Establishing a mitre saw station in your workshop can increase precision and efficiency while creating a personalized workspace tailored to your woodworking style. To start off this endeavor, the first step should be sourcing all necessary materials.
This includes plywood sheets, 2x4s, various sizes of wood screws and an assortment of tools.
The Frame
Mitre saw stands are essential in any workshop, yet commercial versions can be costly and unfriendly to users. With its wheels for mobility and foldable surfaces that create two large work areas, as well as drawers and doors to store tools organized neatly inside, this DIY version makes an affordable, user-friendly mitre saw stand. Plus, its customizable to your unique requirements!
Craft a frame using 2x4s, pocket holes and wood glue. Create equal-height top and bottom boxes while the wings panels can be cut down according to the height of your mitre saw table (or length of plywood wing panels you are using) so as to accommodate different size saws if needed. Adjust this for standard counter height wings as necessary or make changes as required based on different saw sizes.
Once the frames have been assembled, place one Side Assembly's Handle Rails and Leg Rails against one of the Back Legs and secure them using 2 1/2" Kreg pocket-hole screws. Repeat this process on the other side.
Now you can assemble the sides of your cabinet frame. Start by cutting your Back Legs to their final lengths as shown in the cutting diagram, drilling pocket holes at both ends, and using two 1/2" Kreg screws (provided) to assemble.
Before installing the back legs, cut a 1x6 piece to length and use a jigsaw to notch notches in both corners for the hinges that will later be attached on the cabinet's rear side. Mark where each Side Assembly's Back Leg's wing hinge is to be located before notching out that area with the jigsaw.
Finish off your cabinet by attaching a cleat to each door frame using 1 1/4" flat-head wood screws, so the wing panel doesn't bow or sag over time. This will help support it.
If you want to improve this basic stand, consider installing a power strip and cutting out a hole for your shop vacuum hose and cords in the back. Also add handles on either end for moving it and polyurethane protection on its wood surfaces (optional).
The Top
Mitre saws are essential tools in any workshop, so having a reliable mitre saw stand that provides comfortable working height and supports long boards is of utmost importance. This DIY mitre saw workstation is easy and economical to build; plus its expandable wings can be folded away to save space on the workbench when not in use!
This mitre saw stand is designed to support most standard compound mitre saws; however, its dimensions may need to be altered slightly if your saw is different in size. Constructed using standard 2x4s and plywood for frame and wing sections enables easy customization for each specific saw and workspace.
This stand is constructed using two 8' 2x4s cut down the middle lengthwise and secured to each other using two 2 1/2" self-tapping screws per side. Before attaching, predrill holes at both ends of longer boards so they won't split when inserting screws, and also be sure to predrill holes at both the base of wings panels so they won't split when fastened together with screws.
Once your frames have been assembled, attach the wing sections using the same method. Be sure that each panel aligns perfectly with the bottom of the saw table before attaching with screws to secure to mitre saw base.
Add three 3" casters to each foot of the base for greater stability and safety, enabling you to easily move it when accessing other areas of your project. Furthermore, for dust collection add an opening at the rear for your vacuum hose.
Finish off the project by giving your mitre saw stand a coat of tung oil or polyurethane to protect its wood and enhance its aesthetic value, then you will be ready to enjoy your homemade mitre saw stand!
The Bottom
A mitre saw workstation is an excellent addition to any workshop, providing comfortable working height and supporting long boards during cutting. While you could purchase one from the store, building one yourself can save both money and time - these plans provide instructions to build one from standard plywood but there are many upgrades available that could transform this into a full-featured workshop masterpiece!
To create the mitre saw station, begin by measuring your mitre saw's width and depth of its base plate and cutting two bottom side pieces to those dimensions. Next, attach the main frame using four-inch screws along each front edge and back edge - once complete attach a layer of plywood on either side to bring table height back in line with that of your saw (e.g. this mitre saw has a 2 3/4-inch table height).
As part of your mitre saw stand, it will also require two wings. Similar to building the frame, using 1x3s for wing panel boards and 1x4s as dividers (Figure A), wings must also be cut down according to their desired width based on your saw's height; clamp them together if necessary before screwing them together.
Once the wing panels and dividers have been attached to the frame, you can assemble the top of your mitre saw stand. This top should be made out of plywood; cut it according to its dimensions for your saw before drilling holes for mounting bolts.
Once the mitre saw is securely attached to its stand, you'll add its fence face and wing extensions. Measure your saw to determine the thickness of each extension before notching dividers to accommodate it. Next install hinged wings extensions which allow folding back of wings when not needed; finally add handles on front for moving and a power strip so your saw, vacuum and work light can all plug directly in together for convenience.
The Wings
An effective mitre saw workstation is designed with ergonomics and workflow in mind, as well as storage solutions for tools, hardware, and other materials that aids organization and efficiency in your workshop. Plus, this type of workshop can easily be customized to meet your specific requirements!
Step one in creating a mitre saw stand is constructing its frame, taking careful measurements for an accurate result. Step two involves installing two wheels under it for easier movement - so you can quickly switch projects.
To construct the lower cabinets, cut a 3/4'' plywood piece to fit around each leg and secure its edges flush using 1 5/8" screws. Use the slat as a tool tray for storage of screws or small items.
Once the frames have been built, it's time to assemble the upper boxes. These cabinets are designed to house both a mitre saw and other accessories like hand tool drawers or stop block sliders. Once assembled, make sure your wing tables are level with the saw table using long rulers or straight edges as a measuring stick; once done you can secure their handles rail attachment.
Build the right side mitre saw wing table using similar steps as for the left side table; the main difference being that its frame will consist of two 2x4s at 30 1/4" and two at 41", rather than four 2x4s as is typically done when building mitre saw tables. Before beginning construction, double check that your saw has mounting holes that can be reached by your wing tables; also verify the diameter of bolts you intend on purchasing from home centers to secure them properly.