First Project With the New Powermatic Table Saw #7: Mobile base is painted and finished

The mobile base has been painted and cured. I neglected to post a pix of the base prior to painting as I had no time. Here is the photo.

Today after installing the casters, I’ll hoist the saw onto the base for a test fit. If all is well I’ll be on to assembling the saw-proper— extension wings, fence rails, switch wiring, cord and the side extension table. Next might be designing a mobile base for the side extension table.

I don’t like the idea of a fixed extension table too much because of the space it takes. A collapsible assembly seems best for my situation. IN the end, I may use ball transfers for all the necessary extensions (i.e. side, infeed, and outfeed) rather than units resembling the laminate table shipped with the saw. Placing swing-down arms with transfers will allow me to dispense with permanent tables; the only pieces remaining extended being the fence rails.

I’m not sure about this as I contemplate what to do about my limited shop space and the volume taken up by the table saw’s installation/storage. IT’ll definitely be a challenge to efficiently design the shop layout as the table saw cannot obstruct my machining and everyday inside tools. For instance, I have a sliding compound miter saw that will need to be installed on the periphery of the shop along with its table, and I still have to account for a 17” bandsaw and 12” jointer. I think my shop is going to resemble a car lot when I have everything inside! Someday I’ll put up a for-real shop out back on my property . . . . someday . . .