DIY Adjustable Outfeed Support Stand Using a Scissor Jack
Working with long boards at the table saw, planer, or other woodworking machines can be awkward without adequate outfeed support. A roller stand helps support the material, but getting the height just right isn't always easy.
This shop-made outfeed support solves that problem with an ordinary automotive scissor jack. The jack provides precise height adjustments, while a set of four-way rollers allows boards to slide smoothly across the support.
Best of all, the design can be mounted to a shop cart, making it a versatile accessory for different machines.
Use a Scissor Jack for Precise Height Adjustment
The key to this adjustable outfeed stand is a standard automotive scissor jack.
A scissor jack provides a wide range of height adjustment with a simple screw mechanism. Turning the screw raises or lowers the support platform in small increments, making it easy to match the height of different woodworking machines.
To adapt the jack for outfeed support, remove its original metal top bracket and replace it with a plywood mounting plate.
The plywood plate provides a flat surface for attaching the rollers that support the workpiece.
Be sure the replacement plate is securely fastened and the jack remains stable throughout its adjustment range.
Add Four-Way Rollers for Smooth Stock Support
Instead of using a conventional roller that turns in only one direction, this outfeed stand features four-way rollers mounted to the plywood plate.
These rollers allow a board to move smoothly across the support, even if the stand isn't positioned perfectly square to the machine.
This is especially useful when handling long boards or repositioning the stand between different machines.
The rollers help support the material without restricting its movement to a single direction.
Mount the Outfeed Support to a Shop Cart
For added versatility, the scissor jack is mounted to a plywood base.
The base allows the entire assembly to be secured to a shop cart, providing a convenient way to move the support between machines.
Once the cart is positioned, simply turn the scissor jack screw to raise or lower the rollers until they match the machine's outfeed height.
The adjustment range makes the stand useful for several shop setups without having to build a separate support for each machine.
Make sure the cart is secured against rolling or tipping during use. The jack and mounting hardware must also be suitable for the intended load, and the support should not be used beyond the jack's stable adjustment range.
A Versatile Outfeed Support for the Workshop
A good outfeed support makes handling long boards easier and gives you better control as material leaves a woodworking machine.
By combining a scissor jack, plywood mounting plates, and four-way rollers, you can create a simple support that's easy to adjust for different working heights.
It's a clever way to repurpose an automotive tool into a practical woodworking shop accessory.
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