Build a Portable Miter Saw Stand

Build the Stock Supports

In the final step of these free woodworking plans, we'll build a pair of stock supports to hold the stock at the proper height when it is being cut.

To begin, cut two lengths of treated 2x4 to 16" in length and two more at 12". Set these pieces aside for the moment.

Measure the height from the top of the melamine table to the base of the miter saw's table. On most saws, this height should be somewhere between three and four inches. Add the thickness of the melamine table top to this distance and you'll have the final height needed for each stock support.

Next, subtract this distance from the width of two 2x4s (which should be seven inches). To verify, place the edge of one of the 16" pieces against the edge of one of the 12" pieces and measure the combined width.

Subtract the height needed for each stock support from the width of the two 2x4s and divide this result in half. This is the depth that you'll need to make on some half-lap joints to create the stock supports. In the case of my miter saw stand, I needed to make the depth of the half-lap joints at 1-9/32". While I could have used a table saw to make these joints, I chose to use a circular saw instead (as shown in the image above).

On the edge of the 16" piece of stock, make a mark at 7-1/4" and another at 8-3/4". This will be the edges of the half-lap joint. Make similar marks at 5-1/4" and 6-3/4" on the edge of the 12" piece. Cut the half lap joints at the determined depth using one of the methods described in our article on half-lap joints.

Repeat with the other pair and secure the half-lap joints using wood glue.

Next, cut eight 9" pieces with a 45-degree angle (as shown on page 2 of the plans). Attach these to the 12" pieces as shown using deck screws.

Finally, slip the supports onto the beam where desired. The four angled pieces should hold the stock supports in place.