first project once I'm back from installing my unit. Might tweak the idea with a mft type top.

Great table!  As a cabinet maker, I cut a LOT of plywood.  I may have to steal your ideas. 

Scott