15 replies to this topic

[morganew]

I've got the 22124 cabinet saw (Craftsman version, but there's a Steel CIty version as well) which is a great saw. The blade is a good 13" back from the edge, so lots of stability, however, this also means that when using my micro jig Grrippers my arms end up stretched over the blade at times. I'm not particularly tall (or short, clocking in at a very average 5'9"), but I have an HTC aftermarket mobile base on the table saw, so it's up an 1" or so as opposed to right on the ground.

I was thinking of making about a 3" high step in front of the saw, maybe a 11" tread and make it long enough that I won't accidentally fall off when trying to work from the left hand side.

Anyone done this?

I can see some possible accidents if I were to be pushing big sheet goods and accidentally kick it, so I'd plan for it to be totally stool style, where a kick will just push it under the front of the table, and not send me sprawling into the blade.

[knotscott]

I've heard of doing it, and think it's an excellent simple solution to lowering the height of the saw.

[Beechwood Chip]

I think I'd be more comfortable with a platform rather than a step. Maybe going three feet back instead of 11". Just feels safer to me. Depends on your shop layout, I guess.

[mwatkins]

I've seen this done, but it was more of an inset as the shop had sunk the base of the table saw into the floor. When I asked about it they informed me that when they installed a floating floor in the shop they just built up around the saw, leaving it in place, effectively giving them an extra 3" or so in height.

I would think that you would be fine, but would suggest you give it as much square footage as possible. All you need is for that one time that you shuffle your feet mid cut and miss the step.

[morganew]

Yeah, a bigger platform makes more sense, but at that point, the mobile base becomes... less mobile!

Darn it, I want everything and I want it now!

[duckkisser]

i have a similar problem in my classroom one of the kids is extreamly short. he is 4.11 been trying to figure out what i can do to make it so he can build easer and use some of the tools. today we cut a single cut on table saw and he used a step stool tool box. worried that he might fall if it should tip while he is leaning to make the cut. should i make a stool/wide platform that he can move around to stand on? let me know what you think might be a usefull thing to do.

[Beechwood Chip]

morganew, on 06 February 2012 - 02:38 PM, said:

Yeah, a bigger platform makes more sense, but at that point, the mobile base becomes... less mobile!

I'm picturing something like a pallet with a smooth top. You can still mobile the saw around, and you can pick up the platform and move it as well. If you want, you can put two castors on one side and a handle on the other, so you can move it around without carrying the entire weight. Mount the castors so they are off the ground when the platform is lying down, but on the ground when the platform is vertical.

[TimWood]

You guys are making my hinney tighten...things to fall off of and moving teeth in the same thought...
My thought is if you need a little more height...just make the platform big enough so if someone catches a foot on the edge, he's falling down well away from the saw! If you need the mobility of the saw get a mobile base made that will only increase the height 1/2". If you have the welder, a little angle iron and flat bar and you're there.

[dcustoms]

The thought of having a step in front of my saw scares the hell out of me. It is bad enough I have almost killed my self on my anti-fatigue mat. WIth that being said everyone is different and your shop and tools have to be set up to provide the safest most efficient work environment. It has already been said but the bigger the better for the platform...so if there is a problem (ie. tripping) it would happen farther away from the saw.

[Mike M]

I don't want anything but a clear, flat unobstructed floor around my power tools -- no steps, mats, platforms or anything else that would compromise my freedom to move without stumbling or tripping.

I personally don't like the concept of the gripper for just the reason you cite. I don't like my hands going past the blade. I prefer to use push sticks that are about a foot long. Even when pushing stock past the blade, my hands stay clear.

[the pirate]

Beechwood Chip, on 06 February 2012 - 02:29 PM, said:

I think I'd be more comfortable with a platform rather than a step. Maybe going three feet back instead of 11". Just feels safer to me. Depends on your shop layout, I guess.

I agree with a platform. Anything you could possibly step off while operating the saw, is dangerous. Very dangerous.

[morganew]

To Mike M: The thing is, I love the Grriper. It gives amazing control and really allows you to keep your fingers from any operations where you might get pulled into the blade. Like with its of things in life, there's always compromise.

I think that a big platform is really the only solution, either that or I need to grow a few inches!

[duckkisser]

would it be better to be above the saw so you can have a longer reach and aply more presure to the top with your weight?

[Beechwood Chip]

I think it's better to have your weight firmly over your feet. If you have to lean too far forward, and some weight is on your hand, then you have less control. You shouldn't need to push down so hard that you need to put your weight into it.

[duckkisser]

true just trying to figure out the huge benefit of being above the machine

[knotscott]

the pirate, on 07 February 2012 - 10:53 AM, said:

I agree with a platform. Anything you could possibly step off while operating the saw, is dangerous. Very dangerous.

I agree with the platform idea, and is what I was initially thinking you wanted to do. Something in the range of 3x3 or 4x4 feet would still be movable if needed but stable enough to stand on without issue....give it some rubber feet.