Woodworker's Journal 2007-Winter, страница 55

Connecting the Table to the Base

With all the parts made, there's still one step left— connecting the top to the base. Since saw heights vary, some of the hinge locations have to be determined during assembly. But first, check the Pinup Shop Drawings for the known hinge and scribed line locations. Transfer these to the inside of the table aprons and the upper base rails, drill the holes and install the pivot hinges (see illustration, right) and arms.

To find the location for the lower hinge on the long arm, center the table on the base and move the arm in an arc until the hole for the hinge intersects the scribed line on the base rail. Mark this location, repeat the procedure on the other side, drill the holes in the rails and install the hinges, as shown in Step 1.

To establish the threaded insert location, begin by elevating the top to its full outfeed height, as shown in Step 2. Keeping the top level, use an awl to mark the insert location on the bottom rail. Use a framing square to keep the arm perpendicular during this operation. Drill the holes, install the inserts and lock both arms in the "up"position with the star knobs.

To find your final pivot hinge location on the inside of the table apron, simply measure the distance between the two hinges on the base rail (shown as "A"below) and transfer this measurement to the scribed line on the inside of the apron. With that point established, you can drill for the final hinges.

The last step is to glue and screw the two stretchers (pieces 17) in place to add extra stability to the assembly.

The pivot hinge is one of the most versatile pieces of hardware available for shop projects.

Step 2

Step 1

For example, if your saw is 36" high, add 2" to each arm. With that length determined, cut the arms to size. Use your band saw to round both ends of each arm, then sand away any kerf marks. You can now use the Pivot Arms Detail on the Pinup Shop Drawings to mark the drilling locations for your hardware. While you're at it, lay out the cuts for the two stretchers (pieces 17).

Follow the instructions that come with the pivot hinges (pieces 18) and drill the arms at the locations you just marked. Remember that the top hinges

are installed on the outsides of the arms, while the bottom ones are located on the insides. Then, using your band saw, make the cuts that house the stretchers.

Refer to the tint box, above, for your final assembly instructions. Once the table is all together, lay out and cut the miter slot extensions, as shown in the illustrations on page 53. Using a router and straight bit, a pair of cuts will complete both miter saw tracks. Locate the tracks carefully so they line up accurately with the slots on your saw table.

Finishing Up

With that done, wrap up your outfeed/assembly table with three coats of a durable finish. We used a waterbased varnish that dries quickly and spares you from the strong fumes. Mask off the laminate surfaces first to keep them clean.

Once the finish dries, you can go to work on all those large projects you thought your small shop couldn't handle. Now you've got support to spare and a convenient new benchtop for putting things together. q

Winter 2007

55