The reason we sand the ends of the blades to remove the residual oil on the blade that is there to help prevent rust on the blades. This oil will contribute to blade slippage. It's also advantages to sand the ends of the thumb screws. Look under Works in Progress and Tutorials for my post on a simple jig for blade slippage.
That's quite a control center! That should work for you nicely.
I wouldn't apply the poly on your table though. It won't hold up to the constant contact with moving wood. If you want something more permanent, try Formica or something like that. But what I would recommend is waxing periodically.
Nice work Dan, they look very nice.
Certainly not a criticism, but rather a curious question, is there any reason the lower case of the g in the name plaque couldn't be completely cut without the small bridge?
Unfortunately, there is no easy way out. I had a 16" saw for years and wished for a better way till I got my first DeWalt saw. The difference was like night and day.
You have what you have till you upgrade!
I'd be interested to know if the brushes on a DeWalt saw have ever failed. Been using DeWalt saws for twenty years, I have taught scroll saw at the local Woodcraft store for the last six years and have been a member of a very large woodworkers club for the last 14 years. I have never heard of brushed failing on the DwWalt saw. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, I've just never heard of it happening.