Outfeed Table

[hudsonmiller]

I've read a bunch on outfeed tables and attaching them to the table top so that the raise and lowering of the top keeps the outfeed table in line.

Here's another take on an adjustable out-feed table some may be interested in.
The inspiration was my wife's ironing board.

Block and tackle controlled, scissor action from 34 to 46 inches high, height adjustable, dado jointed torsion box. Total size 48x30.

Right now the block and tackle has a ratchet mechanism but I plan on replacing the pulley's with simple sheaves and a cleat.
Cheers,
Hud

[a1gutterman]

That is a novel approach to the problem! Have you used this extension a lot? Does it adjust easy? Are you from England? :)

[hudsonmiller]

I just finished the outfeed table so I don't have much time with it yet. My initial impression is that it's a little jiggly in the plane it sits in currently but when I rotate it 90 degrees it's much more stable.

It adjusts well. I need to re-work the positioning of the block and tackle and add a cleat so it can all be done from one side of the table.

And well - no. Not in England. Virginia.

Cheers,
Hud

[fjimp]

Hud, Slick idea. I suspect we will see numerous inventive ideas from your shop. It's nice to have another Virginian weigh in. Good luck to you. fjimp

[dlbristol]

Can you give us a few more details please, seems like a good idea. I found that using a sled in my planer requires a lot of adjusting out-feed and in-feed heights. The SS planer moves the table not the cutter, so you need to change the supports after a cut. I have been looking for a way to have a stable arrangement and be able to make small (1/16 to 1/8) changes quickly and easily. This idea might be the "way to go". I toyed with the ironing board as an out-feed table, but rejected it because it made to big a jump with each change. This seems to solve that. Thanks

[a1gutterman]

Hi dlbristol,

Regarding: Saw dust heals many wounds. RLTW

I do knot see anything on your public profile to give this away, but as my Dad was a Marine, I think I will go with Semper Fi rather then RLTW. Thank you for serving.

[hudsonmiller]

dlbristol-

Here's some more details.

The table is constructed with 4 2x4"s cut to 56"'ish. There is a piece of threaded rod connecting each pair of 2x4"s at 27" from the top. The threaded rod is connected by threaded T nut - through the 2x4"s - through a stand off to keep the pair of legs separated from the adjacent set - through those 2x4"s and then bolted snug with a nylon nut.

Same story on the top - although in retrospect the threaded rod is probably unnecessary - just keep the legs braced apart.

One side of the table has fixed legs the other pair move when the pulley is adjusted.

If doing it again I'd put in a double block on the fixed end and a single on the moving end with a cleat. This should give plenty of mechanical advantage and allow the table to be adjusted from a single side.

For your application I'd orient the table so you are working in line with the legs - plenty of stability in that direction. If you are able you could use threaded rod to raise and lower the table and should give a much "stiffer" table top. The rope approach has a little give in the top stability as the rope gets taught.

If you have any other specific questions, let me know and I'll try and clarify.

Hud

[dusty]

Nice job hud. Not only does it look like a keen solution to the outfeed table requirement...it also looks like it might find a lot of other uses where an adjustable table height is needed.