Cutting table - update
- Thread starter Steve Jones
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JEFF JOHNSON
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I have been trying to upload photos..
each photo is 2mb .......too large to upload.. any ideas on how to reduce the size of the file to upload pics?
each photo is 2mb .......too large to upload.. any ideas on how to reduce the size of the file to upload pics?
JEFF JOHNSON said:
You can post them to Flickr.com. They have the option of resizing pictures.
Upload the picture, then click on it. At the top of your picture, you will find a link that says "All Sizes"
Click that, then pick whichever size of the picture you want. It will give you the correct link to copy and paste into your thread post.
JEFF JOHNSON
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Ok, my garage is gross, never finished the wainscoating.. will be a lot easier to finish now!!
Here are some pics of my steve jones inspired setup...
Needed to be able to put it together and break it down quickly.... probably will take 5-10 minutes to do...
I used two pairs of sawhorses with 2x4's as the base.. will probably make some rolling cabinets..but for now sawhorses are really easy for me to store.. very sturdy.. even stood on the table to screw eye bolts in the ceiling...
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Here you can see basic set-up..
2 doors both 6'8" one is 30" wide one is 24" wide.
clamped together at first..then I attached the incra track fence on the front...it's 1 1/2 tall so i added a 3/4 strip underneath to bring it to the same height as the mdf.. also I don't think I will ever need it taller than that..
and used 3/4"mdf pieces on top.. through bolted and attached with wing nuts.. so they wouldn't move and easily removable.
woodpecker super tracks... were used for clamping.. they are amazing.. and versatile.. they are attached with hex nuts.. and thumbscrews underneath..
I simply loosen them and slide them back out of the way when ripping.... very easy..
[attachthumb=#]
Here are some pics of my steve jones inspired setup...
Needed to be able to put it together and break it down quickly.... probably will take 5-10 minutes to do...
I used two pairs of sawhorses with 2x4's as the base.. will probably make some rolling cabinets..but for now sawhorses are really easy for me to store.. very sturdy.. even stood on the table to screw eye bolts in the ceiling...
[attachthumb=#]
Here you can see basic set-up..
2 doors both 6'8" one is 30" wide one is 24" wide.
clamped together at first..then I attached the incra track fence on the front...it's 1 1/2 tall so i added a 3/4 strip underneath to bring it to the same height as the mdf.. also I don't think I will ever need it taller than that..
and used 3/4"mdf pieces on top.. through bolted and attached with wing nuts.. so they wouldn't move and easily removable.
woodpecker super tracks... were used for clamping.. they are amazing.. and versatile.. they are attached with hex nuts.. and thumbscrews underneath..
I simply loosen them and slide them back out of the way when ripping.... very easy..
[attachthumb=#]
JEFF JOHNSON
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Here you can see the incra track.. and the supertrack.. I use the board attached to the super tracks to pull against the piece I am crosscutting..slides easily and guarantees even small pieces won't move..Here you can also see the notch out for the rail.. was easy to square up..
shop stop is amazing.. dials in to 1/32" and clicks in to exact measurement for crosscuts..
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Here is where I store the sheets of plywood.. just a few sawhorses.. very easy to pull full sheets on to the table.. also nice to slide rips back on to the table afterword.. I set up a banquet table next to it.. and slid all my rips on to it..
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shop stop is amazing.. dials in to 1/32" and clicks in to exact measurement for crosscuts..
[attachthumb=#]
Here is where I store the sheets of plywood.. just a few sawhorses.. very easy to pull full sheets on to the table.. also nice to slide rips back on to the table afterword.. I set up a banquet table next to it.. and slid all my rips on to it..
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JEFF JOHNSON said:
Very nice, and quick to set up! If I didn't have room for the table I built, I would probably do something similar to yours. Whenever you are able to make your rolling cabinets, you could make them like mini sysports!
Then, whenever you are done with the table you could just roll them right out of the way, but they are still useful for holding your systainers. JEFF JOHNSON
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For this project.. I needed a lot of 15 3/4" x 74" pieces.. so I made another crosscut area on the right of the table which will allow me to do that as well when needed...I have to figure out a way to add another tape somewhere on the incra track or just measure.. but I still will be able to use the shop stop to reference the distance..
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That's it!! I can dress this up alot.. I'm going to add some more supertrack.. it will be great to use this for clamping and assembly...copying a kreg table..
Pretty simple actually.. put it all together and calibrated in half a day.. will stay calibrated even after breakdown and reassembly cause of the super track and through bolts on the mdf..The great thing for those of you who need to be able to break it down and park a car in-between projects.. it can all fit on a shelf..
Cuts were dead on square...
Let me know what you think
I'm going to try and add a pic of how I do the rips...have to reduce the pic i took thanks sparky...
[attachthumb=#]
That's it!! I can dress this up alot.. I'm going to add some more supertrack.. it will be great to use this for clamping and assembly...copying a kreg table..
Pretty simple actually.. put it all together and calibrated in half a day.. will stay calibrated even after breakdown and reassembly cause of the super track and through bolts on the mdf..The great thing for those of you who need to be able to break it down and park a car in-between projects.. it can all fit on a shelf..
Cuts were dead on square...
Let me know what you think
I'm going to try and add a pic of how I do the rips...have to reduce the pic i took thanks sparky...
JEFF JOHNSON
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Here you can see the setup for full sheet rips..just push the sheet against the fence.. and use story sticks... easy and very accurate.. I did have to take a small slice off the edge of the sheet first.. found out that they really aren't straight from the lumberyard!!
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JEFF JOHNSON
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shot of simple "boom arm" ... just eye hooks on the ceiling... two bungee's... I remove unhook one of the bungees to rip.. works great.. boom arm makes all the difference in the world not fighting with the hose and cord...
I also hung an air hose to blow dust off the fence..
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Wanted to thank Steve Jones again for the inspiration...
Can't imagine working any other way....
Didn't have to ever pick up a sheet of plywood.. simply slide and cut... The two different crosscut points is huge.. and helps cause my table is only 7 foot long..
If anyone needed to make one like this for on-site work... could just use two doors..(flush doors.. solid core from home depot about 45$ each..) put an incra track on the close door.. stop on the back door.. line up the left edges of the doors to make sure it stays calibrated..bar clamp the tables together from underneath.. put it on sawhorses.. and cut away... I know many of you just use styrofoam.. and measure and try and square it up.. But having a front fence...makes square rips so much easier... pushing the work against it and make some story sticks... I used three sticks... I'll keep them and re-use them for any future 15 3/4" rips.. every time I have a different rip width... I'll just make some new ones..
Also, having the front and back stops makes cutting squares fast and effortless.. just dial in the exact distance... and cut away.. perfectly square every time!!
I also hung an air hose to blow dust off the fence..
[attachthumb=#]
Wanted to thank Steve Jones again for the inspiration...
Can't imagine working any other way....
Didn't have to ever pick up a sheet of plywood.. simply slide and cut... The two different crosscut points is huge.. and helps cause my table is only 7 foot long..
If anyone needed to make one like this for on-site work... could just use two doors..(flush doors.. solid core from home depot about 45$ each..) put an incra track on the close door.. stop on the back door.. line up the left edges of the doors to make sure it stays calibrated..bar clamp the tables together from underneath.. put it on sawhorses.. and cut away... I know many of you just use styrofoam.. and measure and try and square it up.. But having a front fence...makes square rips so much easier... pushing the work against it and make some story sticks... I used three sticks... I'll keep them and re-use them for any future 15 3/4" rips.. every time I have a different rip width... I'll just make some new ones..
Also, having the front and back stops makes cutting squares fast and effortless.. just dial in the exact distance... and cut away.. perfectly square every time!!
JEFF JOHNSON
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sparky,
No doubt on the rolling cabinets.. your storage is amazing!!! I am green with envy..
No doubt on the rolling cabinets.. your storage is amazing!!! I am green with envy..
Jesus Aleman
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Jeff, great setup. I guess it wouldn't be too difficult to add a t-track and an Incra miter guage on the back side. You are inspiring me to build a small cutting table until I can splurge on the MFT.
JGA.
JGA.
JEFF JOHNSON
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Jesus,
I just can't imagine how an mft could be more useful.. with the exception of mitre cuts... even then it would be no problem to add a mitre slot in a cutting table.. I just cut up a zillion cabinet parts today.. accurate and easy... no need at all for any extra support... didn't actually lift a piece of wood... some of the small squares... but everything else was slid between tables.. having all the room for the offcut was unbelievable.. Also thought it was going to be a pain dealing with the rail between cuts.. but I simply put it on top of the front fence and on the back fence.. had to move it maybe 6" each time.. I ripped 10 15 3/4"x74" pieces.. and 20 other square pieces... and other parts as well... easily!! butting the rail against the stops and cutting was a pleasure...
I did feel that for the smaller pieces I did need to secure the piece.. but I just unscrewed two nobs.. pulled the fence toward me and tightened.. it secured it and made sure it was square against the front fence... A table like this that Steve Jones designed is no doubt easier than a panel saw... I also croscutted full sheets first.. the full 48"... like steve described.. I also realized.. that if I had the clamps for it.. which are available.. I could easily drill 20mm holes and use festool table clamps anywhere.. or I could drill 3/4 inch holes and use other brands.. but I am going to add a couple more super-tracks... maybe on the edges as well for holding pieces verticle... with all the stuff available at woodpeckers... the possibilities are endless.. I had so much fun cutting up parts today...I am hooked.. Now I know why this is forum is here and why people love the tools so much.. the ts55, ct22 and rails are amazing... Felt like I was using hand tools instead of power tools.. I am always slow to recommend anything... but without a doubt no one would be dissapointed building a table like this.whether it is something that you could break down or a masterpiece like Steve's or Sparky's..Thank you Steve Jones!!! Anyone from a novice to a professional would benefit from this way of cutting up sheet goods!!! I will start assembling soon.. and I know that all that room will be nice to have...
I just can't imagine how an mft could be more useful.. with the exception of mitre cuts... even then it would be no problem to add a mitre slot in a cutting table.. I just cut up a zillion cabinet parts today.. accurate and easy... no need at all for any extra support... didn't actually lift a piece of wood... some of the small squares... but everything else was slid between tables.. having all the room for the offcut was unbelievable.. Also thought it was going to be a pain dealing with the rail between cuts.. but I simply put it on top of the front fence and on the back fence.. had to move it maybe 6" each time.. I ripped 10 15 3/4"x74" pieces.. and 20 other square pieces... and other parts as well... easily!! butting the rail against the stops and cutting was a pleasure...
I did feel that for the smaller pieces I did need to secure the piece.. but I just unscrewed two nobs.. pulled the fence toward me and tightened.. it secured it and made sure it was square against the front fence... A table like this that Steve Jones designed is no doubt easier than a panel saw... I also croscutted full sheets first.. the full 48"... like steve described.. I also realized.. that if I had the clamps for it.. which are available.. I could easily drill 20mm holes and use festool table clamps anywhere.. or I could drill 3/4 inch holes and use other brands.. but I am going to add a couple more super-tracks... maybe on the edges as well for holding pieces verticle... with all the stuff available at woodpeckers... the possibilities are endless.. I had so much fun cutting up parts today...I am hooked.. Now I know why this is forum is here and why people love the tools so much.. the ts55, ct22 and rails are amazing... Felt like I was using hand tools instead of power tools.. I am always slow to recommend anything... but without a doubt no one would be dissapointed building a table like this.whether it is something that you could break down or a masterpiece like Steve's or Sparky's..Thank you Steve Jones!!! Anyone from a novice to a professional would benefit from this way of cutting up sheet goods!!! I will start assembling soon.. and I know that all that room will be nice to have...
Jeff, as a new owner of an MFT who still has the need to rip 4 x 8 sheets, I am truly envious! I'll say this, my MFT serves me very well as a stationary bench for cutting as well as clamping, outfeed for table saw and more, but it can't do what you are doing and what I need to do is what you are doing!
Minus the Festool stuff and the saw horses, what would you say the bench parts cost?
Minus the Festool stuff and the saw horses, what would you say the bench parts cost?
I don't have room in my shop (garage) for a large cutting/assembly table, so I've been using a cheap door on saw horses, which works fine, but isn't as stable as I'd like when I'm hefting sheetgoods onto it.
This thread has inspired me to come up with some better way of doing things, so I think what I am going to attempt is building a torsion box top with folding/locking legs that I can suspend from the ceiling when not in use.
I did make a rolling base for my MFT this weekend that raises it up to a more comfortable working height for me, and I "Garry-rigged" a boom arm substitute. (A piece of cable tensioned between the supports for the garage door track and the garage door opener) with a couple of pulleys and some bungee. What a difference that makes!
This thread has inspired me to come up with some better way of doing things, so I think what I am going to attempt is building a torsion box top with folding/locking legs that I can suspend from the ceiling when not in use.
I did make a rolling base for my MFT this weekend that raises it up to a more comfortable working height for me, and I "Garry-rigged" a boom arm substitute. (A piece of cable tensioned between the supports for the garage door track and the garage door opener) with a couple of pulleys and some bungee. What a difference that makes!
JEFF JOHNSON
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Deke,
Bench parts
Qty Name SKU Each Sub Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Universal Track Clamp ea. utc $16.99 $50.97
2 Super Track - 48" SPT-48 $49.99 $99.98
1 Knob Kit - 12 pc 13-KK-12 $5.95 $5.95
1 36" Woodpecker Story Stick STRYSTK-36W $34.95 $34.95
20 KNOB 1/4-20 Thru 5/8 Dia Knurled Brass 13-KN120P $0.36 $7.20
1 Incra Track 36" TRACK36 $37.00 $37.00
1 Incra Track 18" TRACK18 $27.50 $27.50
1 Incra ShopSTOP SHPSTOP $28.95 $28.95
1 Super Track - 24" SPT-24 $29.99 $29.99
1 T-Handle Vertical Toggle Clamp 12070 CLA12070 $9.50 $9.50
2 Hold Down Clamp, Pivot, Non-Slip HDCG-PIV-WP $6.99 $13.98
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub Total $345.97
Story Stick isn't necessary.... supertrack is expensive... but you could get away with one 48" the one pictured closest to my rail... Got to do the incra track.. or kreg version... so could have easily spent 200$ or so plus the 125$ for the two doors and mdf...
Bench parts
Qty Name SKU Each Sub Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Universal Track Clamp ea. utc $16.99 $50.97
2 Super Track - 48" SPT-48 $49.99 $99.98
1 Knob Kit - 12 pc 13-KK-12 $5.95 $5.95
1 36" Woodpecker Story Stick STRYSTK-36W $34.95 $34.95
20 KNOB 1/4-20 Thru 5/8 Dia Knurled Brass 13-KN120P $0.36 $7.20
1 Incra Track 36" TRACK36 $37.00 $37.00
1 Incra Track 18" TRACK18 $27.50 $27.50
1 Incra ShopSTOP SHPSTOP $28.95 $28.95
1 Super Track - 24" SPT-24 $29.99 $29.99
1 T-Handle Vertical Toggle Clamp 12070 CLA12070 $9.50 $9.50
2 Hold Down Clamp, Pivot, Non-Slip HDCG-PIV-WP $6.99 $13.98
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub Total $345.97
Story Stick isn't necessary.... supertrack is expensive... but you could get away with one 48" the one pictured closest to my rail... Got to do the incra track.. or kreg version... so could have easily spent 200$ or so plus the 125$ for the two doors and mdf...
Just for another option for people, this is very similar to the knock down table that I use to use. The version I used was in a woodworking magazine that I can't find at the moment. It was nice because it was very easy to set up and take down. Granted, there was no fence or anything. It was purely for basic cutting down to smaller sizes. I used a square to make perpendicular cuts. Table saw for parallel cuts after the pieces were a more manageable size. It was very nice for taking to the job site.
JEFF JOHNSON
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Garry,
Do you have room to add another door and pair of sawhorses?
put a fence on one and a stop on the other...
The doors need to be around 50" in width combined... line up the edges and squeeze them together with a bar clamp from underneath...
Do you have room to add another door and pair of sawhorses?
put a fence on one and a stop on the other...
The doors need to be around 50" in width combined... line up the edges and squeeze them together with a bar clamp from underneath...
Dave Ronyak
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- Jan 23, 2007
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- 2,234
Jeff,
Yours is a great cutting table project. Thanks for sharing the many details of how you built it and how you use it.
If only I had the space....
Although smaller in width, I think a line of MFTs connected together could be used to create a similar cutting table. When MFTs are arranged end to end, F-style clamps can be inserted and slid quickly to any desired position along the top channels of the abutting side rails of the MFTs, much like you can do with clamps inserted into your embedded track sections.
Dave R.
Yours is a great cutting table project. Thanks for sharing the many details of how you built it and how you use it.
If only I had the space....
Although smaller in width, I think a line of MFTs connected together could be used to create a similar cutting table. When MFTs are arranged end to end, F-style clamps can be inserted and slid quickly to any desired position along the top channels of the abutting side rails of the MFTs, much like you can do with clamps inserted into your embedded track sections.
Dave R.