However, when away from the wood shop, the best way to accommodate a compound miter saw is with a portable miter saw stand. There are numerous versions of compound miter saw stands commercially available. Even so, in my honest opinion, each model that I've encountered has some drawbacks. Sometimes, they are too difficult to set up or don't have proper supports for long pieces of stock. Many models are quite expensive, as well.
After researching the numerous choices of miter stands available, I decided to build one of my own. I used pressure treated stock for nearly the entire piece (except the table holding the saw) for longevity. In my case, nearly all of the stock for the stand was left over from previous projects.
When all was said and done, I had a very strong twelve-foot long stand that could be easily disassembled into six easily-transportable pieces, and set back up in seconds. Want to build one of your own? Download the Free Woodworking Plans to build a Portable Miter Saw Stand (PDF).
Difficulty Level
- Woodworking: Moderate to Difficult
- Finishing: None Required
Time to Complete
- 4-5 Hours
Recommended Tools
- Compound Miter Saw
- Circular Saw
- Power Drill
Materials Needed- 1 - 2x6 x 12' Treated lumber
- 2 - 2x6 x 8' Treated lumber
- 5 - 2x4 x 8' Treated lumber
- 1 - 2' x 3' Piece of 3/4" Melamine-covered Particle Board
- 4 - 3" long, 1/2" diameter Bolts each with 2 washers, a lock washer and nut
- 2-1/2" deck screws
- 1-5/8" deck screws
- Tape Measure
- Layout Square
- Chisel
- Hand Saw
- Pencil
- Compass
