Table Saw Sliding Tables

[morturn]

I am in the process of buying a new table saw, and thinking about the Excalibur. I have been reading with interest a tread that gives this saw a very positive review.

I cannot make my mind up about the sliding table, if I need one or not. I have used one once and found it to be useful, however most of the time, I use a sledge and have managed quite well. I am however aware that a sledge may carry more of a safety risk.

Space for the sliding table is not an issue, so if I fit one are there any disadvantages?

Finally, If I fit a sliding table, I assume that a mobile base would be of no use?

 

[PAC1]

Given you have the space get a slider. If you cut any amount of sheet material a slider is far preferable to a sledge.
From a safety point of view the crown guard should cover, as a minimum the top of the blade and preferably all the blade. This is not possible with a sledge

 

[monkeybiter]

My Axminster has a sliding table which I use often for crosscutting, I also sometimes remove it if the clamp post will be in the way as it's easy to lift off the runners. I've also built a large and ugly mobile base [wood] which works fine, but then I don't have loads of room.

 

[deema]

Have you thoug of an old Startite 275? Vey capable saw, highly rated and you can still get spare parts, there is a model with a lovely fold down sliding table that should have two micro adjustable stops. The table folds flat against the machine when not in use and the fence does not need removing. Extension bars should also come with it that make it a capable panel saw. There should also be an extension bar for the sliding table.

Really nice main fence that locks and is micro adjustable (note it is deliberately set not to be parallel with the blade for safety about a 2 degree taper away from the blade) mite sliding channels either side of the blade are parallel with the blade and the saw should have a lively mitre bevel with it.

It has a small foot print which makes it highly sought after and they go for good money on eBay.

 

[DiscoStu]

If you do a lot of cross cutting then a sliding table is very useful and if you need to cut a lot of wood to the same length then being able to put a stop down is really useful. Mobile base is useful if you need to move the saw and I don't think the sliding table makes any difference to that. I have both and use both.

 

[heimlaga]

If you have space and money enough you should get a saw with sliding table. It makes the saw a lot more versatile.
There are many types of sliding table saws both old and new in various sizes. Every model has it's advantages.
Personally I would look at secondhand just to get a better saw for the money.

It is possible to build a mobile base that lifts the saw off the floor only when yuo move it. DennisCA on this forum has built such a contraption for his Rapid with sliding table.

 

[MattRoberts]

I'd give my left nut for a sliding table attachment!