I have a decently large shop in my basement, but I still prefer to use a cordless circular saw in my garage or driveway. I lay some acoustic ceiling tile on the concrete and cut on top of that. I have some straight edges and 90 degree angle guides I've made. They work great.
Advice on Assembly/Outfeed Table and Workshop Design
I am very novice and like to do woodworking as a hobby when I can. I work out of my garage, which is quite a mess at the moment so its hard to work with anything that's not very small. Breaking down sheet goods with straight cuts is also one of my pain points. I currently have a miter saw on a rolling stand, table saw on rolling stand, a tracksaw, and just ordered a benchtop planer.
I want to organize my garage so that it not only functions better but so that I have a work area that is useful. I currently have a couple of the Worx Pegasus tables and they are nice but I realized they are not flat and still not big enough to breakdown sheet goods. Currently, when I need to breakdown sheet goods I have to do it outside in my driveway with the Worx tables, saw horses, and some rolling stands.
My thought is that I would like to build a multi-function assembly table that can also work as an outfeed table for my table saw. My table saw (DWE7491RS) is on the Dewalt stand that folds up and that's great but when I have to set it up inside, the legs spread far apart and take up quite a bit of space. So I was thinking about maybe incorporating at least the tablesaw into the assembly table OR making a cart for it that could roll right next to the assembly table and essentially extend the table with the surface of the table saw. My miter saw is also on a folding/rolling stand and I would consider incorporating it too, but I am not sold on that either way because it may be nice but it would also make the build more complex.
I have found a few examples or ideas and I am back and forth on these things, and have even thought about combining some of the ideas. My main goals are to try to save space, be portable, add storage below the table surface, provide a flat space for build/assembly of projects, and help be better breakdown sheet goods. I would like to have something like T-Track or some way of clamping stuff too, but that's a nice to have and not on the critical list.
So I am looking for some advice. For example, what has worked well for you? How large of a surface is needed to break down sheet goods (eg 4x8 is obvious size but can it be smaller?). Does it make sense to incorporate the tools like table saw or miter saw or is it better to leave them on their existing stands? Like I said, my most recent thought was to build a rolling table at something like ~3'-4' wide and ~6' long and then build a cart just for the table saw that would roll right up to the table so essentially making a ~8' table and using it as outfeed at the same time. Any thoughts/ideas?
Here are some examples/ideas I have found.
Mobile Miter / Table Saw Workbench Plans Instant PDF - Etsy
Just finished this miter & table saw combo mobile workbench : Workbenches (reddit.com)
DIY Building Plans for Mobile Workbench: Miter Saw Stand, Table Saw Stand and Worktable – Come Stay Awhile by Amanda Vernaci | Modern Farmhouse DIY + Home Renovation
I want to organize my garage so that it not only functions better but so that I have a work area that is useful. I currently have a couple of the Worx Pegasus tables and they are nice but I realized they are not flat and still not big enough to breakdown sheet goods. Currently, when I need to breakdown sheet goods I have to do it outside in my driveway with the Worx tables, saw horses, and some rolling stands.
My thought is that I would like to build a multi-function assembly table that can also work as an outfeed table for my table saw. My table saw (DWE7491RS) is on the Dewalt stand that folds up and that's great but when I have to set it up inside, the legs spread far apart and take up quite a bit of space. So I was thinking about maybe incorporating at least the tablesaw into the assembly table OR making a cart for it that could roll right next to the assembly table and essentially extend the table with the surface of the table saw. My miter saw is also on a folding/rolling stand and I would consider incorporating it too, but I am not sold on that either way because it may be nice but it would also make the build more complex.
I have found a few examples or ideas and I am back and forth on these things, and have even thought about combining some of the ideas. My main goals are to try to save space, be portable, add storage below the table surface, provide a flat space for build/assembly of projects, and help be better breakdown sheet goods. I would like to have something like T-Track or some way of clamping stuff too, but that's a nice to have and not on the critical list.
So I am looking for some advice. For example, what has worked well for you? How large of a surface is needed to break down sheet goods (eg 4x8 is obvious size but can it be smaller?). Does it make sense to incorporate the tools like table saw or miter saw or is it better to leave them on their existing stands? Like I said, my most recent thought was to build a rolling table at something like ~3'-4' wide and ~6' long and then build a cart just for the table saw that would roll right up to the table so essentially making a ~8' table and using it as outfeed at the same time. Any thoughts/ideas?
Here are some examples/ideas I have found.
Mobile Miter / Table Saw Workbench Plans Instant PDF - Etsy
Just finished this miter & table saw combo mobile workbench : Workbenches (reddit.com)
DIY Building Plans for Mobile Workbench: Miter Saw Stand, Table Saw Stand and Worktable – Come Stay Awhile by Amanda Vernaci | Modern Farmhouse DIY + Home Renovation
1 - 20 of 86 Posts
My out-feed is 48”x64”. I can cut sheet goods like a mad man all day..
But if your not comfortable…no no…
But if your not comfortable…no no…
Thanks. My plan is to still use my track saw for breaking down most sheet goods. I plan to use the table saw for ripping/jointing boards when needed. If I did cut any sheet goods with the table saw, it would not be full sheets.
At first I was thinking I would need 4’x8’ to break down a sheet but the more I think about it,I was wondering if it can still easily be done with something a little smaller. Space is a premium for me but I also only want to do this once.
Another thought/question I have is about t-track or something similar in function. Would 3/4” sheet be thick enough to be able to have a track for clamping and such? Or would I need a 2nd layer of sheet?
I have thought about using sheets of insulation material to cut on but I’m limited on storing them so I’d prefer to be able to break down sheets without it but if it’s the way I need to go then I can maybe store them on the ceiling above my garage door, but again I’d prefer not to. I was thinking of using bench cookies under the sheets on top of this table as the primary way, so that’s where the size is coming into question.
At first I was thinking I would need 4’x8’ to break down a sheet but the more I think about it,I was wondering if it can still easily be done with something a little smaller. Space is a premium for me but I also only want to do this once.
Another thought/question I have is about t-track or something similar in function. Would 3/4” sheet be thick enough to be able to have a track for clamping and such? Or would I need a 2nd layer of sheet?
I have thought about using sheets of insulation material to cut on but I’m limited on storing them so I’d prefer to be able to break down sheets without it but if it’s the way I need to go then I can maybe store them on the ceiling above my garage door, but again I’d prefer not to. I was thinking of using bench cookies under the sheets on top of this table as the primary way, so that’s where the size is coming into question.
I do not have your situation, but I have seen several examples incorporating the DeWalt compact saw into a multi function table. I think that might be something to look at.
This guy has some interesting ideas you might consider
This guy has some interesting ideas you might consider
Thanks. That looks cool. It looks pretty complex too, but nice.
As far as the surface top, what size is needed to breakdown sheet goods. Does it have to be 4'x8' or could it be a little smaller? Can you put T-Track in 3/4" material?
As far as the surface top, what size is needed to breakdown sheet goods. Does it have to be 4'x8' or could it be a little smaller? Can you put T-Track in 3/4" material?
It can be whateve4 size you want. I break down sheet goods, so I need to be able to cut 8’ and as soon as it finishes through the blade, there’s enough table to support it without flopping down. it also needs to be wide enough After I cut a length to be able to stack it to the right of the saw fence. But… if you don’t cut large stuff a lot , just make it the size you like..
I get that but I am thinking about how practical the size is. For example, how well would a surface of ~3' x ~6' work for breaking down a sheet of something? There would obviously be overhang, but I am looking for advice for how much overhang is ok before it becomes an issue. I figure some people here may have some experiences that might help me figure it out. A 4x8 size would take a lot of space so I am wondering if I can go smaller and still easily cut sheet goods. Otherwise any flat work surface will be a big plus for me, regardless of size..
My thoughts about integrating my table saw and/or miter saw are only for space efficiency. As of now I have portal, fold-up stands for each but when they're in use the stands do take up a lot of space. So for example, I thought about just making this as a table and making it the same height as my table saw so it could be used as outfeed. In that scenario, the table saw stand legs spread out so I thought maybe integrating the table saw into this build might make sense, plus the table saw top could use used as part of the surface. Integrating the miter saw could be a consideration too but it seems like that would make this build more complex so I'm not sure the effort is worth the space savings or not.
My thoughts about integrating my table saw and/or miter saw are only for space efficiency. As of now I have portal, fold-up stands for each but when they're in use the stands do take up a lot of space. So for example, I thought about just making this as a table and making it the same height as my table saw so it could be used as outfeed. In that scenario, the table saw stand legs spread out so I thought maybe integrating the table saw into this build might make sense, plus the table saw top could use used as part of the surface. Integrating the miter saw could be a consideration too but it seems like that would make this build more complex so I'm not sure the effort is worth the space savings or not.
You can go with whatever you like. I break a lot of sheets down and don’t fight it. My table is the size needed for my situation. Build it the way you like..
Wheh I first built it, it was 8’ long. It took too much of my shop so I shortened it..
Wheh I first built it, it was 8’ long. It took too much of my shop so I shortened it..
How far will the fence go to the right on that saw? I think 30” would be a minimal capacity for sheet goods, 36-40 better. That said, you need something like a 40 x 40 outfeed.
Really, I think you’re better off using a track saw for breaking down sheet goods with that type sawmill but it’s doable.
Really, I think you’re better off using a track saw for breaking down sheet goods with that type sawmill but it’s doable.
I plan to use my track saw for breaking down most sheet goods. My last comments were around the size of the top surface in order to use the tracksaw to cut sheet goods. I am trying to figure out the size that would work well that is smaller than the default 4x8.
I cut full sheets on a table that is about 40W x 80L. 1” rigid foam under.
I added some T track to one bench. It works fine on 3/4" ply. I've literally never used it in 3 years.
My work bench and my assembly/outfeed table are on retractable wheels with adjustable feet under the legs and are 1/8 to 1/4" lower than my table saw with wheels retracted. My work bench is to the left of the table saw and the assembly/outfeed table is to the rear of the table saw. plywood sheets easily slide across all 3 if I want it to. My work bench is approx 2' X 5' and my assembly table is approx 2 1/2' X 5 or 6' - dont remember which. That is way more surface than you need for cutting sheet goods.
My shop is long and narrow - 12 X 35. Your shop/garage is probably more squarish and so our layouts are going to be different.
BTW, All of my benches, tables and stationary tools are on wheels with the exception of an 8' long table for my chopsaw, drill press and grinder and also my vertical lumber and plywood racks.
All my wheels have brakes except for the retractable wheels which retract. And dont cheap out with Harbor Freight wheels on these heavy tables. Also, if you get the locking wheels I would strongly suggest 3" wheels. There is a world of difference between 3" wheels and 2" wheels.
My shop is long and narrow - 12 X 35. Your shop/garage is probably more squarish and so our layouts are going to be different.
BTW, All of my benches, tables and stationary tools are on wheels with the exception of an 8' long table for my chopsaw, drill press and grinder and also my vertical lumber and plywood racks.
All my wheels have brakes except for the retractable wheels which retract. And dont cheap out with Harbor Freight wheels on these heavy tables. Also, if you get the locking wheels I would strongly suggest 3" wheels. There is a world of difference between 3" wheels and 2" wheels.
Is your rigid foal the same size as the top or is it bigger?I cut full sheets on a table that is about 40W x 80L. 1” rigid foam under.
Thanks for the note on the wheels. So your wheels are retractable and have locks? Do you remember which you used? They sound good. Do you only use your table saw to breakdown sheets or do you also use a track saw? Just trying to gauge if your size tables work for a whole sheet when using a tracksaw.My work bench and my assembly/outfeed table are on retractable wheels with adjustable feet under the legs and are 1/8 to 1/4" lower than my table saw with wheels retracted. My work bench is to the left of the table saw and the assembly/outfeed table is to the rear of the table saw. plywood sheets easily slide across all 3 if I want it to. My work bench is approx 2' X 5' and my assembly table is approx 2 1/2' X 5 or 6' - dont remember which. That is way more surface than you need for cutting sheet goods.
My shop is long and narrow - 12 X 35. Your shop/garage is probably more squarish and so our layouts are going to be different.
BTW, All of my benches, tables and stationary tools are on wheels with the exception of an 8' long table for my chopsaw, drill press and grinder and also my vertical lumber and plywood racks.
All my wheels have brakes except for the retractable wheels which retract. And dont cheap out with Harbor Freight wheels on these heavy tables. Also, if you get the locking wheels I would strongly suggest 3" wheels. There is a world of difference between 3" wheels and 2" wheels.
Are you guys using 3/4" ply for the top or is anyone using MDF or something else?
Another thing that just occurred to me is if I do integrate the table saw, I am thinking I may need to cut slots into the top by the table saw so sleds can be used. Never thought about that until now. Or maybe I am missing something.
I use MDO for my off fall table, but it wa# a cover sheet on a bundle one time so it was free. Mekamine dips uae$ a lot as well as lamination..
Sorry I did not understand your last comment about melamine. I have never worked with it. I was assuming I would use a hardwood plywood for this, but I see some people using MDF so thought I would ask about it.I use MDO for my off fall table, but it wa# a cover sheet on a bundle one time so it was free. Mekamine dips uae$ a lot as well as lamination..
Great ! I had a home built work bench. 3/4" angle iron. It was same height as table saw as were all shelfs. The top was multi purpose. A 3/4" melamine top that cleaned easily. I could flip it over and have a glue up table. The tops frame. I drilled 1" holes in 2x6 every 6" or so. Then ripped the 2x6 in half length wise. Cut the holes in half. They hold the 3/4" pipe clamps. Make the holes directly across from each other. Fasten to the 2'x4' piece of melamine. Glue would fall into the middle, no problem. Leave a 1" lip on the outer edge where frame meets the top. So top can be flipped back over for a work bench. Locking rubber roller wheels.
Another shelf near the bottom. Side rails for hanging c clamps, visegrips, other tools. Used it for many years n wouldn't change a thing
Another shelf near the bottom. Side rails for hanging c clamps, visegrips, other tools. Used it for many years n wouldn't change a thing
1 - 20 of 86 Posts
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