How To Build A Miter Saw Table – The Quick-and-Easy Guide To The Two Types

A Miter Saw table can be built with two things in mind – mobility or stability. Depending on the choice, the method changes, but the steps generally follow similar formats, and we cover those in this article! Read on to learn how to build a miter saw table, be it mobile or permanent.

Of course, if you’re looking for guides on building other table saw accessories, we always recommend learning how to build a crosscut sled for your table saw as well!

Still, without further ado, let’s jump into the article.

A Mobile Miter Saw Table

You may want a mobile miter saw table, which sits in the corner and can open up to give you a lot of workspaces. This is a hypothesized list of materials for its making. Minor changes may be made to the list according to your convenience. 

Of course you can also learn more about the miter saw in general to figure out the details you want to know.

Step 1: Collect The Tools

• 14-inch folding brackets (or of bigger size if you prefer)
• 3-inch locking casters
• A miter saw
• A circular saw
• A drill
• 6-inch drill bits
• 2 half-inch screws
• 1 quarter-inch screw
• Measuring tape
• Clamps
• Level
• Speed square
• A pencil
• Safety glasses
• Ear protection

Step 2: Build the Framework

Start by building the framework for the center of the miter saw station. The frame must be square. You may use the screws on each end, preferably self-tapping screws, to make the process easy.

This will attach the 2x4s effectively. Make one frame for the miter saw shelf and one for the bottom shelf. Arrange and assemble the frames for the next step.

Note that this is where height comes in and that height is crucially important in some cases. Learn more about table saw heights in this guide.

Step 3: Screw it Together

For the second step, use self-tapping screws on all the ends of the sx4s like we did before and make two more frames for the wings of the miter saw. Use the 2-and-a-half-inch screw size.

Step 4: Attach the Legs

Furthermore, to the center frame, attach the legs. Make sure the legs are lined so that the edges and the bottom of the frames are aligned. Per leg, I used three screws, one on the front, one on the back, and one on the center. Do this for both the center frames.

Step 5: Make the Brackets

Moreover, now attach the folding brackets. If the brackets have an instruction manual, do follow the procedure written on it. However, the process is very straightforward if you do not have an instruction manual. Use washers and 1 and quarter-inch self-tapping screws to attach the brackets to the rest of the framework.

Make sure the bracket is lined with the legs outside. Level the bracket and align it to the top of the miter saw table. To attach the brackets to the leg effectively, use a long 6-inch bit.

Use 1 and a quarter screws and washers to fix the rest of the bracket in place.

Step 6: Attach the Brackets

Once the brackets are correctly positioned and secured to the legs, the wings, and the brackets can be placed. Make sure that the brackets are centered at the bottom of the wings.

The entire framework must be a square. It may take some effort to slide the brackets properly, but it will glide smoothly.

Step 7: Attach the Locking Casters.

Attach the locks, also called the locking casters, to the bottom by flipping the whole thing over. Use 1 and quarter-inch screws and washers to secure the locking casters. Using a washer is vital as the holes are larger than the ones for screw heads.

Step 8: Add the Tabletops

Finally, add the tabletops to your miter saw station. Use 1 and quarter-inch screws in every corner to get it perfectly flat. That’s pretty much it. You have your own mobile miter saw table.

A Permanent Miter Saw Table

Here are the steps of how to build a miter saw table which is stationary instead of portable. Most of the process is the same, and any changes are indicated.

Step 1: Collect The Tools

The tools you will need to make a miter saw station are as follows:

• A circular saw
• Clamps
• A cordless drill
• A Drill bit set
• A framing square
• Level
• A miter saw
• Safety glasses
• A socket set
• A table saw
• Measuring tap

Note: Do remember about power requirements, since they would impact the final result insomuch it affects your projects. Learn more about how many watts a table saw uses.

Step 2: Rip the Pieces

You need to start by ripping the wood piece to a proper length. A 15-5/8-inch-wide piece for the bottom and a 16-inch-wide strip for the top is the ideal lengths. If your table saw is not capable of performing this ripping, you may snap lines and then use a circular saw to properly rip the pieces.

You need six dividers in total. Make them of length six 15-5/8-inch. For the cutting, rip one divider with the saw, and check to see if the height is correct. Then make the other five as well.

Step 2: Lay Out the Dividers

Secondly, initiate the process by laying out the dividers first in their right positions. The length of your tabletop should ideally be 22 inches. The miter saw bay size should be analyzed by seeing your miter saw. The bay should be wide enough to give the saw enough space to move. 

Space the middle dividers on the left side evenly. The dividers should be screwed properly to the base of the framework.

Now measure the height of the table with the top not attached. The back pieces of the wood are to be ripped to cut them properly to length. Finally, screw the dividers back and top.

Step 3: Place the Miter Saw

Place the miter saw at the center of the miter saw bay. Clamp it into the right place. Further, make holes in the bay, which are 1/8 inch deep, where the hanger bolts will be placed. Drill pilot holes and place the hanger bolts. Be sure to remove the saw first. Place the saw over the bolts and fix it into its place with the use of wing nuts.

For more information, you can refer to how to build a miter saw videos as well, which outline a guide to making a miter saw station and further elucidates upon the position and usage of the miter saw on a table saw:

Step 4: Place the Fence

For the left side of the top, cut two 1x4s. They must be of the same length. The waste should be used to cut four more squares that will act as braces. Screw the 1x4s together correctly into their place. The braces should be evenly spaced and screwed to the 1x4s. Use a straightedge lined up to the miter saw to align the fence. Screw the fence to the dividers. The screw size for the fence connection should be 1-5/8 inches.

Although the fence has the advantage that you can make identical parts easily, you will see that you are better off without it. Boards bought from the store are barely straight, and a fence works best with a straight wood piece. Hence, it is reliable to use the fence only when needed. 

Of course, that can also bring with it its own questions about adjusting the table saw fences, in which case we offer a guide on adjusting a dewalt table saw fence for your ease as well.

Conclusion

Saws are a unique tool. They are undoubtedly needed by a carpenter at all times. And a miter saw is of great power and hence, helps the carpenter create wonders in a limited amount of time. Whether you aim for a mobile miter saw station or wish to have a permanent miter saw station, you will be in benefit from making one, so follow the steps we provided to learn how to build a miter saw table!

Learn more table saw knowledge with “How to adjust table saw?”