Folding wide table with Jeff's hinges

[wreckwriter]

I have a set of rails and a set of Jeff's folding table hinges coming. I plan to make the table to the right of the blade, as long as can be done with one set of hinges (not a dual fold table). Any tips from folks who have gone this route?

[vaking]

Do you have a fully-functional router table?
Most people make wide table not foldable but use the added table space for router table. Both the saw and the router benefit from having a large table surface. I will use numbers that I have as example:
Full wide table set of rails - 82". Rip to the right of the blade - 65". All of this is mounted on a mobile base - moves easily. Router fence and table occupy the right side of the table. I can cut up to about 36" to the right of the blade without disturbing the router setup - that is probably 98% of my cuts. The remaining 2% are when I need to cut large panels or long boards. In those cases I have to lower the router bit and remove the fence - but I am sure glad I have a lot of table for those cuts.

[wreckwriter]

I have the Ryobi router table, its all I need at this time. I have a second fence so i can keep the router stuff attached.

The main need for a folding table is a severe space limitation. Even on a mobile base, which I have, I would be unable to turn the saw in the space I have if I were to use the full set of extra rails. Its just not practical at this time.

[Popeye]

My 2 cents. Make the out feed either the full width of the rails or or at least two thirds and let it run to the left of the blade. Why? I generally cut down large sheets of plywood to more managable size but I still cut fairly large pieces on the BT. All the outfeed you can get is great.
My inclosed carport is is cramped as all get out..... the outfeed table is my best assembly bench because I can never let it get as cluttered as the the other flat surfaces in the shop... I need it to cut stuff Pat

[vaking]

Pat,
The original question was about wide table kit, not outfeed table.

[Tom Miller]

wreckwriter,

I think I get what you're saying, because that's an issue that I was trying to address with my newly made mobile base. I have the extended rails, but I plan to cut the extensions in half so I can remove that portion when I want to swing the mobile base around.

The last ~20" hang over the end of the mobile base, and are supported by a removeable cantilevered support (bolted onto the side of the base with 2 bolts.



I thought of using the hinges, but I think I'll just make that portion of the table/rails removeable.

Regards,
Tom

[wreckwriter]

Yea, just trying to get a few overall ideas at this point, haven't got the rails or hinges in hand yet (they have been bought though). Once I have everything I'll get out the tape and see what's going to work best. Don't need full double-rail length but will take as much extension as I can get while still fitting in my area with making moving around difficult.

Outfeed table is another upcoming project too!

[Scottydont]

I did the same thing on my mobile base. I ended up cutting 1/3 off my rails and putting the short ends on the left. Jeffs hinges do a great job of taking the "wiggle" play out of the quation that I got using standard metal hinges. Make sure that what ever you do for a top that it holds the rails tightly and squarely. Good luck!