Replies

1. 
   Dave45 | Mar 21, 2006 05:37am | #1

   Many years ago (shortly after the earth cooled), I bought a stand that held my circular saw and was supposed to make it work like a table saw.  To make a long story short, it was a total waste of money.  I could cut straighter without it than with it.  Since I only had one circular saw, I was constantly mounting and dismounting the saw to get anything done.

   Home Depot sells a Ryobi table saw for $99 that will probably be way better than any system that trys to use a circular saw mounted upside down.

2. 
   Jay | Mar 21, 2006 06:13am | #2

   I agree.  Mounting a circular saw upside down is going to give you less than desirable results.  My first saw was a Lowe's cheap-o (GMC Brand) that I got on clearance for $40.  I used it for three years and built everything from picture frames to a queen bed with it (complete with frame and panel construction)!

   For the same amount you'd spend on the wood to build this table you could buy a small tabletop saw that would do a better job I think.  Plus, with a tabletop saw you'd begin to learn the first few things about what to look for when you can upgrade. 

1. 
   jimmy | Mar 21, 2006 07:08am | #3

   Do ya'll  have any idea how many people use the 'ol circular saw under plywood method?  Quite a few.  When I started (only 30 odd years ago) it was this or a Craftsman saw.  Fortunately there are cheaper options available today...Buy a cheapie from  the big box.....By the way, I framed out 3 big windows for our summer place last year with a circ saw mounted under a piece of ply...came out great, but then again I'm an exceptional talent.....hahha

1. 
   Mtn__Bob | Mar 21, 2006 08:14am | #4

   Right now you can order a saw from Sears (gasp!) for $69 with free shipping (click on the rebate link for the free shipping).http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/search.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&cat=Bench+Power+Tools&subcat=Table+Saws&displayTarget=Subcategory

3. 
   sailalex | Mar 21, 2006 03:02pm | #5

   You might check out the Festool saw with guide system; ain't cheap but for many it can take the place of a tablesaw. Had it been in existence 7 years ago and I know what I know now, I would not have bought the table saw. Take a look.

4. 
   MBerger | Mar 22, 2006 12:12am | #6

   Hi Opiy,

   We didn't publish plans for this table because the construction is very straightforward, and doesn't really require exact measurements; it can be built to fit your needs.

   It is constructed of seasoned 2x4s (to prevent twisting and warping) and joined with 2 1/2 in. drywall screws. The length and width of the table is smaller than a sheet of plywood, roughly 40 in. deep by 80 in. long. The 2x4 frame is constructed with the boards oriented so that the table is 1- 1/2 in. thick. Space the 2x4s less than 12 in. apart so that the table is ridgid. Like Gary says in the video, make sure the screws are driven far from the surface of the table in case your circ saw blade cuts into the table.

   Any other questions just post again and I'll do my best to answer them.

   Regards,
   Matt Berger
   Fine Woodworking

5. 
   JMadson | Mar 22, 2006 07:56pm | #7

   Would it be possible to post a copy of the photo you guys are talking about for us non-subscribers?

6. 
   Yogi | Mar 23, 2006 05:05am | #8

   A nice straightedge jig for your circ saw would cost just a couple dollars and cut just as straight or straighter than the table you're talking about without losing any of the saw's versatility-  Cheaper, better, quicker, what's not to like? 

7. 
   Cedarslayer | Mar 23, 2006 11:24am | #9

   I like the shopmade cutting guide and worktable shown at the end of this article, http://www.taunton.com/FWN/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesPDF.aspx?id=2261

   I put one together and have been quite happy since. I strongly advise getting together a bunch of 2x4's, treating them, and seasoning them in the weather for a while. The ones that stay straight rain or shine, make a good table. The ones that curve make blocks.

1. 
   opiy | Mar 23, 2006 02:04pm | #10

   Great thanks for the advise everyone !I am in the process now of building me a aquarium stand and canopy for a 120g tank. I think I am going to build this table to help when I cut the oak veneer plywood. With my severe lack of woodworking skills, the more wood im cutting the (hopefully) better i'll get :)