Cut Tables

[timcgibbs]

I was hoping one of you more familiar with the forums' history would be able to point me towards some of the threads that cover different sheet goods breakdown tables.  I know Steve Jones posted some great info a few years ago - Are there other posts I should check out?

Thanks, -Tim

 

[score0matic]

I listed a bunch the other day check my recent posts and you will find a thread that lists most of them
Craig

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/mft3-cross-cut-to-replace-excalibur-slider/msg94785/#msg94785

 

[Corwin]

Tim,

There is a wide variety of cutting tables for sheet goods.  Simple setups made from 2 saw horses, 2x4s and a sheet of pink foam.  Complex tables with fixtures to align the guide rails.  Tilt-up tables to assist in lifting that heavy material.  Some are easy to transport, some are easy to store.  Lots of choices.  So, maybe you could elaborate a little on just what you're after...

I would recommend using the simple method (saw horse, 2x4s and foam) to start with and go from there.  Aside from portability and storage considerations, one of the biggest decisions for you may be how you will align your guide rails.  My preference is to use accessories that lay on top of and reference off your material rather than incorporating those into the table and have to position large sheet material accordingly.  But your choices may differ.  So, again, fill us in on your design considerations so we can better advise.

 

[Wonderwino]

The one that works great for me is an old school library table that is about 30" high with a sheet of 1-1/2" rigid foam on it.  The table is slightly smaller than 4x8, so if I feel the need to clamp the guide rail, I can clamp it directly to the material until the pieces get too small.  I bought the table at a school auction for $5.  The foam cost me about $23.

-Alex

 

[clintholeman]

I use a very sophisticated cutting set-up using two 4' X 42" pieces of 3/4" MDF [the base] + two similarly sized 1/2" pieces [the sacrificial top - flippable for a clean surface when needed] on top of four saw horses [the really expensive plastic ones for about $15 each].  Tried foam, but found it too messy.  The 1/2" MDF is about the same price, stacks well and handles easily.

Mine "breaks down" quickly to give me additional room when I need it [a lot of the time] and I often use half of it for assembly, painting, etc., etc..

Just my 2 cents - everyone has a different way - all good for their shops.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

There was an article I did in our email newsletter that featured a table designed by Marte Yerkins.

Read Marte's tutorial (in PDF format) about the Mobile Saw Table, complete with blueprints and instructions for making your own.

 

[suds]

So far I have had great luck using the Walko table. 

 

[GPowers]

There was an article I did in our email newsletter that featured a table designed by Marte Yerkins.

Read Marte's tutorial (in PDF format) about the Mobile Saw Table, complete with blueprints and instructions for making your own.

Very cool table, I like that is folds up.

 

[timcgibbs]

Perfect.  Thanks for the leads everyone!

Craig - I really like the Rip Guide you built, have you refined it at all?

Corwin - For job sites I use horses with foam board and then measure and mark to make my cuts.  That works great.  I want one for the shop (aka garage) that removes the error potential from lining up the track on pencil marks.  The parallel guide looks intriguing but also a bit unwieldy?  Maybe I should demo a set first? What I like about the table Steve has is the repeatable cut capacity via the adjustable stops.  What accessories do you use that you like?

 

[Corwin]

Tim,  I haven't tried Festool's Parallel Guides, but I agree with your assessment.  Well before these were offered, I made my own versions.  My large parallel guide that I use for sheet goods is a one piece affair with a piano hinge that holds the guide rail.  It is placed on and references off the top of the material, so it does not require that thinner materials be shimmed as you would with the Festool guide.  I use Incra Incremental Scales on my guides so I simply set the stops at the desired setting and go -- no measuring or marking.  It also works nicely for making rips narrower than the guide rail.  Here is an older piicture of it sitting on my MFT.  

 

[clintholeman]

I used to use a home made jig for ripping but since the Parallel Guides, I haven't touched it.  They are fast to set up, very accurate, repeatable and well, I love 'em!

Not sure how one would find them unwieldy.