Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler Got Wood?

As near as I can figure, the only kind of joint I can make right now with the tools I have is the tongue and grooves! I guess if I got the dado blade, that would expand my options greatly, but I really do like pocket hole joints.

I've been sorely tempted by biscuit joints, but it seems silly to have such a large/expensive tool that only does the one thing.

Actually, table saws are usable for lots of types of joinery. You just have to be imaginative (aka look them up) and you usually need to make a jig to do it properly. It's great for half-lap or even bridle joints. Just look up how to make a simple jig to make the deep vertical cuts safely.

Another simple homemade jig will let you do fancy box (finger) joints on a table saw. Obviously it takes a lot more passes with a regular blade but you would be surprised how fast you can go on small items like decorative boxes and stuff. For bigger projects, you would soon get bored and head to the hardware store for a dado blade.

P.S.
Making homemade jigs and using them to easily do things that look like they should be experty (like Mark) is one of the biggest joys of woodworking.

Yeah, I need to look into making jigs. Now that I have a fair amount of scrap wood, that will be easier.

One of the wood working magazines did a test on biscuit joints. They proved that the biscuits did not add any strength over glue whatsoever. So really, they are nothing more than a nifty device to help hold boards together and in alignment while the glue dries. For hard wood, I prefer M/T joinery. With sheet goods, I generally stick with dados. I don't screw with shouldered joints either.

Me? I'm just perty.

I'm thinking I probably need to totally tear apart my table saw and re-build it. Yay. Anyone have any experience with these? I can get the link belts elsewhere for about half the price, so I'm not sure if the pulleys are worth it. I do know my saw has a fierce vibration, and the v-belt is definitely, definitely worn the heck out. Anything else I should be considering?

Eh, I bought the kit. Could probably use as much help as I can get on this saw. Also ordered a mobile base kit for it, so I can get it out of the way in the shed and/or move it around more easily to cut big stuff.

Sometimes you can drill a hole(s) at the heavy spot on the pulley to help balance it if it is the cause of the vibration.

Can I come watch you install it and record your cursing?

Absolutely. I'll need someone to help me move the *&!%ing thing around.