i would have used glue sizing on the ash before final sanding and staining to help control this.

Sounds like something is binding. If it retracts when the assembly is off the machine then the spring must be OK. Did you try cleaning it out really well before you put the assembly back on? Blowing it out with compressed air should get the dirt out of the assembly. When you put it back on put the screws on loose and make sure it retracts OK. Then tighten the screws slowly and keep checking as you go that it retracts.

John

Very nice. Elegant.

Your design looks to be a lot of frame and panel pieces. If those are constructed well, meaning well fitted frames, the assembly will be very strong and rigid. I don't see the need for the diagonal bracing you show. The end panels, however, at least look too insubstantial, and I suspect they would be the source of flex and low rigidity. I would consider making them far thicker or, better yet, as narrow, four sided boxes.

I would assemble it with KD fittings. There are many options available and most/all would be invisible. Perhaps the corners could be joined with completely hidden taper connectors or keyhole fittings. The two sections of the top could be joined with Tite Joint fasteners or something similar. It all looks very doable.

John

Someday I will be lucky enough to buy one of your saws.

I also would like to thank you, Pedder, and Alex for your parts in the blogs,

Arlin

The main difference between the types is the width cutting capacity and in some cases, the height of the board.

I would suggest getting a good quality 12"----non-slider, which can not only be used during your current project, but which I find very helpful in regular furniture making.

Check out tool test results. Also, look at the quality of they included blade. My DeWalt included one of their top-grade blades, so I never had the added expense of getting a better blade.

I'm also considering the same unit. I plan to buy the large unit (12 - 24 k BTU). Has anyone purchased one? Any recommended vendors?

I'm confident I can do the install.

Mark

Wood?

I would not use adhesive just have it lap over the top.

Arlin

No plans but some ideas

https://www.google.com/search?q=Karate+B...CuT33noXiCQM%3A

Extraordinary design. Let us know if it is to be marketed.