30 – Tablesaw Outfeed Table

Video - October 21, 2007

A few weeks ago, I added the Incra TSIII Fence System to my tablesaw. Unfortunately, my old outfeed table didn’t really work with the new system. So its time to build a new one. This isn’t your average outfeed table though. Its a full-size work table with a full shelf of storage. Perhaps the best part of all is the fact that it can be made with a modest collection of tools and just a few sheets of plywood. No fancy joinery here! This is what I like to call, a “Can Do” project. Enjoy!

For those who are interested, here are some exact dimensions for you:
Long Stretchers: 62″
Short Stretchers: 38″
Overall Dimensions: 65″ L x 39 1/2″ D x 33 3/4″H

Heavy Duty Lifting Leveler
Lipped mounting bracket works to lift and creates greater stability. Each leveler has load-bearing capacity of 600 pounds. Adjust to within 2-1/4” . Minimum installation height is 3″.

Heavy Duty Lifting Leveler

Heavy Duty Corner Levelers
Lift and level even large cabinets or furniture with these heavy duty corner levelers. Stability is assured!

Heavy Duty Corner Levelers

Dozuki Dovetail/Flush-Cut Saw
Combination dovetail/flush-cut saw features two interchangeable blades and 7-3/4″ L bamboo handle.

Dozuki Dovetail/Flush-Cut Saw

Products Used

Incra TSIII Fence System
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creative=390957&amp
creativeASIN=B0007UQ2CS

Discussion

Chris October 21, 2007 2:19 pm

Great episode. Very useful and simple.

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Austin Dienner October 21, 2007 3:37 pm

hey, what the heck, where are the outtakes?
lol great job marc and nicole

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Skee October 21, 2007 3:51 pm

I loved the magically moving clamp during the biscuit slot cutting – very cool technology how the clamp jumped out of your way!!!!

Awesome table – something really worth considering when cutting down full sheets one person at a time.

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- Frank Kovach January 2, 2011 7:38 pm
  
  One person at a time? :)
  
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HermanV October 21, 2007 3:52 pm

Marc, Your getting to good at these podcasts, I noticed there were no outtakes!

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Dan October 21, 2007 3:57 pm

Whats this, no out-takes,
or was the video perfect the first time LOL
seriously though, great episode, do you think that table could be used as a router table…

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Geoff October 21, 2007 4:15 pm

Square drive??? They’re called Robertsons.Sheesh….

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ALexander October 21, 2007 4:31 pm

I like the simple table. Norm did it a few years ago. He actually painted it blue. It is also used on ask this old house. And his has wheels. I just finished my torsion box workbench, not assembly table. The article by ian kirby from FWW 1982. I think you did an episode on this too. I cannot believe how straight it is. Zero deflection (even with 300 lbs.). YOur outfeed table is nice too. I am just wondering, you know that it WILL deflect and warp. Could you have made a mini torsion box to combat the problem. Or how about another skin on the underside to combat warpage over the long haul.

Is the straight-edge you used the one from veritas (lee valley). And do you use it to check the flatness of your torsion box assembly table from time to time? Do you still use your regular maple work bench (i think that you had to flatten with your dewalt router) ever? All of your projects use that NICE assembly table you made.

Very nice???…

Lates

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ALexander October 21, 2007 4:33 pm

you american boys are finally getting our patented robertson (non-slip) screws eh? Did you get them from Mcfeely’s. McFeely’s sells of festool as well!!!…

thanks again

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K Noles October 21, 2007 4:52 pm

I’m just getting into (read: wife is allowing) setting us a shop in the garage. And just getting ready to make a out/in feed table for my portable Jet saw. And again you have anticipated it, and made this episode just for me.
I had also been looking at Norm’s, and I believe his top is a slab of blue stone not paint.

Keep up the excellent info.

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thewoodwhisperer October 21, 2007 4:53 pm

lol. You say Xerox, I say photocopy. :) I did actually get mine from McFeelys.

Alexander- Not sure that a small amount of deflection in an outfeed table will make any difference to anyone. As a general purpose assembly/ work table, it would probably be ok too. But as a dead-flat assembly table, obviously it would need some reinforcement and require a lot more work. I could have made a mini torsion box, but that would have defeated the stated purpose of the project.
That is indeed a Lee Valley straight edge. I love that thing. I use it to check anything and everything for flatness.

I do still use my maple workbench, but not as much as my other work surfaces.

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mdhills October 21, 2007 5:16 pm

Marc, I think your revenue model is now clear: “The Woodwhisperer, Director’s cut, with outtakes”

Downloading the podcast now. Looking forward to it.

Matt

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thewoodwhisperer October 21, 2007 5:27 pm

Oh and about the outtakes. If Nicole films, we get outtakes. If Nicole doesnt film, we get a long series of curse words. :) So blame Nicole. hehe

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Tim aka Mopardude October 21, 2007 6:03 pm

LOL – Marc about the outtakes.

This design is very similar to a bunch of tables and shelving I have made in the past. I find it easier to build the decks first and add the legs last. If you you are building a permanent structure you can level the decks as you attach the legs and forget the extra hardware.

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muddler mike October 21, 2007 9:31 pm

nice Marc…very nice. I appreciated your wisdom tidbit about measuring the middle supports at the ends due to the deflection of the long stretchers. Once again, another seemingly simple and logical technique in which the failure to account for it had screwed up a number of my projects in the past.

thanks!

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jim_ny October 22, 2007 4:39 am

Mark another cool 2 new episodeâ

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Tim October 22, 2007 8:42 am

… and you just had that metal fence ground to add to your OE fence!!! Oh well, the Incra system does look nice. I’m in the planning stage of setting up my shop (one car garage) and I had planned to use Norm’s “borrowed design” for an out-feed table as well. I planned on removing one of the long stretchers (and putting gussets to help support the legs) so that I can store my 13″ planar underneath it. I picked up a used lift table to put my planar on and thought I could store it there. Thanks for pointing out the dust collection interference issue. I guess it back to the drawing board, or use an 90

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Bill Clark October 22, 2007 9:03 am

Mark, I enjoyed your out feed table segment. The video was very sharp and the sound was clear. Itâ

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Don October 22, 2007 9:13 am

Marc you come through again. I have been looking at different outfeed tables to build for my saw and POW! you present just what I am looking for. Now my next two projects are the outfeed table and assembly table after a much needed shop cleaning from making firewood learning this wood thing. Great job can’t wait for the next podcast.

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Ed Stephenson October 22, 2007 9:36 am

Good project. Nice table design. Thank you.

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Ben October 22, 2007 10:47 am

Marc thanks for the new video.

What is the rip capacity for the new INCRA fence system? The amazon website leads me to believe it is 32″. It seems like a pretty big drawback to loose your ~48″ rip capacity to move to this fence. Is there something I am missing?

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thewoodwhisperer October 22, 2007 12:14 pm

Hey Ben. Your are right. Depending on how you work and what other tools you have, the 32″ could be quite a hinderance. For me, with the Festool system, its not an issue. But for many folks, it could be. I suppose thats the price you pay for the level of accuracy you get with this system. I will keep you posted on how well it works in my shop over time. If I did have to go back to my regular fence, I would really miss the dead flat fence and the killer microadjust features.

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Jason October 22, 2007 12:20 pm

Great episode guys!

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Badabing October 22, 2007 12:40 pm

Excellent Podcast Marc! I recently recorded the NYW show where Norm made the assembly table. I’ve been saving it to reference when I make mine in the near future. You’ve added some great tips to the process, thanks :-)

BTW, I have the Incra fence on my tablesaw as well, it ROCKS! I never really needed more rip capacity than the 32″ it provides so that’s a non-issue for me. Besides, it’s more than a good trade off to have the micro-adjustability and repeatability of the Incra fence system. I also have one on my router table and love it!

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spencer October 22, 2007 1:17 pm

Marc,

Just wondering if you had considered pocket screws for the assembly?
I find them to be quick, easy, and stronger even than I need. I do find they have an annoying tendency to creep on you if you don’t clamp them very well during assembly.

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thewoodwhisperer October 22, 2007 1:26 pm

Hey Spencer. Pocket screws would have been perfectly fine in a project like this. No reason not to use them.

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alexander October 22, 2007 2:42 pm

Would the dowelmax jig have worked for th assembly? I own one (made in Vancouver) and it is wonderful?

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thewoodwhisperer October 22, 2007 7:32 pm

Dimensions have been added to the post. Remember these are dimensions that work well for a Powermatic 66 tablesaw. If you have something different, there should be enough info in the video to crunch the numbers and build it just right.

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Chuck October 22, 2007 9:57 pm

Marc do you have plans for the space under the fence to the right of the table saw? I have Incra’s router table top there, and I’m building a cabinet to go under it. I doubt you’d want a router there, but I’d be interested in how you’d go about using that space.

Chuck

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Jason October 22, 2007 10:24 pm

Hi Marc, great episode.

I also recently mounted the Incra LS on my saw. I have had a heck of a time getting the Incra fence to stay perpendicular to the table and parallel to the blade. I tried all of the standard tweaks listed on incra’s site & in the instructions but to no avail. I need to shim the bottom of the fence out about 1/32″ and the paper shims keep working lose. Did you have to shim your fence to get it perpendicular?

Is there a way to cut a test board half way to adjust for drift similar to the exmple in the bandsaw video? I know you’re a busy guy, but it would be great to hear some insight’s you’ve gotten from your Incra install & setup. thanks & keep up the great work! -Jason

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thewoodwhisperer October 22, 2007 11:38 pm

Hey Chuck. I do have plans for that space. Will tell you about it when I start working on it.

Jason-

It take me a few tries to get the fence setting right. But nothing like what you are describing. The fence was no more work to get right than any other fence. I did have some doubts as to the fence’s ability to lock in a perfectly parallel position every time, but it seems to be working well. I made my adjustments initially by keeping the fence locked near the miter slot and loosening the screws near the clamping mechanism. I would make a slight adjustment then tighten the screws. Then I would move the fence away, then back to the miter slot. I actually used my fingers to test if it would go back to the right spot by lining the fence up with the edge of the slot. You’d be surprised how accurate your fingers can be.
So once set up, I haven’t played with it. And setting it up one time by no means makes me an expert. Hopefully Incra will do right by you and make sure you have all the help you need.

To tell you the truth, I am not 100% convinced that the Incra is the fence system for me. I am trying to use it as much as possible to determine this. Its so cool and the adjustability is incredible. But something about doesnt feel “right”. I guess because the mechanism is so different than anything I am used to. so I need to really give this thing a fair shot before I make a final determination.

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Xander October 23, 2007 12:27 am

By leaving a space between the outfeed table and the tablesaw you are going to get all sorts of long thin pieces stuck on the edge of the outfeed table as you slide them through to make cuts. Even though you kept the table 1/16 of an inch below the surface of the table saw the exposed edges of the plywood are going to swell over time leaving a binding hazard. The entire surface of the outfeed table should be the top of the plywood. If you really must have edging to close in around the plywood sheet choose be a stable hardwood like poplar and apply a slight chamfer to the edge so that as the stock falls it will still slide smoothly across the table.

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thewoodwhisperer October 23, 2007 12:53 am

Hey Xander. It seems that my experience differs from yours a bit. This setup will be fine for 95% of the work that I do. Very few, if any, pieces that run across my saw are capable of sagging more than 1/8″ over a 4″ gap (I have since lowered the table to 1/8″ below the surface of the saw). If/when I confront something that might give me trouble, I will consider making the necessary modification to make sure the piece is adequately supported. I dont deny the fact that it is “better” to close that gap. Thats why I made sure to let people know they will most likely have to put the miter grooves in the table in order to get the fit they desire. But for me, at this time, the gap does not present a problem.
Also, the edges are all thoroughly sanded, rounded over, and coated with finish so the chances of a binding hazard are minimal at best. But never say never. Everything in my shop is a work in progress. If something poses a safety hazard, I will address it immediately and make the appropriate changes. I appreciate the heads up on those issues though.

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Andy October 23, 2007 1:13 am

Hey great Show love it, it was very funny when you was explaining alternative methods to cut the plywoow if you don’t have a table saw but i thought for what you need outfeed table if you don’t have one ;)

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Ben October 23, 2007 3:31 pm

Marc – thanks for the info on the INCRA fence. I guess the grass is always greener – I bought a contractor saw with 30″ capability and have been kicking myself for not getting the larger 52″ system. I seem to always be needing the extra rip capacity!

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Brad Nailor October 23, 2007 7:10 pm

Thats a nice table. Reminds me of a Fine Woodworking article that uses the same plywood technique to build a slightly more elaborate workbench. The table you built is a solid piece that can be adapted to any use in the shop.

As far as that Incra fence..I don’t know..for the price and the pain in the ass setting it up could be..I’ll stick to my old school Biesemeyer..us old guys don’t like change!

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ALexander October 24, 2007 3:54 pm

i personally like a fence that locks front to rear. THat way you have two points of contact. If the fence locks at the end, it CANNOT deflect period. THe other thing to consider is this: Can aluminium extrusion be as accurate as machined aluminum? Incra does NOT machine their aluminum, it is just highly accurate extrusion!

I like the old school beismeyer fences myself. (Even though this goes against conventional wisdom- the old style 9 finnish ply top mounted with high pressure plastic laminate was the best fence beismeyer ever made). How can wood be straighter than metal, i know, it defy’s logic; but it did and still does!!!…

Here is another question: how do you adjust it so it is square to the table from front to end? I bet a machinists square may tell you it is square at the front, but at the end, it will be OUT a lot!!!…

And why is it gold colour? is that the anodizing colour, aluminium does rust yeah know!!!…

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Chuck October 27, 2007 4:49 pm

Alexander, as far as I know the fence is actually machined. I have a TS-III and the face of my fence is machined. Mine came from woodpeckers back when they were still doing the woodshows.

I like the fence system myself.

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Mattias in Durham, NC October 30, 2007 6:48 pm

Off topic… Your videography skills are really getting good. Thanks for great videos – I think they could go on any TV network at this point, so I really appreciate that you keep working with the site as a free of charge community.

It would be really interesting if you were willing to share some of the economics behind running a website like this – sort of like the old Fine Woodworking article about “working with multiples” from the late 80s. It’s not like revealing that info would make it any easier for someone else to catch up with you.

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Don November 28, 2007 3:50 pm

Hi Marc.
I like Norm in the New Yankee workshop, but, He used to show in detail how he accomplished certain cuts. For example before the pocket screw jig was availabe he demonstrated how to make a pocket screw jig. I made one based on his demonstration years ago and still use it today. There were many thing he did. Now he is too vague on almost everything.
I like your pod casts. I am glad I accidentally discovered it a couple of months ago.

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Trev Cape February 29, 2008 3:37 am

Hi there
First time on here an really enjoying the dialogue and your videos.
I’m trying to design modern looking freestanding noticeboard for my school. Noticeboard size will be capable of holding upto A3.
Have you or can you advise of any plans for this. I have some ideas for the design but would like your thoughts on this massive project:)
Regards Trev

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thewoodwhisperer February 29, 2008 9:16 am

Hey Trev. I would say do a google search for “easel plans”. That should bring up some designs that you can adapt to your needs. Good luck and email me if you have any questions along the way.

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jeff June 22, 2008 12:14 pm

I started trying to do this project, and Mark’s can do project is turning into my unmitigated disaster. Well maybe not that bad, but when your trying to make cuts in your driveway in 100 degree heat and things aren’t going your way it seems that way.
I was trying to make a version of this a little smaller than Mark’s as I only have about 70 inches of room. So, I was working to a table 70″ long, 41″ deep, and about 60″ tall. My first problem was when I realized by Bosch contractor/portable table saw fence only goes out ~24″. So, I was trying to be creative in making several cuts to cut the full sheet of plywood down. The problem, as any one may have guessed already, is with each cut I ended up more out of square and even a bit wavy on some. Not sure how square the plywood was to start, and manhandling the sheets by myself didn’t help the situation.
I don’t have a jointer or the $ or room to add one right now. Plus, I’m not sure how I would try to run 70″ x41″ piece of plywood through anyone one I could by anyway. so, does any body have any suggestions on how to get flat/square edges again? The only thought I had was to draw a square edge an 1.8 or 1/16″ below the wavy/no square edges and take a belt sander to the board. However, that’s not something I look forward to with 3/4″ plywood and 70″ long edges.
Also, how bad would it be strength wise if I cut the 70″ length to two ~35″ lengths and tried adding a center set of legs. The center leg would just be another vertical 4″ leg (1 side of the end legs). I know I might have to off center it a bit to still get the center stringer without really making things complicated. I was thinking this might help get to working with smaller cuts than trying to to ~26 inches off a 96″ sheet as a could take ~13 inches off a half sheet of plywood which would be easier to work with. Thoughts?

Once again ambition has exceeded skill,

Jeff

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thewoodwhisperer June 23, 2008 9:08 am

Hey Jeff. First off, sorry to hear you are having trouble. But, let me also say that I applaud you for letting your ambition exceed your skill. That’s the best way to learn. And believe me man, I do it all the time. Now what I suggest is that you use a circular saw for these cuts. Run out to the home store and pick up a piece of pre-primed mdf trim. They are cheap and usually really nice and straight. Use that as a straight edge (clamp it down at both ends), and use your circular saw to make all the cuts. This way you can get exactly what you want out of your plywood sheets and you don’t have to re-design the table. I used this technique extensively in my recent entertainment center project and it worked very well.

Hope that solves your dilemma. Good luck.

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jeff July 5, 2008 1:39 pm

Marc,
Thanks for the advice. As luck would have it, I recently redid the baseboards in a number of rooms and thus had several pieces of MDF baseboard lying around. This technique solved the problems of the straight cuts.

Thanks,
Jeff

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Chris January 11, 2009 8:15 pm

If I weren’t in the position of having scrap pieces to use for this, but was going to purchase 3/4th plywood, what would my purchase list read like? The store sells full, half and quarter sheets.

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- thewoodwhisperer January 11, 2009 8:21 pm
  
  Three sheets should probably cover you easily for the project. Maybe 2.5.
  
  Reply
Isabel February 9, 2009 1:08 pm

Mr. Spagnuolo… Do you Know why I can

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- thewoodwhisperer February 9, 2009 4:34 pm
  
  Honestly, I have no idea. The video works ok for me. Flash video is pretty finicky and depending on the system, it might cut out early or not play at all. What I recommend is downloading the latest version of Flash for your browser. This will at least remove one variable. Beyond that, I would just recommend downloading one of the quicktime versions available right above the video. You can download the entire video and watch it on your desktop.
  
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Aggie83 September 7, 2009 9:40 am

I was browsing the new video archive setup and came across this project. I can’t believe I haven’t seen it before.

It is a great, simple, useful project that I’m sure I will be recreating in the very near future.

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Rick September 10, 2009 3:11 pm

Was listening to Wood Talk #58 and you mentioned this project and had to take a look. I am needing to upgrade my saw horse and Melamine table I have now and this will work great. For attaching the top to the base I was thinking using pocket screws from the side rails up into the ply instead of glue. This would give me the ability to change out the top without damaging the structure and not having screw holes in the work surface.
BTW just received your Finishing DVD great stuff.
Rick

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david November 21, 2009 12:37 am

Hi Marc,

Love your videos I wanted to let you know that you have been an excellent learning tool. Your videos have helped me get back to my long lost love of woodworking. I have one comment. Im not sure but i remember one video at some point indicated that you were not greatly pleased with the Incra system. Have you had a change of heart. I must say for myself I have seen the Incra system develop over the years and was always attracted to the idea of the system. Today I have the system and well as all tools it has its ups and downs. For me I love the accuracy. What I have learnt about this system and some of Incras other stuff is that it needs to be handled with a great deal of care. I would say Incra is for sure a plus in my shop and if you love the idea of accuracy than this is the system for you.

Again thank you, hope to shake hands at one point in the future at some woodworking show,,,,, keep up the amazing work.

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Chad December 13, 2009 7:32 am

Marc,

I noticed at the end of the show you mentioned that you used a pre-catalyzed lacquer to finish the out feed table. I checked at my local rockler and woodcraft but both of them didn’t seem to sale it. What product do you use and where do you purchase it?

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- thewoodwhisperer December 13, 2009 9:52 am
  
  Hey Chad. I used the pre-cat primarily because I had some left over from another job. I don’t know that its necessarily worth the expense to buy it specifically for an outfeed table. Good old off the shelf poly will certainly do the trick. But to answer your question, I was using Sherwin Williams Pre-Cat at the time.
  
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  - Chad December 13, 2009 11:36 am
    
    Thanks Marc! I appreciate the info.
    
    Reply
Dan L December 16, 2009 7:54 am

Hey Marc. I have a pretty puny portable table saw (face reddening as we type). The outfeed table will be a huge help for even normal size jobs let alone plywood. However, I am experiencing problems with the infeed side. There is very little room between the front edge of the table and the blade which makes it difficult to use the miter gauge with any kind of backing board or jigs. ANy suggestions how to handle this problem?

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- thewoodwhisperer December 16, 2009 8:47 am
  
  Don’t sweat it Dan. I am fortunate to have a great tablesaw in the shop. But by no means is a tablesaw like that a requirement for building fine furniture. Its what comes out of the shop that counts, not what goes in it. :)
  
  As for the miter gauge, there’s a pretty easy fix. With the table in its final position, take a straight edge and draw a line that is parallel with the edges of the miter slot. Then use a router with the straight edge clamped in place to create a little channel, just a bit wider than the miter slot itself. That will provide the relief you need for your miter bar. You’ll actually see this on many folks outfeed table designs. On mine, the table was far enough away that the miter gauge never hit it. Good luck!
  
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Nathan January 12, 2010 12:31 am

I just got a Incra 51″ TS LS with the Wonderfence for x-mas. Why did you swap yours back out? Was it because you had the 32″? Are you going to try the 51″?

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- thewoodwhisperer January 12, 2010 1:22 pm
  
  Hey Nathan. Here’s a little review I did on the Incra. Should explain my feelings on it. http://www.thewoodwhisperer.co.....ce-system/
  
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Steve January 23, 2010 3:12 pm

Hi Marc,
I’m really enjoying your website…and learning a lot! I have a contractor’s saw, so when I set the blade at an angle, like 45 degrees, the motor comes around on the back and would interfere with any outfeed table. I have a simple table, but I have to unhook it each time I change the saw’s angle. I was wondering if you ever looked into a fix for this…it’s a pain to keep taking the table off of the saw. Thanks,
Steve

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- thewoodwhisperer January 23, 2010 11:16 pm
  
  Hey Steve. Excellent question. I think you will find a few links to plans here: http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2.....-and-more/
  
  Been a while since I owned a contractor saw so I haven’t had my mind on a good solution. But I think you’ll find some ideas in that article.
  
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Dan April 2, 2010 5:58 pm

Nice project.

One comment re: bottom shelf.
Couldn’t it have been done as one piece by dropping it in place BEFORE the upper middle support was installed?

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- thewoodwhisperer April 2, 2010 6:09 pm
  
  Sure, but you are probably going to want to have someone there to help out. You can’t just drop it in so you will have to drop it down on an angle and negotiate the top supports. If you undersize it by 1/4″ or so, it would definitely make this easier. If its cut to exact size, its going to be pretty tricky.
  
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Kfir May 4, 2010 5:39 pm

Hi Mark,
What I don’t understand is why use glue, brads and screws together.
screws alone are not enough? Or why should I use also glue in my assemblies?

Thanks,
Kfir

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- thewoodwhisperer May 4, 2010 5:47 pm
  
  Honestly, I am just a belt and suspenders kind of guy.
  
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Mike August 15, 2010 12:30 am

Mark,

This is a great project and my first. I made the table a little different size, added the side trim pieces you suggested and it worked out quite well!

Next I am going to do a hybrid of your torsion box base with 14 drawers and 4 cabinet doors.

Thanks for the site, it is a great source of information.

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- thewoodwhisperer August 15, 2010 5:11 am
  
  Thanks Mike. Glad you are finding the content useful. Good luck with your future projects.
  
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Rob Cottle August 27, 2010 6:53 pm

Just found this one – wish I had found it about a year ago. Well it is a good plan for the next one – easier too. Thanks Marc

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Andrew Raastad November 5, 2010 3:57 pm

I’m planning on getting a new (upgrade) table saw, and this project looks like just the thing to compliment it.

Thanks again Marc for your great suggestions, videos, and guidance!

— Andrew

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Jay January 26, 2011 3:09 pm

Wow! This is the first video I watched on your site and I’m impressed. I needed an out-feed table for my saw (an old but very solid Rockwell cabinet style saw my grandfather passed down to me), but was hesitant to add anything permanently to the back because the fence system is in dire need of an upgrade. It is the old pipe rail system which means it is fairly narrow compared to some of the other new systems. (If you have input on a replacement fence besides what you have already written above or stated in the video, please feel free to note it. I am looking at a Biesemeyer, but I am confused about the sizes. Their website shows a 42″, but I’ve seen 30″ and 50″ online. I’m not sure exactly where to measure to.) ANYWAY… I built a 36×48 table due to a smaller shop. I figured it can support normal drop offs with the 48″ side parallel to the table. With a set of wheels mounted on the side of two of the legs on the short end, lifting one end makes it mobile. I can turn the table 90 degrees and move it slightly farther away from the table. This allows me to easily handle ripping full length sheets. I also added an extra cross support under the top to frame out my down draft table dust collection box. Moving on to the top, I made the fixed portion of the in a large U shape by ripping a strip 6″ wide from each long edge on a 15 degree bevel. I cut across the 24″ x 48″ plywood leftover in about the middle (to match my collection box size) at the same angle. I kept the second drop off too. When the U is glued and installed to the table permanently, I slide the last piece into the very large dovetail. It holds the removable piece down flat with the remainder of the top. Most of the time I leave the smooth insert in the table, but when I want to use my downdraft table I pull out the smooth piece and slide in another piece with beveled edges. I have holes drilled in the second piece and an array of rubber bumpers to support the work without marring. Also, the last modification I made from your table is, I left a 2″ overhang all the way around just in case I need to clamp something to one of the edges. A few coats of polymerized tung oil completed the project. Thanks for the simple inspiration.

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Bryan March 7, 2011 10:45 am

This is a great review, and just having bought the Incra TS LS system, I can relate to the gap between the outfeed and the rear fence rail. My outfeed is arranged like yours, and is about 1/8″ below the tablesaw surface. Have not had any binding yet.

To those dubious of the INCRA system, I can say that it is extremely accurate, and the fence actually can lock front to rear (not just at the positioner) – it has a thumbscrew at the front and a hex screw at the rear. Typically you only use the front thumbscrew to lock the fence. I cannot manage any deflection even when pushing on the rear of the fence once I lock it.

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Larry July 23, 2011 6:17 pm

THANK YOU!! I’ve been searching for outfeed table ideas and yours was the best. I too just purchased an INCRA system and looking forward to using it. Your podcasts are the best! Keep up the good work.

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Christopher September 3, 2011 9:35 am

hey could i use mdf for your out feed table project??

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- thewoodwhisperer September 3, 2011 10:15 am
  
  I think its fine for the top. But I wouldn’t use it for the base. I don’t really like to use MDF for structural components.
  
  Reply
Mo Theron October 17, 2011 5:28 pm

Hi Marc, was there a specific reason you stopped using the Incra fence system?

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- thewoodwhisperer October 17, 2011 5:42 pm
  
  Yup. Me no likey. :) http://www.thewoodwhisperer.co.....ce-system/
  
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Gus March 19, 2012 7:55 am

Marc,
Thanks for putting this out there almost 5 years ago, and for leaving your old podcasts up-it is a valuable service! It worked out perfectly for a combo outfeed/assembly table in my limited space. The storage space I picked up under was an added bonus as well. Not to mention providing me with a nice day in the shop (garage).

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Jake October 24, 2012 7:17 pm

Im learning so much from your videos! Thank you for keeping them up and available. I’m working my way through them and have a few projects lined up as a result! Quick question, do you remember what screws you used for this? I’m often curious if I’m using the correct screws for the right job…

Thanks again!
Jake

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- thewoodwhisperer October 25, 2012 6:31 am
  
  Hey Jake. Most likely I just used standard #8 square drive screws from McFeely’s. I am not too picky about screws.
  
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Frank November 5, 2012 8:44 am

When ripping the leg pieces to width, say you’re going for an “L” shape, then you caution against ripping them both the same width because once you butt them together you’ll end up with one side of the leg longer than the other. Well, that would give you a truer “L” shape than adjusting the width of the rips to get a symmetrically shaped leg piece once assembly is complete! Hahahahahaha I have nothing better to do today than watch old WoodWhisperer videos and find humor in weird places. That and clean up puke from two people sick today in my house.

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Jamie Lennox November 11, 2012 12:04 pm

Marc,

Nice job on the out feed table. I never saw this episode. I like the simplicity of the out feed table. Do you still have the same out feed table in your new shop or did you build a new one? If you did build a new one did you film its creation?

At my brother’s shop where I am employed, a coworker just slapped an out feed table together with two by fours, a full sheet melamine top, and cedar shims to level it to the table saw. That is what happens when you work with carpenters. They are a little rough on the edges. I am more of a cabinet/ furniture maker, and would like something more refined if only I could find the time. Did you find that the 48″ from the back of the riving knife dimension work to balance a plywood rip or would you give it a little more depth?

Jamie

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- Jamie Lennox November 11, 2012 5:22 pm
  
  Nevermind, I just found your new video explaining the new out feed table. But I think I like the idea of folding the table down for my small garage/woodshop I am getting together. Thanks.
  
  Jamie
  
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  - thewoodwhisperer November 11, 2012 5:46 pm
    
    Hi Jamie. Just putting up a quick link to the newer video for reference: http://www.thewoodwhisperer.co.....eed-table/
    
    As for the depth, the 48″ is a minimum. You can give yourself a few more inches if you want to as it never hurts.
    
    Reply
Jake Maughan December 31, 2012 3:39 pm

As I mentioned in another post I just purchased my first table saw and now I need to build an outfeed table. This will help. Thanks.

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- Jake Maughan December 31, 2012 4:10 pm
  
  Your instruction was very clear and understandable. Helps novices like me believe that they have what it takes to be a decent wood worker.
  
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Ed August 12, 2015 3:31 pm

Hi Marc,

I love this outfeed table and I also just watched the assembly table as well, in fact I LOVE BOTH pieces equally I am wondering could I combine both pieces into one.

I am trying to reorganize my workshop , and saving for a contractor saw.. these projects would be awesome…

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- Marc Spagnuolo August 12, 2015 4:01 pm
  
  Absolutely. In fact, someday I plan on making a new outfeed table that does a much better job of storing things with doors and drawers and whatnot. Should be a beast but a great storage unit and also, assembly surface when needed.
  
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Doug October 24, 2015 2:52 pm

Where is the old video to the first out feed table

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- Marc Spagnuolo October 24, 2015 3:13 pm
  
  This is the first outfeed table video. The only other one is the more recent one which is more of a “check it out” sort of video and less of a how-to: http://www.thewoodwhisperer.co.....eed-table/
  
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Mike Dorsam January 18, 2016 12:13 pm

Marc:

I want to thank you for this video… a great project, and high production values on your part, as well.
I’ve lacked an out-feed table – a dangerous situation with long stock; so, I converted scrap plywood to an effective use. I did at 20mm dog (Parf Dogs) hole pattern- ala MFT/3, via Festool’s 32mm rail – though, I manufactured a plywood version of the rail-traveler to fit over the rail and extend onto the work surface – cutting mounting holes for my Bosch router – works great.
Thanks, Again.
Mike Dorsam

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Jim B April 1, 2016 8:58 am

This was the first video I saw of your and I was impressed! Great simplistic design. Since then I’ve watched several more. Actually too many as I’ve watched a lot of them while at work where I should be working! :-)

I’m going to make this (or a version of it) but mine needs to me an out feed, assembly and work bench! My initial thoughts on the design would be that I would have a hard time clamping to anything.

I was thinking that I would need to overhang the top from the supports by a couple inches to give myself some clamping room. I was also thinking of doubling up the top and making the legs full boxes (to make it a little more sturdy)… I also thought of drilling holes in the middle of the tables in various spots so I could clamp in the middle. (maybe use them for dogs as well)

Anything you think I might be missing? Do you agree that the table flush with the supports might make for some difficult clamping?

Thanks again for your great videos! I wish I had the money for all the cool power tools!.. Or let me say I wish the wife would let me spend the money for all the cool power tools! :-)

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Steve Fritzler September 16, 2016 9:16 am

Mark, I found it helpful to pause and take screen shots of important views during the video. These I printed and took to my shop for viewing during the build. A picture’s worth a thousand words. With a few notes about measurements and such, it was close to having drawn plans. For some reason I was not able to make the video full screen which I would have liked. Enjoyed watching.

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30 – Tablesaw Outfeed Table

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