Miter Saw Station

[RobS]

A bit more progress in my workshop this weekend, I built a permanent home for my miter saw. Naturally, I took some pictures to share along the way.

First pic is my old workstation /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[RobS]

After many measurements, sketches, calculations and a trip to the Big Box, I built the framework for the saw. It's mostly 2X4 lumber, glued and screwed together /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[RobS]

Then a plywood platform for the saw /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[RobS]

I skipped a step in the photos which was to build the surround around the saw. It provides the vertical structure between the saw base, the work supports and the top shelf. This is where the measurements and calculations paid off. In addition to the surround, this picture shows the dry fit of the work supports on each side. My basement has a nice little bump out which allows the saw to sit flush with the walls on either side. Without that, the whole thing would have to sit further out from the wall /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[RobS]

A different view of the same thing /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[RobS]

And the final product. I filled in the upper area with a shelf for storing other tools and added a short skirt below the saw to hide the framing. It's nothing fancy but it sure does work well. Best thing for me is it's always ready for a project, no matter how big or small /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[RobS]

Final picture showing a bit more detail. If anyone is interested, I'd be happy to post more detail /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Egon]

Looking good. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[HGM]

Very nice, good use of that nook.... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Cliff_Johns]

Very nice design. The long tables will hold you in good stead. You will thank yourself over and over again over the years as you use that station. Good investment of your time.

Cliff

 

[TMcD_in_MI]

Very nice work, Rob. Do you have plans to hook the saw up to your dust collection system? If you do, I'd sure like to see your setup. I built a collection box for my miter saw and it has really cut down on the dust in the basement, as you would expect.

Tom

 

[RobS]

Thanks for the compliments guys. Yes, I do plan on hooking it up to my dust collector. I've seen commercially made shrouds but they are quite expensive. I'm thinking I can make something on my own. Probably use sheet metal or flexible plastic sheeting. I left the framework underneath open to accomodate a hole and the necessary plumbing.

Ironic note on the dust collection... I used MDF for the tables. Did the long cuts on my table saw with the dust collector but the upper area had some long angle cuts. Did those on the floor with my circular saw. Talk about a mess! That MDF doesn't make sawdust, it makes sawfluff. Very fine stuff that stays in the air for a long time.

I'll also be adding a finer filter bag to my dust collector /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[dubba]

I will never work in a wood shop without one again

Air Filter

Your lungs will thank you.

 

[scott_vt]

Mornin Rob,
Nice station and great job. If you have the space to do that its great. But for the people that cant devote that type of space, I suggest folding tables on each side that will lock into place when raised, and also have adjustable length stops on each side along with a corresponding piece of measurement tape. To compliment your folding table extensions, I would use an adjustable roller stand. Just a couple of my thoughts.

scotty

 

[EddieWalker]

Rob,

Looks great. I love the way you used the space and were able to tuck it all away, but still have the ability to handle long material.

Do you have a way to handle sawdust? Vacume?

Eddie

 

[RobS]

Thanks again guys, it's great to hear the compliments! Yes Eddie, I do have a dust collector. I picked it up just last year and one of my next projects is to run some piping so I'm not tripping over hoses. Another benefit of my saw station layout is the pipe can tuck right up under the extension tables. I'll put a wye near each of my machines for a short tie-in with flex hose. Not quite hard-plumbed, but close /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[rox]

Rob,
Nice work! Question, did you use a laser when you were putting up that long narrow ledge on either side of your saw? it look so perfect, just wonderig if you used a laser?

Oh, and i noticed your Black and Decker Workmate tale. I have had one for years and even toook it to France when we moved. It is jsut a handy tabel.
~rox

 

[TMcD_in_MI]

[quote Did those on the floor with my circular saw. Talk about a mess! That MDF doesn't make sawdust, it makes sawfluff. Very fine stuff that stays in the air for a long time. )</font>

Amen to that!! I just made an entertainment center using MDF, cutting the sides with a circular saw. What an incredible mess that made. Never again will I cut MDF inside with a circular saw. I think I will just avoid using the stuff altogether.

Rob, if your dust collection system is still in the planning stage, you might want to check out the website below. It is where I should have gone before I put in my system. I saw that you had already bought a dust collector, but it's probably worth checking the site out anyway, even though it will tell you that what you bought is probably inadequate. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif


Dust Collection

Tom

 

[scott_vt]

Mornin Tom,
Thanks for that article!!! I presently use a Jet dust collector and have a ceiling mounted filter and I still have airborn dust! I need to study this problem closer. I have always wanted a downdraft table for sanding. If weather permits I do my sanding outside with a fan if possible. Unfortunately over the years Im sure I have ingested more than my fair share of wood particles /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Thankyou for raising the awareness level of any home woodworkers in this thread!

scotty

 

[B8FISH]

RobS--nice looking set-up, do you have any plans to incorporate any stops or clamps for repeat type cuts? I've been looking at building a set-up like that for awhile. I've also seen stick-on type tape measures on the extension arms to help eliminate guesswork, and not have to keep digging out the tape measure!