Outfeed Table For The Table Saw

One problem most woodworkers face is found on the outfeed side of the table saw. The problem occurs when ripping materials. As the piece is feed through the saw, it is no longer safely controlled by the operator of the saw, and is likely to end up on the floor.

This problem isn't too bad when the material is a piece of lumber, as most of us can still maintain control of both pieces, and move them safely out of the way without ciontacting the still spinning blade. However, when the material is a sheet of plywood or other similar material, the size and weight of the piece can be too much to handle.

The solutions are pretty simple. For those of us with enough room to build a table behind the saw, there really is no better option. The table is always ready to support our work, while providing ample room for storage under it, whether it's simple shelving, or a fully enclosed cabinet. This outfeed table is also very handy for assembling our projects. The only real down side to having this type of solution is the fact it isn't exactly portable. It is always there. In my cabinet shop, that's the option I chose, since I do have the room to permit it.

Many of us keep our saws on a mobile base, allowing us to move the saw out of the way until needed. This makes the above option of a permanent table impossible. There are still a number of options for us though. Several manufacturers offer an outfeed table, which is mounted on the back of the saw. It is hinged, which makes folding it down and out of the way, possible. The downside to this is it limits the length of the table. Otherwise it would drag on the floor. The length is goverened largely by the height of the saw. With most sheet materials being 8' long, the balance point is often beyong the length of the outfeed table, permiting the pieces to fall onto the floor.

Our solution to this is a removable outfeed table. It too, has a set of legs which fold, but since it is removable, the height of the saw is not an issue. Our units are 58" long, well beyond the balance point of the materials being cut. Our standard width units are 22" wide, which is wide enough for most applications, yet still narrow enough to be portable, for use on a job site. When we're cutting large parts, we stop feeding the material out the back once it is beyond the blade. This allows the anti kickback pawls to hold the pieces, preventing them from falling on the floor.

For those that have no need for portable units, we offer a 30" wide unit, which makes it easier to prevent the pieces from falling. We also make custom width units, for those wishing to have the added support.

Our standard width units make use of a static mounting system. Height adjustable locator bolts are dropped into holes on the mounting angle. The only way toposition them to a new location on the mounting angle is to drill a new set of holes. Most users find two positions to be suitable, some use three. The 30" wide and custom width units use the same T track and sliding brackets as those used on our infeed systems. This permits easy positioning, anywhere along the 4" track.