Replies

1. 
   citrouille | Nov 22, 2006 09:14pm | #1

   I can speak only for myself but till now even though I wanted one I had a hard time justifying the purchase, first of all space and second a good one is expensive.
   Was expensive I should say, now with the Jessem mastRslide (sp) at about $ 500 sliding tables are more of a possibility especially for someone like myself who doesn't use sheet goods at all.
   It looks very well built and should be very accurate, I will buy one at the beginning of the year.

   C.

1. 
   MatthewSchenker | Nov 22, 2006 09:32pm | #3

   I tested the JessEm slider. I didn't buy one, because I only use a benchtop table saw. But the JessEm I tested was really solid and smooth. I've owned other JessEm products, and they are all well-made.

2. 
   ptu | Nov 22, 2006 09:43pm | #4

   My sliding table is made out of 1/2 plywood and 2x2, didn't cost much, but works great. I have one made for crossgrain dados, and one set up for 45degree mitres. With a good roller set up, you can square the ends of what ever, and quickly set up for repetitave crosscuts.

2. 
   mike_b | Nov 22, 2006 09:25pm | #2

   I would bet that for most with home shops, the lack of a slider is a matter of available space and added cost. If I had the room and the cash, I'd be shopping for a real slider. I've worked on saws equipped with the Excalibur add-on sliding table, and much prefer a real slider (no offence if yours is an Excalibur -- just not for me, but much better than no slider at all). I don't cut a ton of sheet material, but when I do, I always wish I had one. Some of the small shops I'm familiar with have two saws set up facing each other with a common outfeed table between them. One of the saws is equipped with an Excalibur slider and the other is set up primarily for ripping. This seems to work very well, and in a perfect world, would be the setup in my shop (with a real slider).

   
   

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   Edited 11/22/2006 1:39 pm ET by Mike_B

3. 
   sapwood | Nov 22, 2006 11:28pm | #5

   Recently I purchased the Jessem slider attachment. I haven't put a lot of miles on it yet, but so far, I like it a lot. What I really mean, is I like the sliding action. With the fence in the leading position it seems especially easy, safe, and accurate to cut a ply panel. My only dissatisfaction is the add-on's limitation in not being right up next to the blade. Also, size is limited with the Jessem.

   I like the cutting technique well enough that it has started me seriously thinking about acquiring a "real" slider. And this after 25+ years of using, and being comfortable with, a Unisaw.

   One thing that I've noted of late...... not too long ago, there was virtually no discussion on Knots about the use of sliders. Now, the topic surfaces regularly. Is it a fad with some hobbiests? Or is the issue of safety, kick-started by Sawstop, mostly responsible? It certainly doesn't seem to be a cost thing..... sliders are still quite pricey.

4. 
   Kaleo | Nov 23, 2006 12:19am | #6

   I wondered the same thing. I'd never used a table saw with a sliding table until I came here to school. Here I use a Mini-Max sliding table saw. And it is the best thing that I have ever used. It took alittle getting use to, but it makkes life so much easier.

   I think that space is a big issue with these and other combo machines. But when I get back to the states, if I don't get a Felder Combo machine, I will definatly be buying a sliding table saw.

   Kaleo

   http://www.kalafinefurniture.blogspot.com

1. 
   ptu | Nov 23, 2006 03:47am | #7

   I had better apologize, when i said sliding tables, I really ment crosscut sled. I use one continusly, and am wondering if many others do as well.

5. 
   BruceS | Nov 23, 2006 04:10am | #8

   I've installed the Jessum sliding table on an X5 Unisaw at work.  The sliding action is second to none.  But I have issues.  The saw is a left tilt.  So if you want to do compound cuts you will be trapping the lumber under the blade.  Now if you have a right tilt and the slider, when you want to rip you will be trapping the lumber again.   Also there are no detents at all on the miter gauge so it is all eyeball to the line.

   All in all I will pass on the slider and go for the Jessum Mite-R-Excel miter gauge which can be run on either side of the blade.

   Sorry Jessum!  But I still love most of your products.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S.