Advanced X-Carve Work-Top

Here is an introduction video of what this project is. It is my first project and my first video production, so please your feedback is appreciated, and criticism is welcomed.

1- Remove the worktop of the Workmate from the base.

2- In the B&D model I had I needed to flip the right and left tightening screw base to make it easier to screw it to the table from the sides. Depending on the model you have you might not need to do this.

3- I removed the rotating handles and extended their shafts in since the model I have did not clear the table and wouldn’t make a full turn. Again depending on your setup you might not need to do this.

1- From an 18 mm MDF board, Cut a board 1000 mm x 935 mm

2- Place the new cut board on the X-Carve frame and fasten it to the frame

3- Use the Easil to cut out an opening for the Workmate top from the previous step according to the size of it top when it is fully extended . Make sure that the middle rail of the x-carve frame is not obstructing. (you can do this with jigsaw much faster) note, the workmate does not need to fit snug, I have made 3 mm clearance all around and it did not cause any issues.

4- Depending on the table under the X-Carve an how you have it placed on the table, you might need to cut clearance for the workmate so the workmate will sink enough that its top is 100% flush with the waist board.

5- Depending on your setup secure the Workmate top to your waist board.

6- The workmate top should be secure to the waist board firmly from its fixed side while the sliding side must be free to fully extend while remaining flush with the table. Depending on your setup use scrap wood, shims to achieve this step.

7- avoid using screws that might come in the way of the carving/cutting it in case you miss the depth adjustment.

The Final setup

1- Test clamping of flat surface using the workmate and dogs

2- Test clamping a vertical work piece using the workmate

3- Make sure that everything clears the movement of the workmate and everything is tight.

4- Verify the X-Carve x access moves perfectly in parallel the the workmate clamping edge, this will be very critical when carving the side of a board, or the end of piece to keep everything aligned.
You can do this by
a- Clamp a board vertical on the workmate
b- Keep the board proud of the workmate clamping sides
c- Put a bit in your spindle and position the it on the 0,0,0 position on the side of the clamped board.
d- slide the spindle on the x axis keep the y axis fixed
e- If he bit stays on the edge of the board throughout its travel then you have completed your project successfully