I just bought a used Craftsman tablesaw with a 24/24" fence and have already
had to fudge a 27" cut. It would also fit my work area better if I moved
the rails over to be 36/12".

Is there a sound reason not to do it? All I can think is that the rails
aren't rigid enough to go that far without support. If that's it, would
adding another wing help any, or is it vertical support that would be
missing?

Thanks.

Wade Lippman asks:

I just bought a used Craftsman tablesaw with a 24/24" fence and have already
had to fudge a 27" cut. It would also fit my work area better if I moved
the rails over to be 36/12".

Is there a sound reason not to do it? All I can think is that the rails
aren't rigid enough to go that far without support. If that's it, would
adding another wing help any, or is it vertical support that would be
missing?

Try it. It's reversible. I've got one, felt no current need to change over, but
if I keep the saw when I move home, I may just for the hell of it (mainly from
happiness at having space to MOVE around the damned thing without tripping over
a couple lawnmowers and a propane heater after banging an elbow on a SCMS). You
will lose the measurement capability, but I think you can correct that, after
you make sure it works otherwise, with a stick-on tape measure. Just move em'.
Make some wide cuts. If the flex is too much, add a brace or another wing.
Actually, I'd make a wing out of MDF or melamine coated whatever, with a
hardwood frame. Then if it does need vertical support, all you need to do is
add a couple legs. Another cast iron wing might overbalance the saw to that
side.

Charlie Self
"I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use
our power the greater it will be." Thomas Jefferson