How to Connect a Shop Vac to a Makita 2703 Table Saw

Set the table saw up on the edge of a work table, with room in front and behind to slide wood panels across. Also, make sure the table saw is near a grounded power outlet or within reach of a surge protector. Do not plug it in yet, but ensure that it will reach.

Tape the ruler along one end of the flexible tubing. This is to keep the air intake end from flexing under vacuum. Bend it down to face the top of the table saw. Place this end slightly to the side of the saw blade, four to six inches should do it. Tape the hose down to hold it in place temporarily

Place an adjustable wood clamp to either side of the part of the hose that drapes over the edge of the table saw. Use the tape to attach the hose to the top of the clamps, the part that does not move. This will allow you to remove the dust tubing from the table saw if you ever need to move it.

Attach the other end of the tubing (the one without the ruler taped to it) to the air intake on the shop vac. Loop the O ring clamp around this end and tighten with the flathead screwdriver. Do this by hand, not with a power tool, as the shop vac intake is plastic and could break.

Plug the table saw and shop vac in and turn them on. Run scrap wood through the saw (while wearing goggles) to test the shop vac's capabilities. If the tubing is too long and is in danger of getting sawed, you can trim off an inch or two from the front of the tubing.