The Rousseau Porta Max Table Saw Stand has been the foundation of my mobile construction shop for over a decade. The 2700xl equipped with a 10″ Makita table saw and the optional #2720 outfeed table provide a solid platform for ripping sheet-goods and supporting other powertools.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Description:

• Rip Capacity to 27″
• Comfortable 34 1/2″ Work Height With HPL Professional Grade Laminate On Both Sides of Top
• Quick & Accurate Saw Positioning System
• Powder Coated Steel Construction
• Self Adhesive Tape Measure For Accuracy
• Fit Most Saws

Experience:
I’m an old hand with the Rousseau Porta Max. My current 2700xl is my third Porta Max table saw stand. For the past twenty years my daily tasks start just after 6am when I load my truck with 1000lbs of tools and materials, only to unload them at the site an hour later. Almost regardless of the task at hand, a fundamental piece of my portable shop is my Rousseau Porta Max 2700XL Table Saw Stand. It’s the first and last tool in and out of my truck each day and the foundation of my mobile shop. In other words, I have folded and unfolded the legs on the Rousseau a 100,000 times and passed millions of feet of lumber over it’s laminate. My Rousseau Table Saw Stand travels from jobsite to my shop and is the only table saw system I own. I have based my day and built my business on the quality of the Rousseau stock fence system.

Comments:
After a ding in the table surface and subsequent infiltration by H2O the laminate lifts and shatters. This happens over time to all Rousseau laminated tables. I’ve owned three and their lifetime is based on handling. My current Rousseau table is exactly as old as Makita’s 10″ 2703 Table Saw. That’s because when my 8″ Makita died I picked up the 10″ not knowing it wouldn’t fit in the Rousseau 2700 I had. I converted that stand into a router table utilizing the sturdy Rousseau fence system. The real benefit of the Rousseau table is the fence.

The tape measure was nice while it lasted. About 5 years before mine was destroyed, which is a lot longer than some of my friend’s. In fact, my Rousseau looks trashed these days. It’s speckled with years of paint, glue and finish, flaking laminate, exposed pressboard, missing every end cap, dented and dinged and here-in lies the value of the Rousseau Porta Max 2700XL Table Saw Stand; My stand has been reduced to it’s primary function, a flat table with a solid and accurate fence system. It looks trashed but I can set up a table saw in three minutes and accurately rip sheet goods by myself just about anywhere there is an outlet!

I highly recommend Rousseau Company products. I own three stands, two outfeed tables, the 2715XL Extension with Router Plate and the PM2710XL Extension Table. With the addition of a few rollers I’ve run huge productions, milling miles of lumber on this equipment.

Links:
Rousseau Co.
Rousseau 2700XL Saw Stand at Amazon.com

Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

Specifications:

Experience:

Well, like I said I ran down to the store and picked up the 10″ 2703 only to find out that it wouldn’t fit in my Rousseau 2700 Table Saw Stand. One of the reasons you find Amazon.com links on this site is because it’s where I buy lots of my tools including a new Rousseau Saw Stand. Delivery from Amazon.com is amazingly prompt and I had the new stand in two days! (In fact I ordered my PLS-180 for use on the jobsite the following day, I’m not kidding. I honestly don’t know how they do it. … and the prices can’t be beat!)
The 2703 is not what a fine woodworker thinks of when deciding on a shop tool but my shop has always been limited in size, from apartment to garage to rental space to basement, etc. Believe it or not I have used this 40lb. Makita contractor saw for beautiful and finely crafted furniture. Sure I’d love a giant Delta with a Biesemeyer fence but I don’t have the money nor the feasability for such a monster in my shop and make due with this Makita.

Comments:

It’s not the smoothest of the bunch but it’s a real performer. In a few minutes I will rip out some Mahogany pieces for a Frank Lloyd Wright reproduction lamp consisting of 1/4″ boards. Instead of using my band saw, since the pieces are only 3″ wide, I will use the 10″ Makita 2703 and then send them through my thickness planer. I’ve created at least a half-dozen jigs for use with the Rousseau fence, including a tenoning jig which I use frequently. After ripping the pieces I will use this Makita to cut a 45º bevel instead of using a 45º router bit. (True, I might have to hit the edge with a plane before assembly but what I am saying is, I trust the accuracy of this saw for fine cabinetry work and I use it for just that.) I’ve mentioned before that using a tool requires a bit of ‘craftsmanship’. I’ve seen the same material passed through the same tool by two separate people with totally unique results. Take care, set up properly, use jigs, feather boards, push-sticks and be precise. As with just about any tool, beside Festool, you can’t just shove the material in and expect it will come out perfectly. I am skilled. I don’t need a billion dollar set-up to make an accurate cut. By day this saw sits in my client’s driveway or yard and thousands of feet of every kind and length material is cut. Stack upon stack of Pine, Azek, Fir, Mahogany, plywood and more… and then it comes home and rips beautiful little pieces for my shop work. Bubinga, Ebony, Walnut, Cherry… Excellent saw.

Only one part has ever broken and that is due to inept employees who couldn’t figure to turn on this table saw; push down on the switch before pulling. They just broke it clean off. After five years with no maintenance my Makita saw needed some cleaning and WD-40 on the threaded rods that raise and lower the blade and motor. I like the bevel and height adjustment and dread the older Makita twist design. My friend just bought the Ridgid table saw, which comes with wheels and stands on it’s own. I wouldn’t trade for a day. My Makita sitting in the Rousseau stand is superior by my estimation, regardless of wheels, smoothness and additional features.

My table saw is in use every single day, including weekend projects. I rate this machine highly. In today’s market I don’t know what I will do when it’s time is up… but I will consider the fact that this one has served me far longer than previous saws and never failed me on the job.

Links:

Makita 2703 15 Amp 10-Inch Benchtop Table Saw at Amazon.com

Makita 2703 at Makita.com (Product Data)