John,

I'll be building my new shop next year, 30 x 36 timberframe w/slab. There
are a lot of threads in past history detailing "things you would build into
a new shop", but rather than telling you to go search, I'll write what I'd
do. A lot of it is based on past threads and current experience.

I am going to buy a Delta Unisaw, but have a few questions:

1) Other than the table to the right (52" cut) and the rear outfeed
table, do you recommend any additional surface? Maybe a table to the
left? Should the rear outfeed table be the full width of the saw AND
other tables, or just to the rear of the blade?

Put as big of an outfeed and side tables on it as you can comfortably deal
with. I like the idea of six feet long outfeed table. I wouldn't go to the
left because you won't be able to walk past the saw while making a long cut.
Extend the outfeed as wide as the side table.

2) How much clearance would you like to have on all sides of the saw
beyond the tables?

For me, ten feet minimum to the rear, six to the left, the right side can be
as little as zero (for a 52" table board) and beyond - up to you. My unisaw
is on a mobile base, and when I use it, it gets moved within four feet of
the garage door. That way, I have about 18 feet behind the saw (helpful
whan you have to rip a 16' 2x12) and the whole length of my driveway as an
outfeed.

3) Is it worth it to have dust collection run under the slab? What
material and what size?

Yes, PVC, and 4". I'm putting in 4" schedule 40 under the slab, with a
"box" and access cover at several locations in the floor. That way, no
particular machine location needs to be permanent, I can move them around
and hook up to the nearest "box" with a quick-connect. The blast gates can
either be in the box or above the floor, or even better, outfit each
termination with a cap - that way, you don't need blast gates. Probably
difficult to visualize, but you'll only need to have the cap off of branches
which have a running machine hooked up.

4) Should I consider an alternative to running electrical under the
slab to feed the saw? If so, what is the alternative? Can the
outlets be flush to the slab surface?

Same deal - box in slab with outlet inside box. You can plug it it and then
notch the cover of the box and put it back to keep out sawdust.
Alternately, put in drop outlets in areas where you might use the saw. I
don't much care for drops because things tend to get caught on them.

I'm thinking wall-mounted metal pipe for the rest of the dust
collection - comments?

OK.

What about the Interior walls? Norm says to use wood so you can mount
anything anywhere - makes sense. What about OSB? It's cheap
(relatively), takes screws well and can be painted white. Comments?

1/2" AC plywood, painted gloss white. I don't like OSB, but that's just me.
Even painted, it still looks like OSB. I also like a section of wall to be
white painted pegboard, since I like my tools to be visible and accessible.

Any other comments or suggestions will be appreciated. What do you
like best and least about your shop?

Best - it's mine!
Worst - it's too small, located in the basement (which is a mildewed, humid
mess this time of year), and is used as a landfill for my family's junk most
of the time. I need 15 minutes just to make enough room to use any of my
machines.

Thanks for your input,

John

No prob.

JE