While ripping some trim recently on my portable tablesaw, I realized that an outfeed table and an extended fence (along with a couple of featherboards) would lessen the chance of an accident and make for cleaner, chatter-free cuts. I was just about to consult my supplier’s catalog when it occurred to me that a simple modification could solve my problem.
As shown in the drawing, I made a flagshaped combination fence extension/outfeed table out of a 2×4 and an 18-in. sq. piece of melamine. The 2×4 is straight, kiln-dried and knot-free. It’s secured to the original fence by way of a couple of bolts through wood blocks. The melamine square is screwed and glued to the underside of the 2×4.
While this setup is no substitute for a stand-alone, roller-equipped outfeed table, it does help with ripping light pieces of unwieldy stock such as trim. As noted on the drawing, I rounded the leading edge of the melamine to keep rippings from hanging up on it.
Norman Nemec, Manhasset, NY
