I have a Delta Unisaw, currently with a wood 54"x27" extension table. I am considering changing/modifying it to the Pro Table Kit (54"x30") - 3/4" System!
I believe Jason’s table and fixturing system can work both with metal fabrication as well as wood working.
I’m thinking I will need to build the table frame to attach to the saw table, not just legs. This will be so the fixture table can be aligned to match the saw table. then I can level the entire unit with the adjustable feet on my frame. With my small garage, I need to keep this on wheels.
You probably have your reasons (eg shop layout) for favouring side support at the TS to infeed / outfeed support, right? It’s worth a double check or step-back pondering, because this could be your chance to make that change.
I also have to move things around constantly. In fact, it’s more true that my workshop is ‘the outdoors’ and my building is a tool box, from which the specific set of necessary equipment per task comes. And if i had one lesson learned, or suggestion from that perspective, it would be to keep the moving modules as small as possible. All the more important if they’re heavy / dense. Separately rolling a cabinet saw, and what i’ll call fixture table, around is actually easier even though it seems like twice the back and forth.
Even further out-there side thought - Though the TS is the more capable piece of equipment, it’s sometimes possible to fully replace it with a track-saw, depending on what the person does with their saw. So just hypothetically, check whether you actually need a TS at all. Because that could simplify your scenario a bunch. What with wheeling about only a fixturing work station, to which you also bring the track saw when you’re building in wood.
The TS with the side extension was what I bought new in the '80s. The orange mobile base was actually fabricated on this saw/table combination. This is what set me towards a combo fixture, welding, assembly top. I have a Festool track saw, so I could consider a shorter extension, however the 54"x30" is the only table size option that works. I may get it positioned where it doesn’t need to be mobile. Jason has made his fixture table system a “want” absolutely not something I need. I’m getting old and it’s just a hobby.
I have a bunch of motorhome cabinets to make in the future and I would prefer to have the cabinet saw for that. The first to go would be the RAS. After the MH project the TS could go. Not too far after that it’ll be time for most everything to go.
A man parting ways with his 1980’s unisaw would be difficult, especially if you purchased new. Those are great table saws. Your idea is a great one, flat fixture plate for a table saw extension would be a nice luxury. Does the current extension wing have any support legs down the orange framework? It is it cantilevered off the table saw? A fixture plate would definitely need support under it at the far end from the saw.
My only opinion about welding near where you do wood word is the buck shot that randomly flies everywhere from mig or stick welding. Even with a decent dust collection system, the saw dust is a great fire starter. It will start small, smolder for a long time, and possibly/eventually start to flame. I have first hand experience, more than once.
You might want to keep the fixture table as a separate unit on it’s own wheels. As long as it is height adjustable you can use it as an extension table or an infeed or outfeed table as well as for other equipment. You could add locating pins to the saw table so it can align perfectly. With pinned legs and adjustable casters, you can get a wide range of height and level. I have seen several people also use the standing desk motors to make rolling shop tables that can adjust to table saws, jointers, planers, etc. Great when everything is at different heights.
Plus one on the welding and sawdust do not mix well.
