Req. Critique - TS Ext Table: MDF table top and mounting - avoiding splitting

BigJimAK

Well, I've figured how to handle the electrical upgrade and will be ordering a new table saw Monday. Thanks to Mike, Lance, Bob and others I've decided to make my TS-router table extension out of MDF. My question comes from how to mount the table to the TS extension brackets.

Since mounting will involve screwing into the table and MDF splits when screwed, I'm wondering if I should laminate 3/4 MDF to 3/4 ply (bottom) and then formica both sides. It sounds like something is necessary to avoid MDF splitting.

I can't be the first person to deal with this, and maybe I'm missing a better solution. I'd welcome a critique of my idea and other suggestions.

Jim

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xplorx4

Thanks for asking, I was going to when the time came but you beat me too it. I am thinking of redoing my router table top and will make it out of MDF and will remount my trim pieces to it. I will look forward to the answer you get and then the pics as you build your project.

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"How often we sacrifice the permanent plans of God on the altar of immediate solutions"

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BigJimAK

Thanks, Jerry...

Do you think people would want to see pics of the assembly of the new Unisaw? Maybe some pics shot down inside before the table was mounted?

I want to give back to all who've helped me but I do not want to seem boastful. I'm not a boastful, just excited. I've wanted a Unisaw for 15 years and finally decided, at 50, to quit waiting.

Jim

westend

I know that I'm up for any kind of pictures, observations, and any other vicarious thrills with the new Unisaw. I'm actually getting a little sympathetic excitement waiting for the delivery

Jim, do you know what kind of thickness the table needs to be or is it just a matter of your own design? Substituting, say, Baltic Birch ply, for MDF might be a structural improvement. I used a lamination of 1/2" Baltic B. plywood and a sheet of 1/4" hardboard for my extension. I edge-banded the sheets, installed corner blocks, and cross-braced the top to provide for rigidity. The edge-banding also allows for a drillable ledger to attach the extension to the cast iron saw top. I would assume that, if you're ordering a Delta leg set, that there is some form of brackets to attach to the underside of the top.

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Twill57

I would be interested in seeing pictures of your new saw and the set up. If you are using a laminated MDF for the extension, would barrel bolts work? The extension I made was a layer of MDF on a frame of hardwood. The fasteners were in the hardwood, so splitting the MDF was not an issue.

Noob

I've seen these type of threaded inserts for making a router table on a table saw extension: Threaded inserts LINK

Mike

If you ever see the show WoodSmith Shop on PBS you will notice the excellent router tables they have. These are from a plan in ShopNotes #1, and perhaps sharing the table top assembly they use will assist you in your decision. (This is the first table I built)

3/4" BB plywood with two layers of 1/4" tempered hardboard (Masonite) on top for 1/2" depth. (This allows ample depth for the average 1/4 - 3/8" mounting plate) The sides and ends are covered with hardwood and then high pressure laminate like Formica brand on the top and bottom. This creates a very stable and sturdy table top. I used red oak to cover the edges of mine and I was very pleased with the results.

Attached Images

Router Table 02.jpg (86.1 KB, 44 views)

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BigJimAK

Thank you to all! I can see I have several choices and you've brought up a key question: How much adjustment is there for table top thickness? Once it arrives I'll be able to tell.

Glancing over a brochure I noticed the top stands well proud of the Biesemeyer rail so I'll have to decide whether to seal the edges, Formica then, or edge them with hardwood. Again, this is deferred until the saw arrives.

Thanks again!

Jim

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Barry99

Jim, if you google the manual, you may be able to ask specific question and be already to put it together before the truck driver hits 3rd gear :-)

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Barry

~Is it measure twice and cut once, or cut twice and measure once?~

BigJimAK

Good idea, Barry..

I got the manual but no reference to table thickness. Bummer..

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Alaska's North Slope: One of the few places in the U.S. where when two people casually talk about the temperature getting "down to 40", both know that means -40F! Brrrrr...