aftermarket outfeed tables

[wreckwriter]

If a guy wanted to buy, rather than build, an outfeed table for the 3100, are there any good option other than the highly priced Ryobi table? Has any tried the Rocklers table ( http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=5719 ) with a 3100? I'm looking for something that will fit and go with as little screwing around as possible.

I realize that building one myself is the best option but I have so many projects already at the halfway point and so little time to work on them that I really need to get some of them finished rather than spend time building accessories right now....

[just4funsies]

Problem with the Rockler table is that it's not made to leave clearance for the rear rail, and you need that, because the rip fence attaches there (many TS's have fences that only attach to a front rail). If you do put something together on your own, or buy pre-fab, make sure the leading edge of the table is tapered down the slightest bit, so that your workpiece does not "catch" as it comes off the main saw table.

[LarryG]

What just4 said, and remember too that universal outfeed tables don't have a "notch" into which the BT's sliding miter table can slide at the rearward part of its travel. This is not an issue when the SMT is locked for cuts on large panels (when you need an outfeed table the most), but you probably won't want to have to remove the outfeed table in order to use the SMT.

[wreckwriter]

Gotcha. So nobody makes one specifically designed for our saws I guess, other than the $200 Ryobi one. Thanks guys.

[just4funsies]

None that I'm aware of, and even if you get the Ryobi, you'll have to fold it down every time you use the SMT.

[wreckwriter]

.....even if you get the Ryobi, you'll have to fold it down every time you use the SMT.

Really? That's for squat

I guess I have to build one. Any suggestions on how to attach it to the rails so the saw still can be moved?

[geopilot]

I used the design in the link below and it was really easy. A hollow core door works well in this application due the light weight. The hinges can be attached with 10-24 FHMS (or 6mm)- the hex nuts just fit the rear rail. Or you can buy the small t-nuts.

http://www.gugie.com/house/cheap_BT3X000_outfeed_table.htm

[Tom Miller]

Regarding needing a cutout for the SMT -- obviously you could cut out a piece of a "store-bought" outfeed table. But, if you're buying a purpose-built outfeed table, like the Rockler one, it may have miter slots already cut. If you use the BT3 miter slot accessory, these grooves may or may not match up.

Half-way in-between making your own outfeed table, and buying one, is to make something that fills in the gap needed for SMT travel. You can route slots for your miter slots, if you have them. Then, you can butt up just about anything if/when you need more outfeed support. Pardon me if you've already seen this, but I posted some pics of my intermediate outfeed table here. (Scroll down towards the bottom.)

Regards,
Tom

[Tom Miller]

...even if you get the Ryobi, you'll have to fold it down every time you use the SMT.

WTF?!!! Now that's retarded! Well, at least it's expensive.

Regards,
Tom

[wreckwriter]

I used the design in the link below and it was really easy. A hollow core door works well in this application due the light weight. The hinges can be attached with 10-24 FHMS (or 6mm)- the hex nuts just fit the rear rail. Or you can buy the small t-nuts.

http://www.gugie.com/house/cheap_BT3...feed_table.htm

That looks like a good method of attachment. Thanks for your time!

[mikeg]

I used the design in the link below and it was really easy. A hollow core door works well in this application due the light weight. The hinges can be attached with 10-24 FHMS (or 6mm)- the hex nuts just fit the rear rail. Or you can buy the small t-nuts.

http://www.gugie.com/house/cheap_BT3...feed_table.htm

Hey Geopilot,

Thanks for that link. I'll be able to kill two birds with one stone! I need an outfeed table and LOML keeps asking why I'm hanging on to that door in the garage!!

mikeg