The RipMate Outfeed Extension mounted to my Delta Contactor's Saw with 32" UniFence.  The beauty of this extension table is its ease of installation, and the fact that it can be quickly and easily removed when not needed. What we'll do here is take you through the components that make up the kit and the installation of each. It's really quite simple and requires just a few tools and about an hour of your time.

The RipMate Outfeed Extension hardware.  All the components of the assembly are made of heavy duty steel and have tough paint finishes. The table top is constructed of 3/4" particle board with white laminant for a slick yet durable work surface. Parts included: 4 - Hanger Brackets (2 left and 2 right) 2 - Hanger Straps 2 - Receiver Arms with Locking Thumbscrews 2 - Pivot Arms with Adjustment 1 - 2 piece, Telescoping Leg with Locking Knob and Hinge Assembly 1 - Table Frame (not shown) 1 - Laminated Table Top (in background) Misc. Bolts, Screws and Nuts Instruction Sheet

The RipMate Outfeed Extension right-side hanger brackets.  This image shows the placement of the hanger brackets on the right-side of my contractor's saw. Installation is a snap using the mounting holes of the saw's side extensions.

The RipMate Outfeed Extension left-side hanger brackets.  The image on the left shows the placement of one of the hanger brackets on the left-side. Installation is basically the same as with the other side hangers. I did have to drill the top mounting holes on the hanger straps to get the bolts through them. I just found out that this piece has been modified and no longer needs drilling. Not only that, they have added a third hole for additional height adjustment.

The RipMate Outfeed Extension receiver arm.  Once the hangers are mounted, it's a simple matter of sliding the receiver arms in place and securing them with the bolts. The pivot arms then drop into the receiver arms and are tightened with the thumbscrews. The collar on the pivot arm pin is adjustable to get the table top aligned with the saw table. Set screws lock the collar in place so that when the table assembly (including the pivot arms) is removed from the reciever, it will be perfectly aligned the next time it is installed. You need only adjust it during the original installation then never mess with it again!

The RipMate Outfeed Extension table frame.  The table top frame is supported by the pivot arms with adjustable brackets on the saw end, and a single folding leg on the other end (not visible here). The single leg is fairly sturdy and convenient for easy removal and storage of the table, but I wouldn't mind two legs.

The RipMate Outfeed Extension table & frame assembly.  The table top is mounted to the frame with drywall type screws and is very solid. With the leg folded beneath the table board, the whole thing can be tucked away against the wall or even hung out of the way somewhere when not in use.

The RipMate Outfeed Extension  Although not as large as Norm Abram's table saw extensions, the RipMate is easy to install and even easier to remove and store out of the way. As you can tell, I have my shop in my 2 1/2 car garage (thus "woodworking (and hiding) in the garage") and my Contractor's saw on an HTC Mobile base to wheel it out of the way when my wife wants to bring her car in. For me, it is totally impractical fo have a permanent table extension. The RipMate is a great and inexpensive alternative and makes ripping long stock and sheet goods a one-man job! I would recommend it to anyone needing less than full-time table extension requirements. To learn more about the RipMate Outfeed Extension, visit their Web site at: home.earthlink.net/~tkeskey/ripmate/ripmateadd.htm Bob Brown 10/8/99

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