Board Buddies *PIC*

[Gene Starchuk, Kitchener,]

I was looking for an excuse to try posting a picture and I thought I'd post a picture of the board buddies installed on my table saw fence to clear up some misconceptions that seem to be common. I've read a number of comments that would lead one to believe that they project 3 or 4 inches from the face of the fence and are not useful when ripping anything narrower than that, and that's just not true. As shown in the picture, they are adjusted for a piece of 3/4" thick material and the wheels contact the material about 3/4" from the fence. The setup was used to cut 3/8" off a 1X2 for a mitre slot runner and I was able to use the BBs to keep the material down and, more importantly, tightly against the fence without any difficulty. On thicker material they can be positioned even closer, while on 1/4" material you can't get much closer than a hair under one inch. The BBs are positioned about 1/4" in front of and behind the blade at maximum elevation so there's no chance of contact. You do have to make some long thin pushsticks, but that's no big deal. I'm not able to use my blade guard with the current setup, but the location of BBs does tend to keep your digits well clear of the blade, barring any sort of serious brain malfunction. Anyway, they're a safety product about which I'm fairly enthusiastic and I thought it would be useful to clear up the misinformation.

...gene

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[Bill MacDonald]

Hi Gene. Is that bright, shiny table top A BRAND NEW GENERAL 350? Thanks for the info on the board buddies. I always wondered just how effective they were. Bill

[Andy in Georgetown]

Yer Gene, c'mon give us the wide angle shot. You can gloat we don't mind.
Thanks for the info on the BB's, if ever I get a "growed up" TS they will be on the accesory list.

Andy.

[Gene Starchuk, Kitchener,]

Andy...

This is such a huge gloat that I didn't feel comfortable posting it, but since you asked, here it is. I ordered the left tilt version (model 650) back in March, knowing I'd have to wait until they started shipping in the fall. A few weeks ago I came up with a solution to a concern that had originally prevented me from buying the right tilt 350, so I changed my order, hooked up the trailer and dragged one home. Haven't stopped grinning since.

...gene

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[Gene Starchuk, Kitchener,]

My wife might be listening. Actually, it sounds like the next line should be "or are you just happy to see me?".

...gene

[Bill MacDonald]

is on the left tilt you had originally ordered? Should be ready for pickup at the end of the month. I can hardly wait. Bill

[W.Y. in BC]

[Bill MacDonald]

tried to sneak anything that big into the shop without Karen noticing. A new sander or drill maybe but never 500 lbs of cast iron! How is the new saw working so far? Will you post some pictures of your sliding table when you get it built? Bill

[Randy Gillard]

that thing it is carrying looks not too shabby either. Someday..........

Randy

[Andy in Georgetown]

Brand new Mercedes pulling the trailer, BMW "M" series along side, Oh to have Gene's wealth.haha
Congratulations Gene.
And Bill to have a 650 by fall, I'm martian green with envy.........one day.

Andy.

[Alberto]

Hmmm very nice!!!

If I may ask, what where your concerns that prevent you from buying it??

Congratulations!!!

Alberto//

[Jim Shaver Oakville,Ont.]

Oh Yea! That's My favorite colour, OH YEA! Nice one Gene, I've had one for 3 years now, it is Soooooooooo Nice!

Take Care,
Jim

[Gene Starchuk, Kitchener,]

Alberto...

I plan to add a sliding table to the saw, which generally requires the removal of the left extension wing and pruning a foot off the fence guide tube and support angle. The result is that the fence only works to the right of the blade. I was concerned that I'd be unable to rip chamfers on narrow boards as a result, because the blade would be tilting in to the fence. However, in addition to the General fence, I have a Jointech router fence and positioner that attaches to any table with 2 large knobs. I reasoned that since most sliding tables lock in position I could easily lock it in place and mount the router fence on the sliding table. I will use the Jointech fence and positioner for any cuts that I want to make on the left side of the blade. All I'll have to do is drill and tap 2 holes in the sliding table structure. The benefit to the right tilt saw is that the cleanout door is on the right where it won't interfere with any sliding mechanism. I was afraid that a left tilt might restrict my choice of sliding table styles.

...gene

[Paul O'H Ingersoll]

Gene
You can't hide anything here, Bill spotted the saw,Randy noticed the nice trailer and then Andy spots the BMW. and all you wanted was to show your Board Buddy.
paul

[Gene Starchuk, Kitchener,]

Paul...

I think Andy was just having some fun (and if I'm not mistaken, he has a little green in his shop, too). It's really a 7 year old Buick and a 12 year old Honda. When it comes to deciding between new tools and new cars, the new tools seem to be winning. I'd gladly trade them both for an M series, though, and I'd even throw in the saw and trailer.

...gene