Subject: Tablesaw for wheelchair user

From: Jerome R Yezierski <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 15:10:10 -0500

I looking for feedback on what would be a tablesaw of choice for a
woodworker that is now in a wheelchair.
  What TS has the largest table do once the wood is cut it doesn't fall
on the floor causing me to move around to the other side of the TS.
  I have been using a RAS with plenty of ease but I'm looking for
accuracy in ripping and crosscuts.
   I have used an antique Craftsmen to see if I would like a TS.Problem
being reaching to hold the cut wood so it doesn't fall on the floor.I
don't want to cut my hand/arms now that they do double duty as legs
also.
    I've seen TS with extensions for the left/right sides of the table
but nothing on the outfeed side.
     Ok you TS guru's help me out please.
  TIA
Jerome

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From: [email-masked] (Foxeye)
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 20:31:33 GMT

It should not be all that hard to add an outfeed table to any saw, no
difference in adding left and right tables on a RAS.  I have 16 foot
extensions on my RAS and added a 4' outfeed table to my TS made from
angle aluminum with alum tube rollers.  Whether in a wheelchair or on
legs, it has proven handy to me as well.  

>     Ok you TS guru's help me out please.

Foxeye

The opinions expressed by me are mine and mine alone.  NAR 70031 TRA Someday
Take the XX out of mindspring for correct email address

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From: [email-masked] (Tom Gauldin)
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 22:03:07 GMT

>woodworker that is now in a wheelchair.

Here are several thoughts.  First of all, if you don't plan on doing a lot of
long ripping, have you considered "tipping" the saw toward you a tad to make
the back side of the TS more accessible from the chair?  Even placing the back
legs or cabinet base on a 4X4 would sure help.

I'd also consider a roller outfeed table.  The one I have is a generic model
and swings up for use, and down to permit me to get to the rear of the TS
without stooping.  

If your TS is a Sears-type with the motor at the rear of the table, you might
even consider welding up a cantilever under-table that would permit you to
scoot under the front of the TS with your wheelchair----as you might do with a
slightly elevated kitchen table or workspace.  

To cut down on movement around the shop, consider putting things like your DC
on an X-10 type of on/off control and using a handheld remote control (radio)
to control it, lighting and other remote power needs.  

Good luck and give us some feedback on how you decide to handle it.

Tom

Tom Gauldin           Here's to the land of the longleaf pine,
Raleigh NC             The Summerland,where the sun doth shine.
fax 919-676-1404   Where the weak grow strong,and the strong grow great,
                               Here's to Downhome,the Old North State.

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From: keevmk <[email-masked]>
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 1997 01:03:54 -0600

>      Ok you TS guru's help me out please.

Like the others have said it should easy to add an outfeed table to most
any TS.  My choice, if I had enough friggin' space, would be a large
piece of plywood laminated with formica.  My only other thought is the
saw hieght and how it might limit your access to to the table - most
contractor style TS have a bolt together steel stand and it would be
very easy to shorten the legs to bring the tabletop down to waist level
(you might even find a manufacturer to do it for free). 
    I think you can easily modify a TS to meet your needs - God knows
it's the one tool most of us couldn't live without.

Good Luck
Buzz