Updated for 2023

Woodworkers know that one of the most used saws in their bevy of tools is their table saw. While this particular type of saw can help you create some incredible projects, it also has the potential to do the most damage. You can prevent dangerous accidents from occurring in your shop by knowing exactly how your equipment should be operated, and by following safe working practices every time you use your equipment.

Don’t Underestimate Feed Table Usefulness

While many novice woodworkers are intent on purchasing the best saw their budget will allow, they often overlook another key piece that should be part of any shop. A feed table is simply a raised surface that can catch and hold your material after it passes through your saw. Without a feed table, you are likely to reach across your saw to catch your ripped wood, leaving your sleeve and appendages vulnerable to the whirling blade.

Feed tables may be purchased from any number of online retailers, or you may choose to build your own. Even the smallest of work areas should contain a feed table, so if the lack of space presents a problem, you may wish to build your own collapsible feed table, which can be taken down and stored when the saw is not in use.

As you can imagine, fingers, sleeves, and appendages do not mix well with a table saw while it is in operation. Employing sound working techniques in your shop can keep you physically safe and help you accomplish your tasks more precisely, resulting in neater finished pieces, and a more enjoyable experience.

Building Your Own Feed Table

Making your own feed table is a worthwhile project to take on. You will be able to craft it to fit your saw and workspace, designing it to your particular needs. If you go that route, there’s plenty of options out there to get you started, or you can start from scratch. Here’s a good example of building a smaller feed table, and it can give you an idea of what types of features to include to make it easier to use.

Buying a Feed Table or Feed Roller

If you don’t feel like making a feed table for your saw and just want to buy something that will work well there are some good options out there. Here are a few different types of tables and rollers to give you some ideas.

BORA Portamate PM-5090 Feed Roller Stand

BORA Portamate PM-5090 Feed Roller Stand

This feed roller stand offers a no-frills yet very usable design with a sturdy base, adjustable height and a single roller support on top. It has an adjustable height of 27″ to 43-3/4″ and can support up to 150 lbs. It takes up very little space, is portable and can come in handy for many uses in addition as an outfeed support for a table saw.

Shop Fox D4800 Roller Stand

Shop Fox D4800 Roller Stand

This is another example of a no-frills feed roller stand, this one from Shop Fox. This stand is also very portable and useful for more than just table saws. This stand has an adjustable height of 24-1/2″ to 41″ and can support up to 150 lbs. The price is great on this one too.

Shop Fox D2274 Heavy-duty 5-Roller Stand

Shop Fox D2274 Heavy-duty Feed Roller Stand

Here’s another option from Shop Fox with more surface area support. This smaller feed roller isn’t as portable but it’s got a small footprint and it’s very sturdy. It is height adjustable from 26″ to 44-5/8″ and can support up to 250 lbs.

Bora Portamate PM-2700 Adjustable Conveyor Roller

Bora Portamate PM-2700 Adjustable Roller Stand

This roller stand from Bora has a great design. It can be extended horizontally and it expands from 14-3/4” to 50″ inches. It is also height adjustable from 23″ to 36″. It can support up to 300 lbs and has locking caster to keep it in place when it’s in use.

Shop Fox D2271 Heavy-Duty 9 Roller Table

Shop Fox D2271 Heavy-Duty Feed Roller Stand

This is a larger feed roller table made by Shop Fox. This is a good option for those working with larger, heavier materials or anything that requires maximum amount of support during cuts. It’s not very portable but it is very sturdy. It can be height adjusted from 26-3/8″ to 44-1/8″ and supports up to 1000 lbs.

SawStop Folding Outfeed Table

SawStop Folding Outfeed Table

SawStop makes some really nice stuff, and this is their outfeed support table for stationary table saws. This is a good example of a solid outfeed table that can be folded out of the way when not needed. It sports three roller bars, adjustable feet for leveling with the floor and it can support up to 250 lbs.