Wide table kit usage

[kmk]

I just installed extra set of rails on BT3100.

In fact, I don't need that much (24" + 41" ?) support on the right side. Instead I'd like to add about 15" support on the left and 26" on the right. How would you go about doing that? Would you just adjust the long rails or cut them and install on both sides? What would you do about the scale on the main rails if you adjust the long rails to get 15" on left and 26" on right?

I'm looking for ideas...

[RodKirby]

Forget the scale (most of us have), then a single join, rails positioned where you want them.

[maxparot]

Add on as much rail as you need and then remove the scale and replace it with a new one as needed.

[kmk]

Ok.. looks like I'm on right track for once I'd like to forget the scale but I think having it
might be useful..

If I peel off the old scale and replace it with new one, should I go for the
scale on the right side only? if so, how would you position it?

One more question... Any source for getting a (reusable?) scale?

[jdschulteis]

Ok.. looks like I'm on right track for once I'd like to forget the scale but I think having it
might be useful..

If I peel off the old scale and replace it with new one, should I go for the
scale on the right side only? if so, how would you position it?

One more question... Any source for getting a (reusable?) scale?

I don't think they're reusable, but http://woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=432 might be what you're looking for.

[maxparot]

As Jerry notes they aren't really reusable.
You can purchase self stick metal tapes. I got one that is 3/4" wide they are available in left hand and right hand read so you could set up a scale in both directions.

[Black wallnut]

The scale may or MAY not agree with your tape measure

Which is why most forget it. Best results are when you use only one single measuing device per project. Or even none if you use a story stick.

The wide rail kit includes a front and a back rail the same length as the rails supplied with the saw and hardware to butt join the rails together. Many users have cut their extended rails for a custom size. For a nice clean square cut you need look no farther than your BT3. The blades teeth are far harder than the aluminum rails; just cut slow and wear goggles as aluminum chips are sharper and harder than wood.

[just4funsies]

Woodcraft does indeed have 6ft. sticky-back tapes in either direction that will work perfectly. (I had no problem removing my old one and repositioning it with rubber cement, however.) That said, the rail rulers are NOT going to be perfect in any case. Blade runout and thickness of cut can cause small discrepancies. I trust it when "neighborhood" cuts are all that's required, but for precision cuts, use a tape and test cut, if necessary, for more accuracy. And that way, you can use the same tape for all measurements in the project, which is always a good habit.

[kmk]

Is it safe to cut those rails using the stock blade? And, I will get good cut?

[Rob R]

Is it safe to cut those rails using the stock blade? And, I will get good cut?

yes, yes. carbide is quite a bit tougher than alum.

rob

[kmk]

I will give it a try tonight...

BTW. I'm sure this was asked before.. for the tabletop do you use melamine or some hardwood plywood? I'm thinking melamine...

[Tom Miller]

... for the tabletop do you use melamine or some hardwood plywood? I'm thinking melamine...

Whatever you like. I've been using hardwood-veneered mdf, but the new top is going to be baltic birch. A couple coats of poly and then paste wax makes this as slick as ever.

Did you decide to cut it and make two joints? Is it too late to add my vote to NOT do this? The scale seems like a trivial thing compared to any possible weakening of the rails. If/when you modify your fence (to make it longer, or to make a sacrificial fence) it'll just throw the scale off again.

Regards,
Tom

[JimD]

I used Melamine covered particle board. With a coat of wax, it is very slick. I have been using it for a year or more and it still looks almost like new. It is also pretty cheap. I added a few ribs underneith to keep it flat. I also incorporated a mount for a router so I can use it as a router table.

Jim

[kmk]

I changed my mind and not going to cut the rails. I will have a new scale installed on the right side. I'm not going to trust it though...

On the tabletop, I think I'm going to go for melamine. I have spent too much already
on accessorizing my saw and I have to show some productivity now...

Thanks all for the ideas... I was wondering how the tabletop would stay flat.. thanks for the rib idea...

[kmk]

Got 2'x5' baltic birch plywood at Rocker for $15. (50%). Almost same price
as melamine at HD. So, went for it...