Kids need tablesaws too, right? This one uses a sheet metal nibbler so it’s completely safe, even a toddler-sized pinkie finger won’t fit into the moving cutterhead.

Full credit to this cool instructable - I was going to use an oscillating multitool until I stumbled across this idea which is even safer:

https://www.instructables.com/Table-Saw-for-Kids/

To explain the theme - I have a lot of Dewalt stuff so I wanted my kids to feel like they had a real powertool, not some plastic kiddy toy. It cuts paper, thin wood, thinner cardboard (think Amazon boxes, not Target or diaper boxes) and sheet metal. I haven’t tried that last one because I don’t want to scratch up my nice paint job.

Functional dust collection port in back

I had an old 18v drill with a wobbly arbor so it was perfect for this project. The cutterhead is just a cheap sheet metal nibbler.

Internals with a coat of paint

Close up of the fence locking hardware

  • Smuuthbrane
    3·
    2 years ago

    Now that’s pretty cool. Heck, my local makerspace could use one of these, they’d be great for cutting many sheet goods!

    • sandman2211OPM
      2·
      2 years ago

      Thanks! I might have used it myself once or twice when I didn’t feel like cleaning up after the jigsaw…

  • fabio
    3·
    2 years ago

    I was going to make a “what is this, a table saw for ants?” joke, but this is so cool I won’t!

  • Barbacamanitu@lemmy.world
    3·
    1 year ago

    At first glance, I thought this was insane and unsafe. With a closer look, I’ve gotta say that this is pretty cool and creative. Well done.

    Do nibblers leave the edge of sheet metal sharp? I’m sure you’ve considered that if so.

    • sandman2211OPM
      2·
      1 year ago

      Thanks! They only use it for paper, cardboard, and really thin boards, like less than 1/8". Sheet metal would definitely have a sharp edge and the little crescent moon chips it makes would be absolute hell if they ever were to get spilled in the carpet or lawn.