The Garage Shop Ministry

Specializing in VBS & Woodworking for People of Faith!

The Table Saw

Norm's "Heart of the Shop!"

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Before I exploring my current table-saw, I want to encourage you to consider what I believe is THE MOST IMPORTANT upgrade you can make to your saw--An over-arm blade cover. Protect your lungs and your digits! You need not spend a fortune. I made mine for about $80! Check out the details, your lungs, fingers and hands will be glad you did!
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This is the third saw in my shop. I started out with a Sears’s model, but gave it away when I went back in the Navy. I then purchased a Ryobi BT3000.

In the picture of the saw (above), the over-arm blade cover, out-feed table, rolling shop cabinet were all shop made saving HUNDREDS of dollars!

I rewired the motor for 220v. On this Delta motor you pick up an additional 1/2 HP more because the run capacitor is not used. I highly recommend rewiring to 220v; the saw snaps on, motor does not experience line loss problems (resulting in seemingly more power) and runs more efficiently wired for 220v.

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The length of my out-feed table is a couple inches shorter than the commercial Delta product. I made mine from MDF, pine scraps and high-pressure laminate ($40). The frame's wood came from the base wood lot (trash or "dunnage" wood which is used to ship munitions). The frame was made from a rocket motor case! The legs are simply ripped 2X4s. The table connects to the saw with two 1/4" bolts through the holes drilled in the back rail angle iron (on a saw with a Unifence, the back rail serves no purpose). Total cost: less than $41. Delta's solution is about $180 (in 2002)!
 
The shop made rolling shop cabinet simply slides into the "hole" to add more out-feed space. The idea for this cabinet comes from The New Yankee Workshop as well.
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Osbourne EB-3
Miter Gauge

 
I would hate to have tried to build the information center for my parish without this tool! Once it is set-up, it remains dead-on accurate! I highly recommend this upgrade for your saw.

Blades and Upgrades
 

The first blade I bought for my saw was a 6" Freud Super Dado. It has performed flawlessly for me. I bought the 6" because I did not want to stress my small Ryobi saw, however, were I to purchase one today for the Delta, I would buy the 8". You do not need the extra depth of the 8” blade very often, but it nice to have when you do need it!

I use a Freud This Kerf (3/32") rip blade for ripping hardwoods, and a Forrest standard kerf (1/8") for crosscut and sheet goods. Both have been great blades. The Forrest is pricey, but what a cut! Worth every penny!

I also upgraded the standard V-belt on the saw to a Link Belt. What a difference! Cut back the belt chatter remarkably and 80% of the vibration. Should have done this simple upgrade long ago!

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Blessings,
—Mark

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