Glen-L.com

I am building a workbench. (So far so good)

I want to put a table saw on one end and a router on the other, but I want them hidden! (Crazy?)

So, I am looking for either a lift kit (scissor lift), hydraulic lift, or a slide and swing up bracket. So I can make them disappear after I am done with them and then i have use of the complete top to work on.

Steve

For the router, if it's not getting heavy use, you might try one of those kitchen swing set ups for mixers. They are designed to have the mixer in the cabinet when not in use, and swing it up to counter top height for use.
I believe most are rated for 35 lb. or so. Not the sturdiest of support for heavy routing.

As for the telescoping table saw, those puppies sometimes have to take a pretty heavy load. You can get lift kits for televisions and the like, not inexpensive, but likely good for the purpose you have in mind. On a less costly path, perhaps have one end of the table saw hinged, so it can swing up for use or down (in a vertical orientation) for non-use.

Sounds like some of the crazy ideas I've had, all the best.

_________________
This is my first, last and only boat build.

http://www.gdzipbuild.blogspot.com

i did something like this before for the router. i welded a steel box section frame. put on two hinges and mounted these to the wall and welded to the frame. welded up a support frame (for the front)and hinged this to the box section frame. i put on a piece of mdf to the table, mounted the router to the mdf and had a foldable router table that closed up to the wall. hope that helps. Gave it to a friend down the country and think he still uses it.
Not sure what to do with the saw only build it flush with the top then drop the blade and put a cover sheet over it when not in use.

I have my router mounted on an aluminum plate right in the bench. It's great as you can then mount all kinds of guides to the bench with screws.When not in use it drops below the top. (I know a custom yacht builder here in Ontario that has 8 routers mounted in his workbench Man, can he ever turn out custom mouldings
Can't help on the saw tho. Mine sits off the end of the bench and uses it for runout.
Doug

ya I have a router mounted like that too. When I remove the router I use a piece of ply to cover the opening it leaves in the bench. Works really well.

Great ideas...sounds like the router is the easier part. Even if I don't plug the holes it still won't get in the way much. I wanted to mount a cheapo saw in the table like a lightweight ryobi. Will keep thinking about it.
Steve

Don't know how married you are to your island idea, because here's an option that works for me. I have one space between cabinets in the end of my workshop/garage that can support my thickness planer, or my router, or my chop saw. Just another option for your consideration.

_________________
This is my first, last and only boat build.

http://www.gdzipbuild.blogspot.com

Thanks, now that just gave me MORE ideas !
Steve
w

Cannot help you there. I have a floor model cast iron table saw that I set at the end of my 4x8 workbench. I built an extension to the saw table and mounted a router under it. I just release the router and remove the table saw guide to clear the bench. This adds 2 more feet of worksurface to my table. I use the table saw guide for the router.

But this is giving me some ideas on my other issues such as my planer and chop saw.

_________________
Dave

My Riviera build - the Midnight Cry Project

Video of Midnight in Action
Blog

Few things in the world measure up to the thrill and satisfaction of boating in a boat that you built.

Oh man, I just got another idea...but I will have to commandeer some parts from my wifes sewing machine table..this outa be good!
Steve

Ahhh, now. Why did you go and do that? Now I have an idea too.

But I know where there is a warehouse full of stuff reclaimed out of circa 1900 homes. It has a bunch of "parts" that will work just fine.

_________________
Dave

My Riviera build - the Midnight Cry Project

Video of Midnight in Action
Blog

Few things in the world measure up to the thrill and satisfaction of boating in a boat that you built.

How about sewing machine tables from garage sales or thrift stores for parts?

good idea Steve!

_________________
Boat building can best be defined as an endless series of
tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle, followed by a good bottle of beer.

Don't Dream Your Life, Live Your Dream

Hey Hey Hey...whoa!!!!./....Just for the record the sewing machine idea is not mine: that's my story and I am sticking to it....if you guys think for one moment I need more than one woman ticked at me at a time./.(Well two if you count Gayle ) then you got another thing comin'...if you so much as touch your wifes sewing machine table I will assume no responsibility for you not being able to stand on a dock without "falling in" at the next Gathering!

Steve


(But I for one am thinking of taking that lift kit out of my wifes and putting it in my table...this will be cool...

Kathy: "Honey?"
Me: "Yes Dear"
Kathy: "My sewing machine doesn't go up and down like it used to can
you take a look at it"
Me: "Sure Honey....oh look...it seems like the upsey downsey thingy is
like, broken or something...it like...well...disintigrated..maybe you
should just set the machine on top of the table like a good little
quilter and just work from up there...that machine doesnt do you
any good under the table anyway....right poopsie?"
Kathy: Oh, Honey you think of everything!

However, if she ever learns the truth all my friends will be sitting around a year from now saying can you believe Steve has been dead a year already!

how about a cheap hydralic lift for a moter cycle or a lift table from some place like harbor freight. couldn't be to hard to modify

You're right, and it would have no problem with the weight, as long as you can get the fine adjustment out of it, scissor type lift might end up being more accurate, or air shocks with stops at the top,...hmmmm
STeve