I got to work on the bench a little this weekend, so here’s a few pics:
I took the back off and attached the dust collection for the router table and downdraft dust collector.
I then moved-on to laminating the top pieces. You really need good ventilation with that contact glue!
Using a router insert template I bought (worth every penny) I routed-out the hole for the insert. Hogging-out MDF with a 1/2” straight bit makes a serious mess! I had dust everywhere. I test-fit the top again and it’s starting to come together.
I then took the top downstairs to the drill press and drilled the holes for the downdraft dust collector. It takes a LONG time to drill and chamfer 160 3/16” holes!
One of the most time consuming parts was routing the slots for the router fence. I took the fence off a router table I had in the basement and matched the slots. Basically, 5/8” on the bottom 7/16” deep and then 1/4” on the top through. It took a lot of careful measuring and fence placement, but it came-out perfect and I am pleased.
I hooked-up the vacuum to the downdraft dust port and you can really feel the suction through the holes, which was a concern of mine since I just liked the idea of it and decided to build it without any real testing. I have a ton of laminate left, so I think I’m going to laminate the door fronts. I need to shim the table saw 3/8” to be even with the top, get the door fronts on, and attach the power switch and outlets for the saw and router and I’ll pretty-much be done.
-- You're a unique and special person, just like everyone else.
8 comments so far
teenagewoodworker
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2470 posts in 646 days
posted 538 days ago
this is coming along great. its good that the downdraft table works too. i am planning on building something like this when i get my table saw too, its good to see it be build first though. thanks for the post.
p.s. thats a pretty nice car you’ve got there too, ;) !
Greg Wurst
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713 posts in 710 days
posted 538 days ago
Yeah, the Corvette was “pre-child”. I have to hold onto it since if I sell it I won’t be getting another one for a very long time. ;) It was covered in MDF dust after that and I had to wash it. It was filthy from driving in the rain anyway, so it needed the bath.
-- You're a unique and special person, just like everyone else.
teenagewoodworker
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2470 posts in 646 days
posted 538 days ago
well i guess it being covered in MDF must have been a good thing in a way, now its washed and it must look really purdy now!
Scott Bryan
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20052 posts in 700 days
posted 538 days ago
This is coming along pretty good so far.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
GaryK
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9496 posts in 866 days
posted 538 days ago
Looks great so far!
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
Freddo
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57 posts in 575 days
posted 527 days ago
Awesome job!! I’ve got a new cabinet designed (90% done) for myself but have a question for you. In my very small shop, my dust collection is nothing more than a Shop-Vac. How well does your design work for collecting dust and chips from under your table saw? I have a Delta Contactor’s saw and my current cabinet just collects the dust under the saw behind a door (see my workshop page). My seven year old’s FAVORITE thing is to clean that out for me; he loves it. I hate to dissapoint him but I’d like a better solution.
-- God bless! Freddo (Northern - NJ) Our Creator designed us to create - so use WOOD!
Greg Wurst
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713 posts in 710 days
posted 527 days ago
If your saw is anything like mine, you have that giant hole at the rear that blows sawdust everywhere and prevent any real vacuum from being developed. You need to seal-up the hole around the saw as much as possible. If you look at the last section of this blog you will see how I sealed my saw. With the saw sealed as best as possible, it does a pretty-good job of sucking-up the dust and I’m just using a ShopVac style vacuum as well. A little dust collects in the corners of the saw base, but that’s about it.
-- You're a unique and special person, just like everyone else.
Freddo
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57 posts in 575 days
posted 526 days ago
Thanks for the relpy. I recall an article in a FineWoodworking magazine issue (?) that was in regard to covering the saw back like the one I have. I’ll dig it up and design it into project. BTW – I did review all of your photos; thanks for all of the detail and sharing so freely!
-- God bless! Freddo (Northern - NJ) Our Creator designed us to create - so use WOOD!