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Many times as a
carpenter and woodworker, I have found myself far from my shop, and the
many tools and machines I use daily. Sometimes, a job will be “in the
field” and the stationary machines we all take for granted in the shop,
cannot be brought with us.
Take,
for example, one of the most useful tools in the shop, the Table saw. Many
of us own fine cabinet saws, while still more own large “contractors”
versions of this tool. Well, these machines can be difficult, if not
impossible to bring to every jobsite, and so enters the portable or bench
top table saw. Lightweight and portable, they can be placed in the back of
a van, truck or trailer and are set up onsite. However, even though they
are easily moved, finding a good solid place to use the portable table saw
can be a bit of a pain, to say the least!
Enter the Kwik-Stand...
When I was asked to
take a close look at this product, I was a bit on the skeptical side. I
mean really, my sawhorses work just fine as they are. But I agreed and the
stand was sent out to me.
What’s in the box?
The
Kwik-Stand is packed very well, and arrived in top condition. It comes
with the stand, two wheels, wheel mounting hardware, self-tapping screws
for building the mounting platform, and instructions for assembly and use
of the Kwik-Stand. When I inspected the one I received, a few minor flaws
in the finish were noted, but keep in mind the Kwik-Stand is a hand built
accessory, and some flaws should be expected. This stand is very solid and
well built. I was impressed from the first time I handled it.
Setting Up
The
Stand comes 90% assembled and ready to go from the manufacturers. The only
assembly of the stand itself that needs to be done is attach the wheels to
the frame of the stand, and this was achieved in about 5 minutes (more
than likely you can do this in less time, as I was unable to locate my
socket handle… my wife likes to “borrow” things). The next step you need
to undertake is building a “platform” for your table saw to be mounted
onto the stand. As you can see in the accompanying photo, this is a very
easy and short project, and took me about ½ hour to complete. The Kwik-Stand
is made to accommodate many different models and makes of bench top saws.
I used 5/8” plywood and some 2x4 material left over from a recent project
to make mine, but almost any material may be used. When building the
platform, keep in mind the overall height of the saw and platform needs to
be no less than 14 ½” high. This is the height of the handle/out-feed
support above the mounting frame.
Getting familiar with the Product
The
Kwik-Stand is designed in such a way, that the handle used to move the
stand, while in its closed position, is utilized as a simple, but very
effective out-feed support. No more need to have a helper with longer rip
cuts.
Some
might say, “Why not just make the handle adjustable to fit the saw, and
not the saw to fit the handle?” and this was a question I asked myself
several times while I put the thing together. However, the height of the
handle/out-feed has been very well thought out, and upon completion of
mounting your saw, you will understand as I did.
This
handle is my favorite feature of the Kwik-Stand.
From
its closed position, moving your saw is very easy. The large wheels roll
effortlessly over just about any terrain, and make pulling it up a set of
stairs a breeze. Putting the assembly into a truck bed, trailer or back of
a van is a bit cumbersome, and it might be advisable to seek some
assistance for this task. The easiest way I found was to roll it to the
back of my truck, set the handle on the tailgate, climb into the truck,
and “give her a good tug”. Getting it back out again is simply the reverse
of this procedure.
Opening the stand frame for use was a bit tricky to become accustomed to.
To “open” the stand, you hold the handle with one hand, release the
latches securing the stand in its collapsed state with the other, and put
one foot on the bottom cross bar. Then, while pushing down with your foot,
reach down and pull up on the handle and open the frame until the
secondary latches catch. This is the only area of the tool I might like to
see changed in some way. You need to release one side, then the other. A
way to unlatch both sides at once would have been better. Sounds
like a real chore doesn’t it? Well, it really is not. It took a few times
opening and closing the stand to get used to its operation, but this has a
real easy learning curve.
On
the base of each leg of the Kwik-Stand are rubber cushions. These came in
very handy at a recent remodeling project where I had to set up on a newly
installed hardwood floor. Not only did they protect the floor, but I
noticed they also absorbed much of the vibration of my table saw while in
use as well.
The
safety warnings as printed in the instructions state NEVER stand on the
saw stand, well, this was about the first thing I did after assembling the
wheels, but of course, you shouldn't follow my example in use. This thing
is VERY well built. I clock in at just over 300lbs, and the Kwik-Stand
didn’t even flinch!
Conclusions
Simplicity, quality construction, and ease of use. I highly recommend the
Kwik-Stand for heavy every day use on the jobsite. Expect to pay US$175.00
plus shipping for this 'tool' (table saw not included). However, if you do
a lot of work away from the comforts of your shop, consider this money
well spent. On my scale of 5 stars, consider this a solid 5 for value and
simplicity. It is a tool you will use for years, and will more than likely
outlast your saw.
Enjoy, and happy woodworking!
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Kwik-Stand Photos
All photos copyright onlinetoolreviews.com. Use without prior
written permission prohibited
One of the first things to do is make a support
base to fit your saw.
I made mine with some
scrap ply and 2x4's
The Kwik-Stand is large enough to accommodate
most portable saws. Mine fits quite easily.
On the move. Now this is what I call a 'portable
saw'
Setting up on most surfaces is quite easy with the Kwik-Stand
Setting up the Kwik-Stand
Photo from Kwikstand website
Don't try this at home kids!
Photo from Kwikstand website
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