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When I started the SuperStation project, I listed the Exaktor Sliding Table and Overarm
Guard Systems as being the elements to give the whole SuperStation the final touch.
I have to admit, that for the past month, I have had these installed and have
been using them...and I simply put off writing the pages. They deserve a close look, and I
will tell you right now, they are great! I am being spoiled by them and the whole
SuperStation.
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As I always do, I will
cover the installation first, and then I will show how we use it. I will do the
installation, and Maureen will do the actual using.
So let me start the installation section.
(If you want to skip directly to Maureen, click here...my feelings
won't be hurt, much.)
Here, I am reading over the installation instructions. They are minimal but
adequate. Fact is, the assembly is rather simple and straight forward.
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The first step is to
remove the left wing of the table saw so that the sliding table can be close to the blade.
I had already done this, so I could go to the next step.
Here I am attaching the bracket which is part of the Exaktor Sliding Table
kit. With it being black, you can't see it, but this piece has a series of
"teeth" to match up with its mating section.
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I am attaching the mating
part to the table assembly. Now you can see the series of teeth that mate with the table
saw piece.
This bracket is part of Exaktor's exclusive quick release system. This will
really be a nice feature for the SuperStation. It allows me to remove the entire sliding
table as a single unit. I can move the sliding table to a shaper, or other tool, by just
installing another adapter plate, which is a low cost accessory. I don't need that now,
but I sure like the idea that I can remove the unit so easily—and that it will not
need new alignment when I return it. That is a nice feature.
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There is not much to
the installation. As I connect the pieces, I am glad to see that each of the components
are well made of heavy gauge steel.
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I now have a sliding
table. I just said that everything was made of heavy gauge steel — I am wrong. The
rails for the sliding table are machined from precision stainless steel. Now this is no
small point — the competitions' rails are of painted steel, The paint, when chipped,
gives a "bumpy" ride. The Exaktor Sliding Table moves very smoothly.
The instructions lay out the alignment procedures very well. These are key to
making the sliding table work well with the table saw. They take about 10 to 15 minutes to
perform.
Here I am using a straight edge to align the table level with the saw's table
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Moving right
along, I now add the fence. There are some new features of the Exaktor Sliding Table which
I really like . We will look at all of these in Maureen's section.
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After aligning the table, I
then use a square to accurately set the fence. I am now adjusting the stop that will allow
me to return the fence to square after removing the fence or using the miter function.
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One thing I noticed, is the
miter gauge markings. They are laser etched in aluminum bar stock. A real plus with
this sliding table fence is that it can give you very accurate miter cuts on panels too
large for the typical, small miter gauges and even shop made sleds.
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It's important to keep the
panel secure to the fence, particularly when cutting miters. The Exaktor sliding table
fence has a hold down which works well to combat panel movement during the cut. The quick
release lever allows you to remove the panel quickly and also allows you to swivel it out
of the way when not in use.
The sliding table is setup and ready to go. On to the Exaktor Overarm Blade
Guard.
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One heavy shipping carton
contains all the Exaktor Overarm Guard parts. Heavy is good — it means that heavy
walled pipe is used to make a very sturdy platform for the guard.
Again, the instructions are clear, but you don't need many. Looking at the
pictures and the diagrams will make plenty of sense by themselves.
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The overarm system requires
a very securely mounted leg. I attach the mid-bracket to the end of the table. This is
just beyond where the Incra TS-III rail ends.
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I install a block of wood
to serve as a spacer. It allows me to bolt the bottom of the leg out from the cabinet. I
am not sure that this will work. I may have to make a bracket of angle iron. This will
hold for now.
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