Adam Thekruser Kruse Posted June 28, 2015 Report Share Posted June 28, 2015 I am designing a new cabinet for my table saw. I am not sure how to join the cross members on the top. They need to be strong, but I am not sure what my best option is. Can you give me some opinions? I have attached my SketchUp file for you to see what I am talking about. Thank you in advance for your time and help. Have a good day! Tablesaw Cabinet.skp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Thekruser Kruse Posted June 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2015 I am thinking half laps, but I worry that will cause weakness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted June 28, 2015 Report Share Posted June 28, 2015 I'm unable to download the files. Probably a problem on my end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted June 28, 2015 Report Share Posted June 28, 2015 The link is corrupted for me as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Thekruser Kruse Posted June 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2015 Here is an image of my proposed half lap plan as well as the changed SketchUp file. Tablesaw Cabinet.skp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Thekruser Kruse Posted June 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2015 Sorry for the bad links, gentlemen. I am new to the forum. I uploaded using the form, but maybe I screwed something up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted June 28, 2015 Report Share Posted June 28, 2015 Is this a stand for a portable saw to sit on? What are the top l x w Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted June 28, 2015 Report Share Posted June 28, 2015 Seems awfully complex for a Tablesaw stand . I am guessing it's a portable or contractors saw ? If so the center cross pieces shouldn't have any load on them. They could be useful to stabilize the frame from racking. Personally for shop functional things like this I would use screws and butt joints. Maybe rabbett the posts to receive the upper and lower frame. I can understand using this project to practice joinery . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Thekruser Kruse Posted June 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2015 Is this a stand for a portable saw to sit on? What are the top l x w It is for a very old Craftsman table saw. It was my grandfather's. It is the size of a portable saw, but the weight of a cabinet saw. The table is 1.5" cast iron. The thing is a beast! The dimensions of the cabinet will be 40x48x36 when it is all said and done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Thekruser Kruse Posted June 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2015 Seems awfully complex for a Tablesaw stand . I am guessing it's a portable or contractors saw ? If so the center cross pieces shouldn't have any load on them. They could be useful to stabilize the frame from racking. Personally for shop functional things like this I would use screws and butt joints. Maybe rabbett the posts to receive the upper and lower frame. I can understand using this project to practice joinery . I agree it is complex. I have a tendency to over design! As if you couldn't tell. The saw is the size of a contractor's saw, but it is a very old Craftsman table saw and weighs a ton. The table is 1.5" cast iron. I will also be incorporating a router table and a Roubo-esque work surface. This cabinet is going to have to hold some weight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hurricane Dry Posted June 28, 2015 Report Share Posted June 28, 2015 The joints completely destroy the bending strength of the upper beams in the center most portion where bending strength is needed. Think of how rectangular steel or aluminum tube is used to make carts. Nearly all the strength is in the outer portion, that's why tubing has a high strength to weight ratio, the center doesn't offer much strength. You don't want to notch through the outer portion of the beam. Really, I don't think the other joints are good enough to safely support a heavy, dangerous machine like a table saw. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodger. Posted June 28, 2015 Report Share Posted June 28, 2015 I would go mortise and tenon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted June 28, 2015 Report Share Posted June 28, 2015 You could cut the span and put 6 uprights. What are you planning to use the space underneath for? If 4 uprights were under the corners of the saw then the balance of the width would support the router in the wing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mad Irishman Posted June 29, 2015 Report Share Posted June 29, 2015 Is this 2x4 construction? If so you might consider joist hangers on the horizontal supports with screws or nails (better shear strengh) through the ends. If joist hangers are good enought for a house or heavy deck they have to be good enought for something this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Thekruser Kruse Posted June 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2015 Gentlemen- Thank you for your replies. That is what I thought. However, I did wind up cutting the joints as shown because I had not seen your replies until now. I weigh around 200 lbs, and after I put it all together, I stood on the cross members to make sure they would not fail. They held up. I would rather drop myself a couple of feet in testing than drop my table saw while cutting. I do plan on putting in supports to take the pressure off the weak joints. I also had a lot of things 'hidden' in the SketchUp file. The plan was always to put 3/4" ply on the top of the lower portion of the cabinet to help with weight distribution. The plan provided was just the beginning. I plan on including shelving, drawers, and fold down extensions. I have a very small wood shop (a.k.a. the garage, which also is my storage unit and gym). Once I am done with the design, I will post it on this thread to see if anyone has any suggestions for improvements. Again, thank you all for your time and help. My pool of wood worker friends is a little shallow. Good to get advice from people who are more experienced than me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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