Workshop Updates (and SawStop Scare)

Some shop improvements, new tools to unbox, cleaning... and talking about Kyle's incident with triggering the SawStop table saw.
btw, not sponsored by or affiliated with SawStop in any way.
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TOOLS / STUFF I MENTION
Caster Wheels with Brakes: amzn.to/3OnTIJI
Metal Latch: amzn.to/3S91s32
White Tarp: amzn.to/3vMcXpG
3M White Duct Tape: amzn.to/3OpQRjh
Japanese Pull Saw: amzn.to/44MmXfd
Drill & Impact Driver Kit: amzn.to/3VirEJI
Circular Saw: amzn.to/44k1ryz
Respirator: amzn.to/3HtdHTw
Eye protection: amzn.to/41TnJWu
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FTC disclaimer: some links above may be affiliate links which means I receive a small commission. it is no cost to you to use the links.
Additional disclaimer: I am not a professional woodworker and these videos are made for entertainment purposes. Woodworking has inherent risks and hazards and the content here is not meant to replace information found in official tool manuals and guides. Please educate yourself on best practices and safety measures before operating power and / or hand tools.
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🎥Subs at time of upload: 21,541
Thanks all! 💛
✉️ Business inquiries: [e-mail]

[@user-cx8wr7nk3g]

Hi Elena. Glad Kyle is ok. You mentioned that putting the incident up on the net opens you up for criticism, but I would say it will be the oppsite. The thing you guys did right in talking about it, was covering the frame of mind he was in before the accident, the errors in material handling and how he should have been making the cut more safely. It was a very well rounded safety message. Keep up the good work.

[@elenamakes]

Thank you 🙏 I'm glad the safety message was received well as that was my goal with providing all the context.

[@marppp28]

It’s true you open for criticism but using first time table saw and activate sawstop is really the sign from god 🤦

[@elenamakes]

We did get it recently but it wasn't the first time the saw was used @@marppp28

[@marppp28]

Luckily it’s worked as it meant to 🤟 looking forward for more projects 👍👍

[@wardgross2031]

Hopefully it opens up the eyes of people who might loose fingers. I have tripped my SawStop 2x now. Once with my finger and once with a screw in my cutting jig. I would never even think about getting different saw. Good choice for a good quality saw and piece of mind. I shared my finger scratch on SawStop's social media. Love seeing someone getting into wood working! Grab hold of something and give it hell.

[@markmaestas1129]

As a veteran woodworker, I was so glad to hear you address reading the owner's manual and learning how to safely use a tool before using it. So many just plug it in without any or very limited knowledge of the tool and that is potentially disastrous. Your video and safety practices might save someone from injury. Great job!

[@Harvester88]

One of the first things I do is survey of the tool and then crack open the manual.

[@scottgibbs5903]

Finally a show that’s appropriate for newbies. Thank you.

[@marchingknight11]

I bought a sawstop about a year ago, and while it hasn't saved me yet, I haven't regretted that purchase for even 1 second. Glad Kyle saved his finger. Safety is no joke. Thanks for including the segment in the video and talking about it. Looking forward to the next video!

[@elenamakes]

Yeah they're 100% worth the cost.

[@rodrigoosorioporras7029]

which one did you get?

[@flintlock58]

Love it. I am a professional woodworker and handyman for 40 yrs, have used all the tools in your shop and many more. I also have a spare set of bandsaw tires, that don't fit my bandsaw!!! Just bought the exact same Dewalt sliding compound miter saw and realized it was different enough from my old Makita that I too stopped to read the entire manual before using. I even went thru all of the calibrating steps to confirm its accuracy; it was spot on. Love the tensioning clamps you found for the rolling table saw stand. I like my catch stand no more than 1/16" lower than the table saw. I used Varathane waterbased poly on the plywood top. Extremely durable. Love your use of scraps. We all learn how important it is to keep scraps, and then discover how difficult it is to keep so many scraps! I still have all my fingers; one is an 1/8" shorter thanks to a table saw. Safety always, don't rush, don't work when too frustrated, annoyed, hungry, tired. Looking forward to more of this...

[@dancardin2087]

didn't see any other comments about it, but I'm jealous of your drafting/drawing skills. Seeing such a nice looking representation of the final product feels like it would be really motivating

[@chriskeeble]

Thank you for sharing and the open and honest approach to sharing how / why it occurred. Glad Kyle's accident wasn't worse. Huge well done to everyone involved in developing and bringing Sawstop tablesaws to market - thank you for the (many) fingers you've saved.

[@pjas09]

Your video so resembles my garage workshop journey … I built a portable table that can fold down & hang on the wall when not in use … Then got my Sawstop CTS (love it) & built the portable stand on wheels that makes the table an outfeed table … It always amazes me how often people in similar situations come up with same solutions organically.

[@jimrosson6702]

So glad Kyle is ok thanks for sharing what happened and showing how fast things can happen and change are life forever when we are not paying attention to what we are doing. Shop is looking great

[@craigjok]

So glad the SawStop worked. I just got my SawStop for Christmas. This decision has been in limbo for three years when I had my table saw accident. I was in a rush and fortunately got the tip of my finger in the blade. Fortunately just several stitches. Whew. I went into full panic mode and the ER doctor was more concerned about my blood pressure causing more issues than my bleeding finger. It took a few weeks to heal and settle down. That’s when I migrated to Festool with a track saw that really reduced use of my table saw. I’ve been really excited with the new Jobsite Pro SawStop and great peace of mind.

[@alycynde5237]

Love watching other DIYers set up their workshops. Gives me inspiration to get back to mine (which also doubles as a functional garage). Love all that storage room you have. Also really like that latch assembly. I need to get something like that for my workbench so i can reclaim the two clamps keeping it together.

[@9Antonian]

Remember complacency kills….glad he’s ok, thanks for sharing. Great channel.

[@nicnacpaddiewac]

Glad Kyle avoided the ER! Love me a shop buildout update, I’m doing the same in my garage right now. Keep em coming!

[@elenamakes]

Me too! Good reminder to keep safety front of mind in the shop.

[@rexseven93]

One of my outfeed tables had an MDF top with a 4 coat shellac finish. I used it for nearly a year. It wasn't too bad and if you are neat and careful, it would last quite a while. I replaced it with a 1/2" melamine sheet after my father in law damaged it a little. It was still functional, but I didn't like to look at it. I actually got casters that are 1/2" shorter so I just put it on top. I put up a surround and just laid the sheet in the depression. It can be replaced in moments. I prefer it. It cleans easier and is slicker.

[@FixtheGodofBiscuits]

I've done something similar attaching my contractor saw to a workbench. I used 7/16 OSB as the topper, but used contact cement to cover that with 1/8 masonite hardboard. I love it, it's cheap and durable and provides a smooth surface for my outfeed to slide. I used cheap pipe hanger strapping to secure the saw to its base, and it hasn't moved at all.

[@norm5785]

Congratulations on the new tools. Thank you for sharing. Wonderful to see you getting the shop in the order you want. Everyone stay safe, warm, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

[@behrensb1]

Sawstop will replace your cartridge for free, since it was a "save" . More importantly, make some SACRIFICIAL push sticks that you can intentionally run over the blade when cutting thin strips like that. William Ng has a push stick design that works perfect for this. Ive used his design for many years and it works great. Check out William's (few) videos, he is truly a master.

[@micahconrad9114]

Matt Jackson, Next Level Carpentry is also a good choice. He does deep dives into a process so a person can see the required steps needed to complete a project. Matt makes a great push stick! William Ng has a great video on the “5 Cut Method” to share a fence on a crosscut sled. Unfortunately, William has stopped producing content.

[@matthewphelps5136]

You're right about W. Ng's channel. The guy is awesome. Unfortunately his last video is like 3 years ago. I hope he's ok.

[@jojoesteezy3301]

Nice drawings for your prep. You are very humble stating that you guys are grateful speaks volumes. Naturally humble character.

[@andrewpinson1268]

It is always enjoyable watching couples learn new hobbies like woodworking. I also am an amateur but I have been dabbling with it for about forty years. It looks as if you are utilizing KZbin etc. for learning things and you are trying to be safe as you go. You are on a possible expensive journey, so plan carefully. Good luck. Love the shop improvement videos.

[@elenamakes]

Thank you!

[@felipeeduferr]

my eyes light up when I see tools, especially the ones we use for cutting wood. When we have never operated a circular table saw, we are inclined to think that it is enough to just have it and start cutting, however, this is not the case. I remember that when I got the circular table saw the challenge was to make the exact cuts as desired, to do this, it is necessary to do a quick study on how to check the circular table saw ruler with a bubble level and even make a straight line on the cutting disc until the start of the table. I learn all these tips by analyzing foreigners, especially Americans who are masters at this. I used to spend a lot more time on my computer on projects and architectural drawings, but I like putting these projects into practice a lot more. Now I keep an eye on your channel.😁 One of these days I will try to put into practice his art made in the game of chess. At the moment I'm working on setting up my entire room and I haven't had time for these projects yet, but I'll do them soon. From Brazil .🇧🇷🇮🇱

[@pathardage1880]

I appreciate your shop build-out. I'm getting ready to set up my new shop (we've moved to Europe), and the garage space is four bare walls. Thanks for sharing your process. And I'm grateful Kyle's ok. Thanks.

[@ronvogel1949]

Thank you so much for sharing this incident. One of my workers almost lost his fingers on a risky cut, and I spent a day in the ER with him before he got stitched up. I think a SawStop is in my future. The good news is it only takes one near miss to always remind one to focus and work safely. I have been in the shop for decades and you can't be too careful...accidents happen. I use push sticks when I cut anything that gets my hands less than 12 inches near the blade. 99% of the wood push blocks used on the internet are in my trash bin. Thanks again for the honesty...

[@elenamakes]

Of course, wish he didn't have the close call at all but better to share than sweep it under the rug.

[@Ernzt8]

I think an MDF table top is the right choice. No splintering, smooth surface and relatively cheap to replace

[@wellsistvan]

melamine is better option, easier to clean up any spillage. .

[@martinsvensson6884]

@@wellsistvan Depends on what you will use it for the most. Things will slide easily too. Might be good or bad.

[@debandmike3380]

Sharing the scare is VERY important. It's the whole reason the saw technology was invented. It's nothing to be ashamed about, but will definitely be a learning experience. Kickback is another dangerous thing to watch out for. Always try to stand on the left side of the blade when cutting thin items. Years ago I was cutting a groove in a narrow board using a dado stack (when the riving knife is removed), and the stack grabbed the board, flung it straight back so hard it bounced off a cement wall about 10 feet behind me, and came back to smack me right in the hand, split the top of my finger open, fingernail flew off, now off to the emergency room. Imagine how much force it took to bounce off the wall and come all the way back. Now I always use downward feather boards in those situations.

[@eddiemoreno2922]

Kudos to you in getting into woodworking. I'm looking forward to seeing your future projects.

[@brettL1029]

Very impressed with your detailed drawings. Nice job.

[@jdkerk]

I have MDF on the top of one of my smaller work surfaces. I put oak around the edges to protect it, then used water based poly to seal it. It works great! Glue doesn't stick to the polyurethaned surface and it is completely flat.

[@michaellacaria910]

Thanks for sharing the saw stop incident. Makes me want to get one. FYI I built a mobile workbench and for the top I used 1/4” hardboard on top of 3/4” MDF on top of 3/4” plywood. You don’t need the plywood depending on your needs. The brown hardboard top can be finished or left raw. It’s a hard finish and perfectly flat. It’s a perfect top on top of MDF, imo.

[@shawn7524]

I currently have MDF tabletop. Shellac as a sealer, 3 or 4 coats. Sanded down with 3 stages of scotch bright pads,. Eventually want to upgrade to melamine top. Love how yours turned out being modular, that is something I've been brainstorming for my new tablesaw. Tell the mister never to rush when working with something that can chop off a piece of you 😄

[@elenamakes]

haha don't worry I did. He is usually pretty careful with this kind of stuff.

[@supadeluxe]

Rushing is the biggest cause of mistakes and accidents. Glad everyone is OK, no damage done. I have a MDF with melamine top on my workbench and love it. Easy to clean spills, nice and flat. I put wood banding on the edges to prevent damage.

[@WOOOODLY]

Nice job! The compact machines are much more convenient for smaller spaces and great for hauling around when needed 👍🏻

[@brennik05]

For my outfeed table I also had about 1/2” drop. I used 1/4” plywood then a 1/4” sheet of dry erase board from Lowe’s. That way the wood slides nicely and added benefit of being able to write measurements, cut list, assembly order, etc. The opposite side of it is black. It’s listed as a chalk board but i haven’t tried it. Plus when it gets dinged up just unscrew it and replace it or flip it over. BTW I also have a saw stop. I haven’t tripped mine yet but they are worth the money. I still am careful and plan out every cut before I do it. But it does make me a lot more comfortable.

[@dennissmith5837]

Thank goodness Kyle was using a Saw Stop saw. I have had a couple of friends have table saw accidents and the recovery was terrible. Thank you Kyle for sharing your experience, we all learned from it. I know you are young but down the road you may want to assemble your project on your work bench. It’ll save your back, and your knees. If t also improves productivity your camera angle.

[@gerardoespinoza7202]

For the question on the bench top, MDF workbench tops are probably the best, with a 3 coats of clear coat they work very good and look great in your shop

[@ssskids123]

Really enjoyed the video! Used mdf on bench top for many years. Really tough and has lasted through all kinds of abuse: also cleans up from spills fairly well though stains a lot. Most attractive? No, but it takes a beating. Triggered our saw stop a few years ago and it is scary when it happens…that said no injuries which makes it amazing tech. Really glad everyone’s alright there! If this happens to anyone, don’t be tempted to pry the blade out as it can loosen the carbide teeth which can fly off and cause some bad injuries. If you want to reuse the blade send it to a sharpener to get them to both sharpen and check out the blade!

[@shepalderson]

I had a workbench/outfeed table with an MDF top. It worked out just fine and is easy to replace when it gets worn.

[@garrettguitar]

Construction lumber 2x4's are cut to that size when green, but once dried and planed, they result in 1-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches. I do buy wood from places now though that actually produce 1x6, for example, that literally is 1x6. As for the finger incident, I hope you guys recognize now that emotions and power tools do not work well together. While a push stick is important, far more important is mindset. If a person is frustrated and rushing -- stop! Walk away and don't return until there's an even mindset again because while safety is one concern, so too is not making a mistake which causes a person to need to restart from scratch. Interesting video you made. Great idea on latching the saw table and out-feed table / workbench.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Great job Elena. Your small space shop is coming along quite well. Keep up the good work.

[@dandesjardins937]

I have the exact same cartridge/blade combination hanging on my wall as a reminder. I turned it into my shop wall clock. FYI, my activation was not skin contact. I was using copper infused, pressure treated lumber and forgot to put it into bypass mode. Same situation, rushing to finish a cut after a long day of cuts. That is definitely the most dangerous time in a shop when using power tools.

[@garic4]

Whoa thank you so much for sharing. I’m trying to learn DIY woodworking and this definitely helped me thank you so much. And thanks for Kyle, nothing to be ashamed of and sharing your incident definitely helped me

[@ChrisHornberger]

I envy your ability to kneel for these simple layout and initial cut / breakdown cuts. I have fake knees, so kneeling isn't so much a thing any more. It makes sheet breakdowns and low-to-floor work a real pain.

[@behrensb1]

I remember the days of working on the garage floor and making my first few shop accessories and workbench with 2x4s. Ive come so far and have so much capability in my shop now, that i take it for granted. This video makes me smile and remember a simpler time in my life. Thanks.

[@elenamakes]

haha happy my amateur woodworking self could bring you some nostalgic joy.

[@morgannissen4026]

"Of Kyle’s shame" made me chuckle! 😂😂😂 glad he’s still got 10 fingers! 😊

[@gilvaknin]

You are awesome! so pure with your passion for woodworking

[@dennismichas285]

Hi there, totally agree with your philosophy of sharing, I always shared near misses and job risks with my wife, it helps to clear the mind and think of how to avoid in the future(BTW we are celebrating 35 years this year) . Your channel and your work is brilliant 👍

[@elenamakes]

Completely agree! Honesty and transparency are the best policy. Also congrats on 35 yrs together 🎉

[@rnldtylr]

Hi Elena, I'm also glad Kyle is ok. I bought a sawstop compact saw exactly like yours a little over a year ago when my old table saw needed replacing. I had an accident several years ago with my old saw and could have lost a thumb but luckily the cut didn't go that deep. Still, the difference in cost for the sawstop would have been small compared to the medical costs of a bad accident. Like the way you are approaching your shop build.

[@thijs199]

I remember a smaller company I used to work at. we had like very old an aged very big beams. We decided to saw them up and make 2x4 out of them. I made some pearls out of that, also just smaller than actual 2x4's. But because these beams had moved for a long time, twisted and crooked and whatnot, they become very stable wood. So I got a few straight 2x4's for myself out of that pile, and it has been indoors ever since here, and it's still straight as ever. Douglas. It's like it's metal now

[@johnmulligan7944]

I’m always looking for shop ideas and improvements Elena😁

[@AdamLeask]

I'd go MDF on your benchtop. Good to see your shop coming along, looking forward to seeing future projects!

[@guidojbass]

Turn handles from the glued up blocks on the lathe, they're awesome Elena!

[@johnsanford3596]

For the workbench top, every time you finish up putting finish on a project, take the leftover finish and spread it on the workbench top. This will both start building up protection on the top AND make it much easier to remove glue drips/drops.

[@user-vj6kd8gx4g]

Thanks for your courage in your video about your new saws top table saw. I have been working with wood for fifty years now and am buying a saw stop table saw because of your video. Thanks so much. Dan and Kellie

[@elenamakes]

Glad I could help!

[@Timelesstere]

Some sacrificial 2x2 runners and my circular saw will always be my go-to table saw.

[@lisaalbrecht7900]

I had a very similar incident with my SawStop saw shortly after I purchased it (same model you own). If you contact SawStop and let them know about your finger save, they will ship you out a new cartridge for free.

[@elenamakes]

Oh wow thanks for the hot tip. I'll definitely be doing that.

[@TheRedbeardster]

Excellent! Good luck with your projects!

[@317-Woodworker]

Glad your husband's hand is ok! I had a accident last year with my table saw that required a few stiches. Unless you want a thicker workbench top, instead you could add the 1/2 ply or MDF to your table saw stand. remove the saw, place a slightly over sized piece on the plywood that your saw sits on, fasten down, and clean up with a flush trim bit in your router.

[@bellamy531]

Hi, I used MDF to build the top of a bench/miter station I made during COVID (when lumber prices were outrageous). It’s two sheets of 3/4 in MDF sandwiching a 1 1/4in pine frame. It sagged quite a bit so I bolted a 6 in laminated maple beam to take that out. Overall, top has held up better than I expected, but I would not use MDF if I were using that bench for hand tool work since it would immediately blunt any edge tools! I have a traditional Germanic-style bench made from beech, where I do most of my woodworking. Keep up the good work and I hope that helps!

[@m.rei85]

Congratulations to your new shop and the great choice of tools you were gifted and also bought. I very much like your way of getting to know and understand a tool before using and appreciate your focus on safety. The 2 by 4 has a long history, with its current measurements originating some time arround World War 2. I've seen videos of a few people who almost lost a finger and have to live with scars and lack of movement or sesation. Some of them seem to lost their fun / passion in woodworking, following their accident. The table saw is the most accident-prone tool in woodworking / DIY, according to ER statistics. Latching your tablesaw stand to the workbench is a great idea. I still struggle with finding the best possible tablesaw setup in my small basement woodshop.

[@ManuelCastillo-pr6sl]

great video, I just saw this before stepping to the garage and make same small cuts for cracket for a floating shelve .. and I was gonna go there with same mentality of " ok I'll rush trugh it" but seen this helped me to understand every cut needs to be handled with care full as the blade runs at same speed .. thanks

[@elenamakes]

No problem, glad sharing such an incident helps others be more careful.

[@BruceLee-ef4xp]

Elena. You are a genius. You are so creative and so talented with wood work. Thanks for the update video

[@elenamakes]

Definitely not a genius but I appreciate it :)

[@suzylarry1]

when cutting with the skill handheld saw , cut with the weight on the motor and the majority on the saw base on your KEEP or good side of your work . This will help keep the cuts SQUARE on the butt or cut of the good wood . Amazing how $100.00 option of SAWSTOP saved life changing injury , good ...but damn the cartridge ... thank you frame it !

[@patmessinger7773]

A couple tips for you folks. The last pair of caster purchased from Amazon were ones that had 2 levers on each caster. One for locking another unlocking. With a large foot or boot I found the 2 lever ones handier to use. As to the particle board if it gets wet it could warp.

[@JJisMe1972]

On your tool board you have a rafters square! These are great for cutting 2x4's and for marking out

[@JamesMcCarty]

Sketching out your cut list! That is hardcore. I admire the hell out of that. I'll just put that up there with serious dedication!

[@Trytec96]

Great idea allowing yourself to separate the table saw from the outfeed table. One thing you're going to want to do, incase you mentioned it in the video and I missed it, but to router a slot in your outfeed table, for your mitre gauge to slide into

[@donnmckinnon]

Or a sled. Good advice

[@wjthehomebuilder]

That saw is cheaper than a lifetime having a missing finger. Glad he's ok. 👍

[@ericjohnson4768]

Don't feel ashamed Kyle. Theres a lot of us out there who have been doing this a long time. I've been lucky to have no serious injuries but I've had many and I'm very careful. Keep on keeping on!

[@multidinero]

Glad Kyle is okay, but he can’t get near the saw by himself again until he gets 8 hours of retraining! 😆 All jokes aside, push sticks, push blocks, and tablesaw sleds are your friends. Also, never touch any saw when you’re tired or frustrated. As a finish carpenter with 20+ years of experience I know how scary the saws can be when a mishap happens. If you want a resource for saw jigs, or shop jigs in general, Stumpy Nubbs or The Wood Whisperer are the easier to find. Or you can look for Lincoln St. Woodworking’s video 60,000 injuries per year. That video is well done and chocked full of great information.

[@lukekao8136]

I sketch / measure things out too except on scratch paper because I can't seem to find a notebook. Believe it or not when I made my piece back then, I only had a hand saw (really old school). Yes, took forever. My dad would be like what are you making in the garage? We didn't have power tools back then. All hand tools. The weird part is years later when I came back, all the piece I made were still here and not thrown away. lol

[@I_like_pears]

He was lucky! Funnily enough, about 6 weeks ago I did about the same thing to the same finger (middle left, though I also touched my thumb as well but not my index finger - go figure). Was reaching for the offcut and no idea how I hit it, but suddenly the blade dropped. I don't know how exactly I touched the blade, but it shaved a millimeter or two off my finger. Due to the capillaries being there, I bled a lot and it hurt like crazy, but at least the damage was minimal (just cost $25 copay at our local urgent care center, and of course my pride). All better now, and I am glad that I have the Sawstop. In fact, my wife likes to tell the story with how I was fairly nonchalant and came in the house to tell her that I guess that the extra we spent had paid itself off already. :D

[@milesofkyle]

Damaged pride is cheap by comparison!

[@williammaxwell1919]

In Australia, a 4 x 2 (oposite to US 2 x 4) is nomally 100 x 50mm, but actually (for framing) 90 x 45mm.

[@legacyruss9091]

I have 1/2 MDF as my work surface. It’s sealed with oil based Polyurethane. Very durable. Very smooth. I’ve gotten 20 years out it.

[@JoakimGulbrandsen]

That saw blade with the stop would make a really cool wall clock with a fun story to tell! :)

[@p8prslar]

New tools are nice. Cool gifts! Table saw accident was close and also good to share. You could take those waste wood, glue them together hollow it out and make a miniature scene….🤷‍♂️

[@matoatlantis]

I'm a beginner woodworker too. Last year I bought my first table saw (Bosch gts 10xc) not knowing what saw stop was (Festool in Europe). I would not mind paying extra money for it but it was too late for me to return mine. Similarly as you I don't like to use tools before I understand it and its risks. I'm glad all ended well here. When I was doing risky cuts ( too high (8cm /3.14''/), too narrow (1cm /0.39''/) ) I used sacrificial wooden push sticks. During cut blade caught my right push stick and gave me one hell of a kickback to my hand. Nothing happened, I was prepared it might happen. But damn, that energy, and sudden kick.. I keep rewatching table saw safety videos so I don't have to hang any "trophy" on my wall. ;)

[@karatekid10908]

Awesome video. Will be saving for a sawstop at some point. Just some info because I took a class about wood in college and find it very interesting, 2x4s changed basically for profit. They used to dry wood out and then cut them to 2x4 which yielded straighter boards that were actually 2" by 4". Now they cut wood to 2x4 and then let it dry which after shrinkage equates to a 1.5x3.5. Which means they can cut more 2x4s out of one log than done previously. But as it drys wood twists which is why wood in the box store is so irregular. Interestingly enough wood shrinks based on the thickness of the wood. So while a 2x4 shrinks 1/2" to a 1.5x3.5, a 2x8 shrinks 1/2" along the 2" side and 3/4" along the 8" side. So a 2x8 is actually 1.5"x7.25".

[@mrbigberd]

Consider a track saw. Peter Millard convinced me to buy one and it’s a game changer. It’s also going to work better than your table saw in that limited space for breaking down plywood.

[@marcericdavis]

Looks like good progress on the shop setup.

[@fourtheusual]

I have MDF board with black laminate and maple tirm. The laminate is durable. Plus glue scarps right off after drying. I like the idea of the clamps to attach the outfeed table to the saw. I plan on using that only shop. Thanks for the ideal.

[@getlostinit3D]

With your beauty and spirit you will need a bigger workshop in no time. Try to not let content creation dominate what your passion wants to create. I see so many KZbin's become slaves to what their audience seems to demand of them.

[@Trebor667]

Nice work Elena. One idea for those chunks of laminated plywood would be to shape them as wall brackets and drilling holes and cutting notches in them for tool storage on your shop wall.

[@michaelhancock5606]

Very happy to see that Kyle avoided serious injury. Appreciate you sharing his story for others to see as a reminder to be safe, don’t rush and keep safety in mind at all times. Maybe you can make a selection of different push sticks and push blocks for future use. You may also want to invest in the Microjig Gripper. Another option for getting the height right on your table saw/out feed setup without buying more wood would be to add small mounting pads between the saw base and the casters. The only issue would be that you would need to shift your locking latch. Keep up the great work and be safe 😊

[@elenamakes]

Thanks! I plan to expand my collection to include some nice sleds and push blocks. After this incident, I'll probably go ahead and get / make some of those asap.

[@carlosecabezas]

So glad your husband is ok, we like your videos. Blessings.

[@allenbazar2707]

I also got the same sliding compound miter saw for Christmas.love it..Having a sliding miter saw keeps me from using my table saw as much.Always scared and very careful when using my table saw 😅Read where a table saw accident happens every 9 minutes.When i seem to get in a hurry on my table saw i walk away and do something else for a while.

[@roozbeh60]

For the top of the work bench, I use a 1/8 hardboard (aka thin MDF). It is very smooth and also easy to replace since I use my nail gun with 5/8th nails to get it in there. Can be easily replaced when worn out.

[@lencranston8183]

"thin MDF" is totally different than HDF / tempered Hardboard.

[@SamGreenMaker]

Glad everyone is safe! Woulda been a bummer if he ruined the gravel trip. Shops looking great can’t wait to follow along.

[@elenamakes]

I would've been even more bummed if he ruined his hand 😬 but luckily nothing was ruined but the blade / cartridge.

[@petenelson8136]

Interesting seeing how your setting your shop up. I'm in about the same place you are with a garage shop. Mine is 14'x32.5' so long and narrow. I'm forced to put a miter station at the end opposite the garage door because I've got a dog door that goes through the inside wall and then out of the outside wall. I'll put my miter station there with hog fence on it to keep the dogs under the bench. I've got a 36" PCS SawStop and put it in the same location you chose for yours. I'm currently building an outfeed table/assembly table and plan on putting black melamine as the surface. I saw someone else use this and she loved it (see DIY Montreal), so I think I'll give it a go. I also like how you locked your outfeed table to your saw, something I may want to consider. I'll be putting mine on 3" double locking casters and hoping I don't need to add levelers. The casters should hold it in place well enough but if not I could hook it to my saw like you did. New subscriber here, and thanks for the overview on how the SawStop was triggered. I bought an extra cartridge for mine in hopes that I never have to use it. I'll be teaching my grandkids (I'm 65) woodworking so I SawStop was a must have for me, for my piece of mind with my hands, but especially for my piece of mind for their hands.

[@ex-nerd]

It's quite startling when the brake mechanism goes off. I had 2-3 of those with my Bosch Reaxx and 1 on the Sawstop PCS I upgraded to when I had the space … thankfully all of those were false positives. But that loud BANG from both AIM systems definitely adds to the stress of the event. You definitely did the right thing … both in getting the expensive saw and in hanging that trophy on the wall. (I still don't have a trophy like that because the Bosch mechanism doesn't damage the blade, and my SawStop mis-fire was because the blade bound up on a chip and wedged itself into the kerf of a crosscut sled and the brake was barely scratched by the blade).

[@Lobesanft]

I also got only limited space in my basement working space. Despite multi purpose tables I prefer foldable frames for the table saw, the thickness planer, the router, the band saw and so on. For longer parts to work with I use roller trestles which are also foldable. The table bench itself has t-slots and the corresponding clamps on the top as well as in the front in order to keep the working material safely in place.

[@robrobason]

Great video. I really appreciated the account of Kyle's encounter with the SawStop blade. I'm shopping for an upgrade to my table saw and have been looking closely at SawStop, uncertain as to its effectiveness. Your video affirmed that for me. I'm glad to see your channel on KZbin because I know there have to be many women who would share the love of this hobby. You're also a much better story teller than most, and more attractive than all, of the other woodworkers I follow 🙂. Good luck, have fun, and be careful.

[@elenamakes]

Glad his story was helpful to you 🙂

[@chrisobrien5701]

My father in law was wearing a glove and it was caught he lost three fingers in that accident. That made me vary aware when i now use mine . im 63 and still have all my digits . Be safe and keep up the great work and videos.

[@elenamakes]

Thanks! Sorry to hear about your father in law, unfortunately, it's not all that uncommon.

[@FifaEquipe]

give me more of these weekly videos

[@robertberger8642]

Good video! I look forward to seeing more.

[@lukekao8136]

those "chunks" are perfer book ends. Just a suggestion. If you guys happen to be old school book readers. Next project idea: building a book shelf instead of getting the cheapy one from evil walmart that falls apart from one kick. lol

[@mikepeacock8385]

My bandsaw is very similar to yours. On mine the missing pin you mention is an allen screw 35mm long (1&3/8")with a washer and wing nut underneath. It is only used to keep the table either side of the slot aligned. Any "cheese head" screw will do as long as it is NOT a countersunk head as that will force the slot open. Cast Iron is surprisingly soft. Like the video and kudos for sharing the close shave.

[@elenamakes]

Appreciate the info!

[@AndreaZe]

You go girl! 1) MDF top. Allows holes for dog bench 2) please make sure the table saw grove is higher than table else you won’t get a sled to slide over table 3) you probably need 2 vacuums or a huge dust collector for the table saw. Collect dust upon creation will solve a lot of problems. I use 2 vacuums, one for table itself and the other connected to the sled. 99% dust collection. 4) it’s easier to have the wall on the left of the table saw then right. My dewalt table saw expands on the right side. Other than that. You rock!

[@elenamakes]

Thanks 😊 and appreciate the tips. I'm definitely going to need a better dust collection situation long term.

[@nole8923]

I’m surprised there isn’t a cottage industry that makes the support tables that surround the various brands of table saws such as Dewalt, Skil, Bosch, Craftsman, Ryobi, etc. A ton of people would buy it instead of going through the hassle to build it themselves. These companies that make the table saws are missing out on a potentially huge market by not also making the support tables that surround their table saws. I know I would purchase them.

[@jacktrades5103]

Outstanding work. Glad everyone is safe lol. My markers and pens break and paint my hands, so now i use a pocket knife and a nail for marking, or a pencil. Make sure to keep oil off those waterstones. 👍 🎉

[@elenamakes]

Thank you 😊

[@johnfitzgerald4308]

You are the prettiest woodworker on utube ! But I built my garage shop 20 years ago w a workbench top made out of MDF and alls well

[@worlock10101]

My bench and out feed is ply with mdf on top then formica laminate. The laminate is glue/stain resist, it is the perfect surface for my outfield, and it looks super cool. Also since it's the same stuff as many kitchen counters it's durable as heck. (Not super expensive either)