Miter Saw mounted to the Ceiling?

[Lynden]

A heavier-duty version of this with a single shelf for the saw.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/863917140996623202/

The shelf for the saw would have to be deeper so that the vertical supports don't interfere with the operation of the saw. Depending on what type of saw you have, you might be able to build a dust collection box on the back of the shelf.

 

[windward]

Find an old aluminum ladder, (straight, like half an extension), cut to length, hinge the top, add gas cylinder, only has to hold it up, Add these feet to the bottom, make a plywood shelf for the tool and swing down arms for work support.

https://www.mcmaster.com/2728T21


Ladders are everywhere, stiff and light.

https://www.mcmaster.com/2728T21

What you are saying is to have the ladder fold all the way to the floor, then lock with those feet? Might want to hinge the ladder just below the saw so that it takes up less room when folded up.

 

[jonshonda]

I tried something similar w/ a mount for (6) 8' old folding tables, but even though I had a 3 pulleys in line, it was still too much weight. I also had really cheap pulleys from Menards, and think nice pulleys with some good rope would have made it much better.

 

[bullnerd]

What you are saying is to have the ladder fold all the way to the floor, then lock with those feet? Might want to hinge the ladder just below the saw so that it takes up less room when folded up.

Yes, depends on how much room you have on the ceiling.

Why complicate it! lol!

 

[ford33]

Helium balloons? Lot's of them.

 

[Xzylon]

Would a French cleat system work? I built one for my dad with the intent of making various tools mount to the wall or cabinet surface where I am working. Done properly, a large vertical support would give a lot of stability and the weight of it secures it very solidly. To make it easy to maneuver you could use an aforementioned hoist to lift, and just set it into french cleats mounted in/near your ceiling. Then that space can be cleared completely when not in use, and other tools such as an anvil or grinder can be mounted to a similar platform that will lock into the same spot but store overhead. Multiple french cleats arranged in rows can allow for a pegboard-like adjustment so if you want to see something better or get a better grip on it you can move the platform up or down.

Edit: Just realized this still uses the wall for a mount to some degree. Although I think that a sufficiently designed island would work really well with a system like this. Depends on how you like to work and what you have available.

 

[windward]

I am thinking about using something like this and creating a extendable arm. Probably two segments, with a pivot point near the ceiling and one about a third of the way down to the saw. Trailer hitch balls could be used for the pivots, but I am not sure if they are big enough to create enough friction. I would have to figure out a way to create stops so that when I pull it down, it does swing beyond vertical.

Doing this with something like a bench grinder would be much easier since it is smaller and you don't have to work around any sliding mechanism.

Full disclosure, I may never find the time or energy to actually build this, but it is fun to think through the "how it could be done".

 

[GrayFlattop]

Helium balloons? Lot's of them.

That's just a silly suggestion.

Clearly the best solution would be to find (or fabricate) an old style single-post hydraulic service lift. Simply dig the pit a little deeper so the top of the saw will end up below floor level when it is in the down position. Rig up a couple of metal doors that will close completely and cover the pit when not in use.

Or adapt the mechanism from a sidewalk elevator - if you figure the doors just right they could be your material supports

 

[dluke]

Calling all you engineer types.

I have a miter saw on a portable stand that takes up precious wall space in the garage. I could fold up the stand and hang it from the wall, but then it would be a pain if I just needed it for one quick cut.

I was thinking about cobbling together a contraption that would be mounted to the ceiling, which could be pulled down and locked into position when I wanted to use it. I am thinking either an articulating arm of some sort or a scissor extension, attached to a platform on which the saw is mounted.

Anyone have any thoughts about where I might be able to source such a contraption that could be modified to work, rather than trying to fabricate my own from scratch?

Look forward to hearing your ideas.

doing the exact same thing right now... hanging the portable saw from the ceiling bought three bike hangers, 3 50' vinyl coded cable and a crank total investment about 100 bucks. and still going to have the legs for when it's down. and clevis pins to easily remove it and take it to job sites, also have the four cables pretty much out of the way so that if I need to do a quick cut crank it down make a cut and whatever size board and bring it back up... pictures are attached and I'll post a couple when I'm done
also if this works out the way I think it will I plan on doing a whole workbench maybe with a three to one ratio or something to make it easy and probably electric hoists cuz the thought of being able to push a button to have the workbench down or up is badass. lol