Thanks Bob. A lot of people don't realize just how poorly made some of the commercially available stuff is, and it is possible to do it better yourself. A lot has been said about the lack of a switch, but I use this so rarely, it's not an issue for me. Certainly, if I were using this more often, I would take the time to add a switched outlet. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
I don't often need a table saw, and don't need precision for my typical project. Having this available is perfect for my needs. Thanks for a great idea.
John, Built a table saw myself back 20 yrs. ago but was heavy and only 1/2 hp. Being a poor retiree I have to build many of the machines I need . Your saw is perfect for out of the shop work!
I just started watching your very practical videos and they are well done. I really get a charge when a person comes up with practical projects. Please keep up your excellent work and videos. Thanks - Larry, in Richmond, IL
John, I saw a similar system a few years ago that was billed as a solution to people with limited space like a person in an apartment. It's a great idea and glad that you revisited this.
Nice clever design. Anyone smart enough to build one like it should be smart enough not to get hurt using it. Leaving the lower blade guard on the saw makes it much safer. I really like the way it folds up for flat storage.
Looks like a pretty simple table to make. I know it doesn't replace a proper table but considering how easy it is to setup and use, it really would do nicely in a pinch.
I like it to take on a small job, but one more brace is needed somwhere to stop it from moving forward when you are pushing the plywood through. It rocks back and forth. But yes! I will build one. The store bought portable saws are not foldable and you have to put them up on horses or a table. Which means more stuff to carry around. Good job👍
I repeat the same thing that was already said,"that is one of the best I have seen ever". Even though I already have a table saw I'm going to keep this project in mind for the future. Thank you.
I used to have a commercially produced and marketed version of this that was called a Hirsh Saw Table. I believe I bought it at Canadian Tire about 30 years ago. It was no more stable than yours and the fence system on it was far inferior to yours. It did have a switched outlet to plug the saw into and a bar across the front of the table that would switch the rocker switch off if you hit it anywhere along its length. Yours looks fine to me. Take care Bob
Exactly. A switched outlet is bulky, plus it would need a cord. Besides that, the saw could be left plugged in, and the "C" shaped trigger lock can be used to turn it off and on.
That's pretty cool. The safety nay sayers can be a pain. It's as if they think that you somehow lose your sanity when you make stuff like this. Keep on rockin'.
I was thinking of doing a mobile fence and got pretty tricky on my mind and I was like "there should be a simplest way" and by casualty I saw yours, it's simple and yet very useful, I will implement on my table right away, thank you so much!
Another SAFE and amazing build John! The fold-up table alone is incredible, and mounting a circular saw under a table is A LOT safer in my book than using one freehand! Comparatively speaking, this setup is no more dangerous than a "normal" table saw my friends, unless the user doesn't use COMMON SENSE. It's always the users knowledge(or lack thereof) of the tool that makes the situation safe OR not. Go find a video where someone IS actually UNSAFE to B** at. Or, make your own and film it!
I found one of those Hirsh Saw Tables at a garage sale a little while ago and thought it would be a nice space saver for my casual garage workshop. People still rave about them to this day. After setting it up I can say that John's table is significantly better.
great idea.. anyone that does not see what the appropriate use for this is, should not be around tools.. some people just dont understand that everything has its limitations, and the "skill" is knowing how to stay within the limitations of each tool. when you try to make things do stuff they were not designed for, is when you either break things or get hurt. the people that are leaving comments about this not being safe, are the same people that would try to run a full piece of plywood through this saw, and then blame the tool for any mishaps instead of themselves for being dumb.
Heck... I love this concept. I dont know what they are talking about it not being safe. The shroud covers the blade. heck I like the fence system you made better than the one on my saw! Hell of a job John!
this is simplest table saw i've ever seen but brilliant idea and easy to make they have also extra safety for blade i hope all wood worker same like mr.john thumbs up sir......
Like the way you have allowed the guard to come through as most videos of this type haven't done this. Made a similar one myself and its only to rip down ply offcuts not full boards and makes it so much easier.
Fantastic project, John. I made something along similar lines many years ago, but not as elaborate as yours. My only regret is that I didn't build years earlier. It was so much faster, safer and more accurate especially if repeat cuts were required than using a power saw and either a rip guide or straight edge. Thanks for posting this. PS love the nuts in the timber handle idea. Wing nuts are virtually impossible to buy here nowadays, but no-one can tell me why. I'll copy your idea. :) Cheers,
That's great, really useful for those with limited tools or for an ultra portable light workshop.I bet it allows you to rip much smaller pieces than you normally could with a handheld saw also.
I would say your saw table is actually _more_ safe than most of those ultra-cheap garbage table saws (think Harbor Freight) that are essentially just a cheap circular saw mounted under an even cheaper plastic box. Great job!
Perfect project :-) Once I created such " temporary table saw solution " ..it is already a couple of years... and this solution already made a looooooot of work and it still works :-)
I've wired a plug to a switch (in the same box) on a short extension cable. It comes in handy for all sorts of power tools. A bar clamp would keep it nearby on your table saw.
Very nice job. I agree that it would be a temporary saw as constructed. The only feature it would need to be a permanent saw I think would just be an on/off switch, which could be accomplished using an electrical junction box with an outlet and a light switch, attached underneath.
What a great idea I need to make one of these tomorrow! I don't have a table saw but I never use my hand saw because I now have a new rockler smaller saw so I want to be able to take this to my job sites and use it for rip cuts great idea thank you so much for sharing!!
This was very helpful. A lot of us do not have room for a table saw or we simply can't afford to buy one. It would be awesome if you came up with a simpler table that can be mounted on top of a Black & Decker workbench
It's a fairly simple concept, and that's its genius. I can SAY "it's a simple concept," but I wouldn't have thought of it myself, so believe me: it's not a negative concept in any way! I love the fence, too!
I like this project alot. Exactly what I need today: my workshop is in few-years plans, while house has limited room. Don't want to buy heavy table saw until workshop will be built, as long as there is no room for it in living house (and no desire to move heavy stuff :-) ). This idea would be excellent solution for me at this moment. Thank you very much for sharing this!
Felicitaciones John , excelente mesa para sierra es muy portatil, facil de manipular y en especial sive para guardarla en espacios pequeños. Saludos,,,,
That is a good homemade table saw. As far as safety the same can be said about all power tools. Even the name brand manufacturers have potential safety issues. But as you said it is a temp solution to an immediate situation. Good job!
Hello to Istanbul, beautiful city and the whole country & it's people are very friendly & warm. My wife and I, got married in Antalya 20 years ago and we've been spending our holidays in Turkey every year since then, (but for the last 17 & 13 with our sons ). We haven't traveled anywhere else as there was no need, we're buying a house in Bodrum soon, Beautiful country & people. hello from Sydney, Australia : )
NIce, I like the fence especially. I would think an "X" style legs might work well and be simpler and faster, similar to the way a TV tray works. As always, great job.
I thought about that when I saw it, but the whole point of the thing is to make it simple, quick and efficient. It wouldn't take MUCH to have an on/off switch on the front or side, but it adds some steps that really may not be deemed necessary.
I've done something similar with my saw. Your's looks a heck of a lot safer than mine! I use a small clamp to keep the switch on and plug it into a switched outlet. My version is really just a board that I screw to a portable work bench.
This is a great video and for some who can't afford a 2-3 hundred dollar table saw but love woodworking Can use this for an alternative for ripping until they can save up for one good job sir
I don't see any safety issues. It looks like a great rig to me. The only thing I could think to do to improve it would be to shorten the bolts a little. It looks like you're spinning the nuts forever.
FYI if concerned about safety. Install an electrical outlet onto on of the table lets with a switch to have the ability to turn on and off of the circular saw instead of unplugging the cord. Much safer. I have done this on my cut-off saw table so I do have control over the power of the saw.
Wow, great! This is my next project. Hell I'll use it as my own table saw. Looks pretty good to me. I don't see any problems here. I like to save a few pennies when I can. Thanks Buddy.
One of the simplest implementations of the idea that I've seen on youtube. Good job! I actually have a real shot at building it. :-) As a precaution, I would tie the piece of wood keeping the saw ON continuously to the table, should the machine break free or fall it would turn off almost immediately.
I was going to ask how you adjust the blade height then my brain caught up and I remembered that a skill saw has a blade adjustment on it so my question became unnecessary. I see no safety issues with it other than a switch as others have mentioned but I believe that is pretty much personal choice. I will definitely be copying your design myself except for adding the switch. Good job and as for the safety police here on youtube...
Hey sir! I really think it was nice to see you made the circular saw worked while retained the functionality of the blade guard. I watched several videos with similar jigs but unlike yours. How can I get a plan so I can make one for myself? Thanks and keep on working on more cool stufff...
Nice I like this! Would do well in a construction type of application where you didn't want to bring the heavier contractors saw with you and you will always have the skill saw anyway. Love the channel buddy-can't wait for the new shop! Are you going to make vids of the temp shop getting together?
excellent video and concept. right commonsence is essential, some people might miss the point this is meant to be temporary or the "saw to build the saw" kinda thing. anyway one thing, lets say you have a few well cuts to make, do anything think maybe vibration be a critical point of consideration, since those screw knobs holding the saw in place upside down are very critical, even coming slightly loose can casuse serious vibrations mid cut possibly resuting in damaging of blade, saw, or injury ? im jus wondering. i mean yes its not something to use day in and day out bur even during a lengthy cut session ?
I am thinking of building something in between this and your big homemade saw. What I need is a not too big table saw with good accuracy of the cuts. I am sure that I need a more rigid and stable table, but how about the mounting of the circular saw? Any suggestions what could be done better to make it more exact and repeatable every time I put the saw in? Also is the weight of the saw a problem in this design - is the blade perpendicular to the top or not?
Thanks Bob. A lot of people don't realize just how poorly made some of the commercially available stuff is, and it is possible to do it better yourself. A lot has been said about the lack of a switch, but I use this so rarely, it's not an issue for me. Certainly, if I were using this more often, I would take the time to add a switched outlet.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
I don't often need a table saw, and don't need precision for my typical project. Having this available is perfect for my needs. Thanks for a great idea.
John, Built a table saw myself back 20 yrs. ago but was heavy and only 1/2 hp. Being a poor retiree I have to build many of the machines I need . Your saw is perfect for out of the shop work!
I just started watching your very practical videos and they are well done. I really get a charge when a person comes up with practical projects. Please keep up your excellent work and videos. Thanks - Larry, in Richmond, IL
That is what a table saw does. A good and simple table that does the job without all the unnecessary snick snack. Very well built. Great job!
John, I saw a similar system a few years ago that was billed as a solution to people with limited space like a person in an apartment. It's a great idea and glad that you revisited this.
Nice clever design. Anyone smart enough to build one like it should be smart enough not to get hurt using it. Leaving the lower blade guard on the saw makes it much safer. I really like the way it folds up for flat storage.
Thats true..i like it too ..very safe..rather than loosing the fingers..
Looks like a pretty simple table to make. I know it doesn't replace a proper table but considering how easy it is to setup and use, it really would do nicely in a pinch.
I like it to take on a small job, but one more brace is needed somwhere to stop it from moving forward when you are pushing the plywood through. It rocks back and forth. But yes! I will build one. The store bought portable saws are not foldable and you have to put them up on horses or a table. Which means more stuff to carry around. Good job👍
I repeat the same thing that was already said,"that is one of the best I have seen ever". Even though I already have a table saw I'm going to keep this project in mind for the future. Thank you.
I used to have a commercially produced and marketed version of this that was called a Hirsh Saw Table. I believe I bought it at Canadian Tire about 30 years ago. It was no more stable than yours and the fence system on it was far inferior to yours. It did have a switched outlet to plug the saw into and a bar across the front of the table that would switch the rocker switch off if you hit it anywhere along its length. Yours looks fine to me.
Take care
Bob
Exactly. A switched outlet is bulky, plus it would need a cord.
Besides that, the saw could be left plugged in, and the "C" shaped trigger lock can be used to turn it off and on.
No, but there is a full construction article on my website. Link in the description.
That's pretty cool. The safety nay sayers can be a pain. It's as if they think that you somehow lose your sanity when you make stuff like this. Keep on rockin'.
I was thinking of doing a mobile fence and got pretty tricky on my mind and I was like "there should be a simplest way" and by casualty I saw yours, it's simple and yet very useful, I will implement on my table right away, thank you so much!
Another SAFE and amazing build John! The fold-up table alone is incredible, and mounting a circular saw under a table is A LOT safer in my book than using one freehand! Comparatively speaking, this setup is no more dangerous than a "normal" table saw my friends, unless the user doesn't use COMMON SENSE. It's always the users knowledge(or lack thereof) of the tool that makes the situation safe OR not. Go find a video where someone IS actually UNSAFE to B** at. Or, make your own and film it!
Great idea! A foot switch might be helpful, there are several ready-mades available, and it's a simple thing to DIY. Thanks for sharing!
I found one of those Hirsh Saw Tables at a garage sale a little while ago and thought it would be a nice space saver for my casual garage workshop. People still rave about them to this day. After setting it up I can say that John's table is significantly better.
great idea.. anyone that does not see what the appropriate use for this is, should not be around tools.. some people just dont understand that everything has its limitations, and the "skill" is knowing how to stay within the limitations of each tool. when you try to make things do stuff they were not designed for, is when you either break things or get hurt. the people that are leaving comments about this not being safe, are the same people that would try to run a full piece of plywood through this saw, and then blame the tool for any mishaps instead of themselves for being dumb.
Well said and totally accurate.
Totally agree, and in fact, to me it looks as safe as any utility saw!
Very good, sir!
watching too??? that is the best one,very2 easy n simple,and ill make it,i got 2 jigsaw,thanks John heisz??
kctyphoon why couldn't I run a full pc of ply wood threw this saw ?
Well done John, it has several unique ideas not seen on others.Fills a lot of uses & quickly returns to normal useage.
Heck... I love this concept. I dont know what they are talking about it not being safe. The shroud covers the blade. heck I like the fence system you made better than the one on my saw! Hell of a job John!
Sewing machines typically don't cause deep lacerations if you accidentally start then by stepping on the peddle. Better to stick with plugging it in.
Thanks Olly, no plans for this one.
Don't listen to the nay sayers.. Your little table serves a great purpose and I love its simplicity. Great job!
this is simplest table saw i've ever seen but brilliant idea and easy to make they have also extra safety for blade i hope all wood worker same like mr.john thumbs up sir......
Like the way you have allowed the guard to come through as most videos of this type haven't done this.
Made a similar one myself and its only to rip down ply offcuts not full boards and makes it so much easier.
Fantastic project, John. I made something along similar lines many years ago, but not as elaborate as yours. My only regret is that I didn't build years earlier. It was so much faster, safer and more accurate especially if repeat cuts were required than using a power saw and either a rip guide or straight edge. Thanks for posting this. PS love the nuts in the timber handle idea. Wing nuts are virtually impossible to buy here nowadays, but no-one can tell me why. I'll copy your idea. :) Cheers,
That's great, really useful for those with limited tools or for an ultra portable light workshop.I bet it allows you to rip much smaller pieces than you normally could with a handheld saw also.
I would say your saw table is actually _more_ safe than most of those ultra-cheap garbage table saws (think Harbor Freight) that are essentially just a cheap circular saw mounted under an even cheaper plastic box. Great job!
Perfect project :-)
Once I created such " temporary table saw solution " ..it is already a couple of years... and this solution already made a looooooot of work and it still works :-)
you read my mind, I was just thinking; "I wish there was a better vid for that project" nice work!
One of the best ideas that I have seen in a long time. Great work.
I've wired a plug to a switch (in the same box) on a short extension cable. It comes in handy for all sorts of power tools. A bar clamp would keep it nearby on your table saw.
I like the fact it folds up. I have lived on a boat and would have loved to have had this.
I've thought about making something like this but I've never had trouble transporting my saw which rarely happens anyway. Nicely done
Very nice job. I agree that it would be a temporary saw as constructed. The only feature it would need to be a permanent saw I think would just be an on/off switch, which could be accomplished using an electrical junction box with an outlet and a light switch, attached underneath.
What a great idea I need to make one of these tomorrow! I don't have a table saw but I never use my hand saw because I now have a new rockler smaller saw so I want to be able to take this to my job sites and use it for rip cuts great idea thank you so much for sharing!!
thank you for sharing this great idea. Certainly safer than doing a cut using the skilsaw itself and the "experience" to do it straight.
This was very helpful. A lot of us do not have room for a table saw or we simply can't afford to buy one. It would be awesome if you came up with a simpler table that can be mounted on top of a Black & Decker workbench
That is one of the best I have seen on TH-cam so far. Thanks.
It's a fairly simple concept, and that's its genius. I can SAY "it's a simple concept," but I wouldn't have thought of it myself, so believe me: it's not a negative concept in any way! I love the fence, too!
Fairly simple foldable table saw in design and it looks easy to create and a very practical one for a DIY enthusiast. TQVM for sharing.
I like this project alot. Exactly what I need today: my workshop is in few-years plans, while house has limited room. Don't want to buy heavy table saw until workshop will be built, as long as there is no room for it in living house (and no desire to move heavy stuff :-) ). This idea would be excellent solution for me at this moment. Thank you very much for sharing this!
Felicitaciones John , excelente mesa para sierra es muy portatil, facil de manipular y en especial sive para guardarla en espacios pequeños. Saludos,,,,
That is a good homemade table saw. As far as safety the same can be said about all power tools. Even the name brand manufacturers have potential safety issues. But as you said it is a temp solution to an immediate situation. Good job!
Hello to Istanbul, beautiful city and the whole country & it's people are very friendly & warm. My wife and I, got married in Antalya 20 years ago and we've been spending our holidays in Turkey every year since then, (but for the last 17 & 13 with our sons ). We haven't traveled anywhere else as there was no need, we're buying a house in Bodrum soon, Beautiful country & people. hello from Sydney, Australia : )
NIce, I like the fence especially. I would think an "X" style legs might work well and be simpler and faster, similar to the way a TV tray works. As always, great job.
I'm digging that fence.
I thought about that when I saw it, but the whole point of the thing is to make it simple, quick and efficient. It wouldn't take MUCH to have an on/off switch on the front or side, but it adds some steps that really may not be deemed necessary.
I've done something similar with my saw. Your's looks a heck of a lot safer than mine! I use a small clamp to keep the switch on and plug it into a switched outlet. My version is really just a board that I screw to a portable work bench.
A saw is as safe as the operator using it. I see no safety problems with this build, only comfort and efficiency gains.
Brilliant ! I can't fault it at all. As regards safety, you even have the guard in play, which most such saws do not have.
It actually does replace a real table saw when you don't have the money...
+Shimaqan or the space
Actually, you can use it to improve itself, or to build an even better one, lol.
!!!!!
Thanks for sharing, I specially liked the design of the fence, it's simple and functional. Congratulations!
Gran idea así no se lastima la sierra circular. Me agrada tanto su guía lateral, sería genial que en otro video mostrará como hacerla.
That's an awesome table saw. Very simple but genius design. I wanna make one.
Hi John! well done, very handy and so easy to made it and carry it anywhere! congrats!
Excellent idea!!!! One of the best diy vídeos I watched in TH-cam. Subscribed!!!
This is a great video and for some who can't afford a 2-3 hundred dollar table saw but love woodworking Can use this for an alternative for ripping until they can save up for one good job sir
John, that thing is brilliant. Thanks for posting.
Jesse Taylor اسلء ةزه
Jesse Taylor يبل1ب ي2رصﻻصنئ صنىوفخكؤء
Great idea good for the guy that doesn't have a table saw .
I don't see any safety issues. It looks like a great rig to me. The only thing I could think to do to improve it would be to shorten the bolts a little. It looks like you're spinning the nuts forever.
What a cool little table saw. Use what you have around at the time. 👍
thank you very much for everything, I'm starting my project and I decided on a hand saw, so that this project is perfect for it
FYI if concerned about safety. Install an electrical outlet onto on of the table lets with a switch to have the ability to turn on and off of the circular saw instead of unplugging the cord. Much safer. I have done this on my cut-off saw table so I do have control over the power of the saw.
After a long time i found out what i need, nice idea, so simple and extraordinary . Worth video
Wow... it is very nice utility table. Do you have a video how to build it? Thanks
Wow, great! This is my next project. Hell I'll use it as my own table saw. Looks pretty good to me. I don't see any problems here. I like to save a few pennies when I can. Thanks Buddy.
One of the simplest implementations of the idea that I've seen on youtube. Good job!
I actually have a real shot at building it. :-)
As a precaution, I would tie the piece of wood keeping the saw ON continuously to the table, should the machine break free or fall it would turn off almost immediately.
very nice, i love it.. can you show us how you did it please
Really cool idea - this option could really serve someone without a TS well.
I like the folding design.
I was going to ask how you adjust the blade height then my brain caught up and I remembered that a skill saw has a blade adjustment on it so my question became unnecessary. I see no safety issues with it other than a switch as others have mentioned but I believe that is pretty much personal choice. I will definitely be copying your design myself except for adding the switch. Good job and as for the safety police here on youtube...
Hey John,
Thank thank thank.
I've been looking for a great idea like this forrrrr weeks now.
I'll be making this one for sure.
Thank you again
Hey sir! I really think it was nice to see you made the circular saw worked while retained the functionality of the blade guard. I watched several videos with similar jigs but unlike yours. How can I get a plan so I can make one for myself? Thanks and keep on working on more cool stufff...
Nice I like this! Would do well in a construction type of application where you didn't want to bring the heavier contractors saw with you and you will always have the skill saw anyway. Love the channel buddy-can't wait for the new shop! Are you going to make vids of the temp shop getting together?
I love it, John! Did you produce a SketchUp drawing that you could share on your site?
one of the nicest ones on TH-cam! gonna make one.
hello John, excellent utility stand, where could I find plans to build one?
can you do a video of how to make this please? its great!!!
Rob Johnson อ
excellent video and concept. right commonsence is essential, some people might miss the point this is meant to be temporary or the "saw to build the saw" kinda thing. anyway one thing, lets say you have a few well cuts to make, do anything think maybe vibration be a critical point of consideration, since those screw knobs holding the saw in place upside down are very critical, even coming slightly loose can casuse serious vibrations mid cut possibly resuting in damaging of blade, saw, or injury ? im jus wondering. i mean yes its not something to use day in and day out bur even during a lengthy cut session ?
Nice job.nothing wrong with simple.is that a mag.porter cable? Great saw
So great, i saw many videos but this is the best.
I like it sir, specially how you manage the factory bade guard ... awesome
This is the one I will make.
Great video, Very simple Idea but, it's really brilliant.
The Best I Have Seen . Thank you for sharing
Awesomeness, great job! Quick and gets the job done. Enjoying the videos, keep it up.
Can you explain how the 3/8" threaded rod is hooked into the handle and what it tightens to? Does it screw into a nut and bolt?
Great project.. can you tell me the measurements of the top? thank you
You can upload a video showing how to build one like it?
Great idea and as for safety, I see no problems as we were all born with common sense!
john heisz, tiene las medidas para fabricar esta mesa, exelente video. saludos.
no importa lo que digan tu mesa es fantástica, muy útil gracias
I agree with the last comment made. I think your design is great and like good design generally it's very flexible. Nice job, thanks!
Very simple and useful,great work sir,keep it up.
Thank you John for such a good idea 5*
Regards from Mexico
Gr8, I was just looking for how to build one of these. I Had to sell my other T S , so I love this one, Thanx man
excelente idea, es posible que hagas un tutorial de como hacerla...
This video is gooooood! Nicely, nicely done too. Thank you for sharing your knowhow.
I am thinking of building something in between this and your big homemade saw. What I need is a not too big table saw with good accuracy of the cuts. I am sure that I need a more rigid and stable table, but how about the mounting of the circular saw? Any suggestions what could be done better to make it more exact and repeatable every time I put the saw in? Also is the weight of the saw a problem in this design - is the blade perpendicular to the top or not?