New table for a HF 4x6 bandsaw

Fletch Helical

Fletch Helical

Joined
Sep 29, 2009
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I haven't even used it yet but from what I'm gathering the table on the HF 4x6 isn't all that great for using. Here is my problem, I don't have access to much metal.... Even if I did I don't have access to many tools to fabricate a new table for it. What I'm wondering/looking for is:

1. Either suggestions on how to reinforce the current table that is on it.
2. A suggestion on how to fabricate a new table fairly easily
3. Someone who has the resources who might be able to fabricate a table for me.

#3 I would be willing to pay for providing the cost doesn't make what I paid for the saw make it seem like it's not really worth it. I know of one metal place that I believe does fabricating near me but have not called them yet on what it may cost to have something made. I'll likely give them a call soon, it may be a bit premature since I haven't even tried cutting anything on it yet but it would be good to know I can have it done if need be.
 
Just use a piece of 1/4" mild steel, drill/countersink a couple mounting holes and your good! its really that easy
 
just cut it right on your saw. take the flimsy table off and flip it upside down, lay it on your new steel and trace out the blade slit and mark your holes to be drilled. then just drill it out and cut your slit in the steel and away you go.
 
Lot of guys have used micarta or mild steel. You can even beef up the existing table if you prefer.
 
You can even use wood, or fiber board. A piece of laminated countertop will work well.
 
I have had my HF saw for a year. I have yet to beefed up my table.
I just don't see the urgent need as it works great as it is. If it will not increase my productive or be safer. I would rather put the effort in my knives.
But these guys are right. Don't have it fabricated. It will cost too much.
Go to your junk yard find you a piece of steel. Cut a slot it does not have to be perfect. Your blade just have to slide though it when you change the blade. Just drill a couple of holes and countersink the holes. Use your old plate as a template. You wont have any problems.
Don't over think it. It really is pretty straight forward.
 
Blacktoeknives: i think you'll actually be amazed at the difference it makes. the original table does "seem" fine, but my cutting speed literally doubled by adding a rigid table. i was quite shocked!!
 
One thing that makes a difference is being able to close up the blade slot. On the HF table I run a piece of wood into the blade and cut on top of it so that small pieces don't fall through.
 
Don't cut off tiny pieces, save that work for the grinder. Small pieces can get wedged between the saw kerf in the new table and the blade and knock teeth out of the blade. (Just guess how I know this).
 
That's why I put a piece of wood up there or close up the slot ;) Sometimes you need to cut small parts.
 
I set up my tables with slot behind the blade, for this very reason. darn near everyday i'd get something caught in there. i waited until after i got my dewalt portaband before doing this as its a PITA to change blade with slot behind blade. i use one saw with a 10-14 tpi and one 18tpi.
 
AcridSaint said:
One thing that makes a difference is being able to close up the blade slot. On the HF table I run a piece of wood into the blade and cut on top of it so that small pieces don't fall through.
Click to expand...

So if I made a new table out of say something like MDF board I could basically get away with just cutting a slit through it to have the band saw blade run through rather than have that squared out area that is on the HF table. From what I'm gathering the less room there is for anything to fall through the table the better.
 
You still need space to change the blades out easily, but you don't need a gap as big as the table that came with it.
 
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