Jobsite table saws are usually designed to be portable, whether this means they are built with lightweight materials or come with a wheeled trolley with which to move them around.
But what if you need to transport your table saw to a job on the roof of your car?
If you are looking for how to mount a jobsite table saw on the roof of a car, this blog post will give you all the information you need to transport your beloved table saw safely and efficiently.
Preparing To Transport Your Table Saw
Jobsite table saws are usually designed to be easily moved. Many of them are lightweight or come with carts that allow them to be rolled onto the back of a truck or trailer.
If you do not have a truck or trailer to transport your table saw, things can become trickier.
Portable table saws are usually light enough to be lifted by two people. The fact remains, though, that table saws are often top-heavy. If this is the case with your jobsite table saw, you may need to remove the table saw from its base when transporting it. Alternatively, if the design allows, you can lay it upside down on its side.
Be sure to strap the table saw to whatever you are using to haul it so that it does not get damaged or cause damage to your vehicle.
If you need to move your table saw around frequently, we suggest investing in ratchet straps as they simplify strapping equipment.
No matter how you transport your table saw, it should always be done safely. With more than 86,000 reported cases of lifting-related injuries annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, heavy lifting should always be carried out with careful planning and the help of at least one other person to do it safely.
Mounting A Jobsite Table Saw On The Roof Of A Car
If you do not own a truck or a trailer to transport your table saw, you will need to attach it to the roof of your car.
We recommend that you only attempt this if your car has a roof rack and always ensure you have help to lift and secure the table saw safely.
Be sure to use approved roof racks and rails for your particular vehicle, and ensure that a professional installs these rails.
When attaching anything heavy to the roof rack of your vehicle, you should use suitable, high-quality restraint equipment explicitly made for that purpose, such as ratchet ties or cam buckle straps.
Elastic bungee cords should not be used as the elasticity could stretch and loosen your load. A rope is not recommended either, as some types are prone to slippage. You may also need to determine whether ropes and bungee cords can secure the load effectively.
Also, be sure to stay within roof and roof rack load limits. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the load limits of your car and your accessories, such as crossbars and racks.
It would be best to consider the weight of the roof rails, tie-down straps, and any supporting poles or panels used when securing the table saw to the roof rack.
Conclusion
When thinking about how to mount a jobsite table saw on the roof of a car, you should always ensure that you are not attempting to lift or secure the table saw alone.
Be sure to use top-quality securing gear such as ratchet ties and cam buckle straps, and always be aware of the roof and roof rack load limitations.
If you are looking for the best guide to jobsite table saws, then look at our expert breakdown of the best saws on the market.
