Miter saw workbench build input

[isuhunter]

So I'm working on designing a new workbench for my garage and wanted to incorporate my miter saw into it as the Makita saw on a ryobi stand isn't the best setup. Also I love all of the harbor freight toolboxes built into the benches. This is going in a corner of the garage and I have 9' of working space. Originally I was going to build a 9' bench but then decided maybe 8 would be better and allow for a place to hang clamps and other tools on the end.

Two concerns:

1. As I'm designing this it dawns on me that the corner of my garage would limit my length of board I could cut. Put it on casters - but now i'm thinking this thing is going to be weigh as much as an elephant.

2. Would I really want all of my nice mechanics tools subject to a heavily sawdust area when using the mitre saw? Does anyone else saw on a bench with a harbor freight chest? If so, does dust find its way into the drawers?

Here is a picture of what I had in mind.

 

[Hot Rod Grampa]

I believe you are correct on the dust and weight. Compromise. Build the saw on a cart with casters so you could move it into the center of the area to use it. But build it so the height of the saw bed is the same as the toolboxes. Your saw could be 8' away from the toolbox but still use it to support the end of the lumber.

 

[RKA]

If the bulk of your work is shorter stock, I would leave the bench fixed and ditch the casters. Get a portable or knock down stand/table/saw horses and outfeed supports when you're working with longer stock like interior trim and move the saw for those occasions. Obviously you could keep your Ryobi stand if you have room for it.

Dust will be an issue, but having an extractor or vacuum connected will help a lot. Modifying the dust boot on your Makita (unless it's the newer 1019L) to make the dust collection more effective will help as well. Do a search for you model and see what people have added to improve the dust collection.

 

[isuhunter]

If the bulk of your work is shorter stock, I would leave the bench fixed and ditch the casters. Get a portable or knock down stand/table/saw horses and outfeed supports when you're working with longer stock like interior trim and move the saw for those occasions. Obviously you could keep your Ryobi stand if you have room for it.

Dust will be an issue, but having an extractor or vacuum connected will help a lot. Modifying the dust boot on your Makita (unless it's the newer 1019L) to make the dust collection more effective will help as well. Do a search for you model and see what people have added to improve the dust collection.

Appreciate the thoughts - thats a good call on the dust.

 

[isuhunter]

I believe you are correct on the dust and weight. Compromise. Build the saw on a cart with casters so you could move it into the center of the area to use it. But build it so the height of the saw bed is the same as the toolboxes. Your saw could be 8' away from the toolbox but still use it to support the end of the lumber.

I like that idea - maybe a smaller stand with a vacuum holder and then put a top on the bench and make it same height for additional support.