Build a mitresaw cutting bench

TIME -  2 HOURS

 

Every workshop needs a mitresaw with a clear area to support the timber being cut. This bench is designed to hold a saw securely and has a built-in fence that can be fitted with stops for making repeated identical cuts.

 

There’s storage space for other tools and equipment and the bench doubles as a general work surface.

 

Use a tablesaw to cut the parts from one sheet of CD plywood, two 90 x 45mm pine runners, 140 x 19mm pine for the dividers and

90 x 19mm pine for the fence. Cut three triangle braces for the fence from pine offcuts.

 

All joints are secured with exterior PVA and 40mm x 8g timber screws except the fence, which is secured to the bench using screws only.

 

The design suits any mitresaw but customise the size of the bay to fit your saw, adjusting the height of the sides and dividers, and cutting the left top and back panel to suit.

 

Position a spirit level across the saw to measure the gap between it and the top of a 9mm plywood offcut for the height of the sides and dividers to suit your saw.

 

TIP The bay for this bench is 580mm wide, while the sides and dividers are 83mm high.

 

From the right side of the base position the sides then the dividers with the first 560mm from the side, the second 580mm along to allow for the saw bay and the rest spaced evenly, securing with screws and adhesive. Secure the runners under the base.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secure the backs and tops to the bench. Clamp the saw in the bay and use a bit the same diameter as the mounting holes to drill 3mm deep holes, remove the saw then drill pilot holes to suit the timber thread on the hanger bolts to attach the saw.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secure the fence rails with screws then position the braces evenly to attach them. Align the fence with the mitresaw fence using a spirit level, clamping to secure it to the dividers with screws.