A fascinating approach! Building a roller jig that mounts on a table saw to accurately turn hardwood rollers with a fixed shaft can indeed be a cost-effective and efficient alternative to using steel rollers. Here are a few benefits of this method:
1. Cost Reduction: By using hardwood instead of steel, you can significantly reduce the material cost of the rollers. Hardwood is generally more affordable and easier to source compared to steel.
2. Labor Efficiency: With a well-designed roller jig, the process of turning wooden rollers on a table saw can be streamlined and efficient. This can save time and reduce labor costs compared to sourcing and purchasing pre-made steel rollers.
3. Customizability: Making your own wooden rollers allows for customization, such as choosing the specific hardwood and dimensions that best suit your needs. This flexibility can be advantageous in terms of functionality and aesthetics.
4. Availability: Steel rollers may sometimes be challenging to find or have longer lead times. By making your own wooden rollers using the table saw jig, you can have greater control over the availability of the roller components.
Note: These plans are included with the Capsule Bench Press (Wood) and the Capsule Large Floor Press, comming soon.
This is a test roller on the new roller jig. It was turned on my small Dewalt portable table saw with a 10 inch fine tooth blade. It took about 15 minutes to turn, once the roller blank was constructed. It turned out perfictly and required very little finish sanding.
Upon seeing the resulting roller it ocured to me that this would also be a great way to build large rubber coated inking rollers! I am currently working out Instructions for casting a thick silicon rubber coating for the inking rollers, stay tuned.
Overall, this method of building both the press and inking rollers has the potential to save you a lot of money while still achieving high-quality results.
