Answers to Questions
Hi,
Larry, The top is one inch thick and it sits on top of the regular BS table. Therefore one-inch of cutting height is lost.
It is a Rockler BS top. I love the top size. I like the fence for general stuff.
One bad feature is that the slot in the top (to change the blade) is 90 degrees from the slot in the BS's metal table. Therefore, the Rockler top has to be removed and replaced each time the blade is changed. This is PIA No.1. Therefore number two, I don't change the blade unless I just plain can't get out of it.
PIA No. 2 applies to all three Rockler tops (router table, BS, DP) that I have. They all have the same problem...the miter and Tee Track slots are recessed from the plain of the table top. It is absolutely amazing how many things catch on that, almost microscopic, change in elevation. Not only do things catch, they really catch.
PIA is Pain In Acceptability.
I have removed all tracks and shimmed them to elevate them so the top is smooth.
Jim, The luminaire (thats electrical engineer talk for light fixture) is from Harbor Freight. Last I saw they were $11.95. They go on sale occasionally for about three bucks off. The base is magnetic. They have another model that is two or three dollars more that also has a clamp-on base and if you are careful, a stand alone base. The more expensive also has another joint in the "arm."
I have seen the identical $11.95 lamp in woodworking catalogs for $24.95.
A Johnson Bar setup would let you pull from a lower, much safer, position. Your body would be in a normal position. However, the pulling on the Band Saw would be from a low position.
It is not difficullt to pull a band saw over if you are not pulling from a low position. Many years ago I purchased the last of a run of optical instruments. These were only used in practices that straightened crossed eyes, worked with reading problems, etc. There was not a great demand so they phased the equipment out. The instrument cost several thousand dollars and I was thrilled to be able to get one.
I have helped several students through school to get their doc degrees. One of these young men was in the office one day. He pushed the new instrument, which was up on an adjustable table. He learned that the smallest thing on the floor can stop a caster but not the instrument you are pushing on. Net result was several thousand dollars worth of new, almost irreplaceable, scrap. PULL, DO NOT PUSH!
Darrens pic of the motor mounted behind the BS is the way I have it. It works fine.
Enjoy,
Jim