Scroll Saw table Top

[RCopperthite]

Hey members :
I have a new DeWalt 788 Saw and I once saw someone at a show with one and she had a piece of plastic (clear) mounted on top of the table. Made it very smooth and protected the table.
Is this a good idea?
Anyone who has done this please let me know how you mounted it and what you used.
I think she use small round sticky type of velco or hook and loop tape in several places and just put the plastic down over it.
Need any help or opinons.
Thanks

[jttheclockman]

I have this on my 226 RBI and it is a piece of 1/4" plexiglass. The main reason I use it is for the support of large pieces when scrolling they have a tendency to hang over too much and have no support. This helps that. Others use it for a zero clearance top one that has a small slit cut into it for the blade to cut small objects and they do not fall into the supplied cutout. It does make for a smooth surface but that can be achieved with the top you have by applying some butcher's wax or floor wax. Not polish or car wax because they contain silicones and this will effect the finishing of a piece of wood.


Two things to take inconsideration if you do this. The use of reverse tooth blades may not work because the bottom teeth will not come up far enough to be effective. Sometimes this is due to the stroke of the saw and on some it will still work. Also if you do not cut a long slot in the top you will not get the full effect of being able to pull the blade forward to bottom feed if that is what you are doing.

Hope this helps.

[Mick Walker]

I have the Delta P-20. I sanded the top with a random orbit sander starting with 150 grit and worked up to 320 grit then applied Johnson's paste wax. Can see no point in adding a plastic top to the table unless you want to make it larger. You will surely never wear the top out. Just my opinion. Mick

[Greenfield_Bob]

Mick, I also have a P 20 and did the same as you but I hand sanded it.
To me that is all you need to do it the table.
Bob