An idea for a miter saw bench

[Jgaz]

I thought I’d post my current miter saw bench in my AZ garage.

I've used the set up below in my last three shops but it just took up too much floor space in my current shop.
Sorry for the crappy picture

I sold the above stand and tried a portable Dewalt stand for a short time. Good for construction but not for woodworking.

My current set up, and what I plan to keep based on the last few years, is the saw built flush with a storage counter/ bench built across the back of my single garage stall.


This fence design is what makes this bench work for me.

I have a movable 26” long fence that I can bolt to the bench top in multiple places on either side of the saw.
The threaded inserts in the top that secure the fence are spaced about 11” apart.
In this pic the fence is being installed flush with saw fence to prepare to cut multiple 17” pieces for some drawer construction.



This pic gives a better idea of the threaded inserts and shows the fence being lined up close to the extreme LH end of the bench.

The screws you see on the bench top are just to plug the holes when they’re not being used.
I use three 3/8” bolts to secure the fence section to the bench top.
I can cut just under 7’ on the left of the blade and about 5’ on the right with excellent accuracy and repeatability.

Not as convenient as a dedicated fence installed full time but works well for the work I do and allows maximum use of the counter top.

I’ve used this setup to make two headboards and several cabinet face frames with excellent accuracy.
If I need to cut something longer the saw easily removes from the bench with the removal of two bolts.

 

[BTL-A4]

This is really nice! I'd like to be able to do something similar, but just don't have the counter space. It would be so nice to just have the miter saw ready to go.

 

[jmiller_2308]

It is nice to have a miter saw setup and ready to go all the time.

I built my bench on top of tall cabinets with a fixed fence that has a movable stop and tape for quick measurements. The fence creates a two tier bench where I can try to keep the clutter off the cutting area but am still able to use it for storage. I have other benches for doing work.

The cabinet and dust cover incorporate a dust collector with the dust in a pull out collection box inside the tall door to the left of the saw. The dust cover doors slide to allow for angle cuts. There is also a light under the oak trim directly above the saw to help my poor old eyes see better.

I like the melamine for a top as it allows wood to slide easily.

This is an older picture. I have since replaced those hanging shop lights with an oak valance that incorporates led strip lights for a nice even lighting the full length of the cutting area.

 

[PoorUB]

I use a Dewalt miter saw stand, the one like a folding saw horse. I added 2x8 wings to bother sides. Eight foot on the left, and about four foot on the right. The wings have a 1x2 fence on the back side. Both were eight foot, but it didn't in my livingroom so I cut off thr right side.

I used door hinges to connect to the saw base, and the Wing. Pull the pin to disconnect. I also use a carriage bolt to fasten the wing to the supports on the stand. I don't leave it set up, and want it to be somewhat portable.

I had pics, but can't find them. They are posted here on another thread.

 

[Mike65]

I built mine from 2x4's & 3/4" plywood.

 

[Jgaz]

It is nice to have a miter saw setup and ready to go all the time.

I built my bench on top of tall cabinets with a fixed fence that has a movable stop and tape for quick measurements. The fence creates a two tier bench where I can try to keep the clutter off the cutting area but am still able to use it for storage. I have other benches for doing work.

The cabinet and dust cover incorporate a dust collector with the dust in a pull out collection box inside the tall door to the left of the saw. The dust cover doors slide to allow for angle cuts. There is also a light under the oak trim directly above the saw to help my poor old eyes see better.

I like the melamine for a top as it allows wood to slide easily.

This is an older picture. I have since replaced those hanging shop lights with an oak valance that incorporates led strip lights for a nice even lighting the full length of the cutting area.

I really like your sliding door idea for dust collection

 

[jmiller_2308]

I really like your sliding door idea for dust collection

1/2" melamine doors that slide in an aluminum channel. It was a bit of trial and error to come up with cutouts that were effective but not too much in the way. The doors stop a majority of the debris but not everything. When doing angled cuts I usually get away with only opening one door and the remaining door still helps to keep some of the debris down.

In these updated pictures you can see the oak valance that replaced the shop lights in the original picture; the valance goes from the stereo on the left to the wall on the right with lights along the full length.

The tin on the bottom helps falling debris move toward the intake of the dust collector. I added a hood to the exhaust of the saw that helps direct debris toward the dust collector and it is really helpful when the doors are open. One thing I din't do was add a curved section on the top of the inside of the box that I think would also help to direct debris down toward the dust collector.

The dust collector is a bit anemic. It works well for dust but the larger chips still need to be vacuumed out of the tin tray on occasion.

 

[Jgaz]

1/2" melamine doors that slide in an aluminum channel. It was a bit of trial and error to come up with cutouts that were effective but not too much in the way. The doors stop a majority of the debris but not everything. When doing angled cuts I usually get away with only opening one door and the remaining door still helps to keep some of the debris down.

In these updated pictures you can see the oak valance that replaced the shop lights in the original picture; the valance goes from the stereo on the left to the wall on the right with lights along the full length.

The tin on the bottom helps falling debris move toward the intake of the dust collector. I added a hood to the exhaust of the saw that helps direct debris toward the dust collector and it is really helpful when the doors are open. One thing I din't do was add a curved section on the top of the inside of the box that I think would also help to direct debris down toward the dust collector.

The dust collector is a bit anemic. It works well for dust but the larger chips still need to be vacuumed out of the tin tray on occasion.

Nicely done!
Thanks for the detailed photos