Using Your Suggestions to Improve the Miter Saw Station | I Like To Make Stuff

I upgraded the Miter Saw Station based on your comments!
Original video: • Miter Saw Station // W...
TOOLS & SUPPLIES:
Digital plans (before these upgrades)
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amzn.to/2CTTh2x - HDX Containers
amzn.to/2CSO37g - Adhesive measuring Tapes
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Recently I made a dedicated work station for my miter saw. It was intentionally simple and left a lot of room for upgrades and modifications. After I posted that video, many of you had some really great ideas on how to improve it. Someone in the comments noted that the original dust shroud didn't allow the saw to make compound miter cuts, I don't often do these cuts, but it did seem like an unnecessary limitation I placed on myself. To allow the saw to lean over a full 45 degrees and pivot the same amount, I had to widen the center section that the saw sat on. And to help with the dust shroud issue, I made the front magnetic so that when I need to make a compound cut I can snap the face on and off.
I also read that I should have some type of grate or slats to catch larger off-cut pieces that may get sucked up by the dust collector hoses. I had some spare metal mesh that I cut to match the dust port openings and screwed them in from the bottom. This addition really helped keep the little corner cuts from rattling around in my dust collector.
A simple and effective comment someone made was that the stop blocks should have a miter cut into the area that contacts the corner of the table. Because the table and the stops were both 90 degrees, dust can get stuck and cause binding. I solved this by taking the stops over to the belt sander and adding the chamfer. This can also be done with a router or a table saw quite easily.
One thing someone noted, which I had planned to do on the first iteration, was to add some type of measuring tape to the table. I found that Kregg makes an adhesive-backed metal measuring tape. This tape comes in two variations, one that can be read from left to right, and one right to left. I stuck the tapes on each side of the saw making sure to line up the teeth of the blade with the zero mark.
Lastly, I wanted to use the empty space on either side of the side housing for additional storage. A while ago, I made a simple shelf for some parts containers and I've always wanted more of them. I built some more shelves in the same style using 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch plywood and mounted them next to the saw. I got more containers and I'm slowly filling them with essential hardware.
Thank you to everyone for commenting on the last video. Those suggestions really helped improve the functionality and performance of this simple tool station. And for all those that may have been surprised, yes I do read all the comments, and as you can see they can be really helpful. If you liked this project revisit, check out more projects from around the shop!
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Using Your Suggestions to Improve the Miter Saw Station | I Like To Make Stuff
• Using Your Suggestions...
I Like To Make Stuff
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[@EvanAndKatelyn]

The people spoke, the Bob made stuff, and the miter station turned out even more glorious than before 🙏

[@seppemanderick497]

EvanAndKatelyn omg you Guys!!😱😱

[@fabianbizama3713]

EvanAndKatelyn i

[@deanslegos1990]

It's a win win. 👍

[@tacocat1938]

Hi love your vids

[@HickLif3]

I love the idea for using magnets, quick and easy access, especially if something gets back there or if you need to clean out some sawdust. I love those containers too. I love your content Bob always clean and simple work

[@harmonygibbs7904]

i really appreciate seeing you do these projects without help. Usually when i build i'm alone and never thought of using clamps as cleats before. brilliant.

[@TheSamuelCish]

I don't have a shop, nor have I ever done any woodworking. But I can't stop watching these videos. I always learn something new and it makes me want to make something.

[@purpledyno]

The art of running a good shop is to keep things, CLEAN, SIMPLE, and easy to use. You must work your shop and not let your shop work you. You do a very good job at all of this. Great job

[@johannes.meller]

Some weeks ago I decided to make a miter saw station for my workshop and your 2 videos helped tremendously to do exactly that. For all those little details I knew exactly how to proceed: starting from the pocket-hole-approach (I wouldn't have dared to use that for the joints), to the approach of creating the front shield, etc etc. etc.. Thanks VERY much!!!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

That’s really awesome to hear! I’m so glad they were helpful!

[@Honeybearsphone]

Love the idea of the tape measure right there on the unit, started watching cause he's so handsome and kept watching cause he's so good at what he does and I've honestly picked up a few tips and tricks I've used to build stuff around my own home

[@tonimitchell9930]

Your organization ideas are the bomb. I try to organize my husbands shop but am not sure what everything is so this really helps me out. My husband is a fabricator, I wish you had more metal orgaization ideas but a lot of your stuff will cross over. Thanks

[@SasquaPlatypus]

Hey that's a great idea to put those rulers on the face of the fence instead of the top! I'ma go downstairs and do that right now. Thanks!

[@johnhansen975]

Got to love the collaboration! Getting input from all over the world to improve your shop, it doesn't get any better than that.

[@jodyclaborn]

Bob, thanks for this build! I've been needing a good miter station for a long time and I finally built one after watching your first video. It's been great and works beautifully! The one thing I did a little different was on my stop block, I made an adjustable guide mark over the measuring tape so I can make fine tune adjustments and that has came in really handy too! Thanks for your videos! I've made several of your projects from electronics to woodworking. Keep the great ideas coming!

[@karloturalija7687]

Best chanel on KZbin with the best woodworker in the whole entire WORLD

[@mikemarvelous]

Nice to see you are using the HDX organizers. I have some as well and will be building a rack for them shortly.

[@masterofnone]

I was thinking about magnets while you were cutting the front. Cool ideas packed into this video Bob. Thanks for sharing

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks man!

[@dexterswoodshop8810]

Im going to make this for my shop! One reccomendation - i would add a bead of silicone around the two dust collection ports. Looks like the expanded steel is creating an air gap that could compromise your suction.

[@peterpoertner9573]

I could spend all my time just 'improving' a workshop! The project would BE the workshop itself! Love making new gadgets to make the shop go smoother!

[@iDeviceChgr]

I was noticing the cubbies on twitch yesterday and was liking how they turned out. And then here is the video for it :) that setup is really nice 👍🏼

[@Phantom-pg3tv]

Wonderful Bob! Just bought a new miter saw and i am in the middle of making a station for it. Your design served as my inspiration!

[@erikanderson542]

This is incredible!!! Super useful! I especially love the whiteboard material on the shroud! Genius move!

[@sudonickx]

Love seeing your shop come together.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks Nick!!

[@andredepaulagomes]

wow, all this time watching Bob's videos and i've come to a conclusion: he's a real man, I wanna be like this guy one day

[@eremdgrl]

andré ruela same

[@imfec9795]

I’m already trying

[@mattklump]

This is great! Re-reading my comment on your video, it came a cross a little snarky. I apologize, but I'm glad it helped spur the improvements. Would have never thought about the magnets on the cover. That is an awesome idea and accomplishes both tasks. I've been doing a lot of crown molding work lately, so compound cuts were on my mind. Thank you for the videos!

[@JointerMark]

Well done Bob,. A very clean look.

[@johnhunter9877]

Hi Bob, I just joined, and found your mitre saw video really helpful as I construct my multifunction workshop, the storage box shelves will be so useful to store my electronic components as well as hardware for my woodwork projects. Thanks for your help, your video is Owsome.

[@seansysig]

I like the magnet idea and shelves for containers.

[@randykniebes5364]

Thanks for your miter saw station updates and other ideas... I will be using many of these in my new workshop i am about to make...

[@arnieselectric007]

Very well done video Bob, I use those same storage containers in my work truck side bins, gave me some more ideas now...LOL...

[@andomumford5490]

hey Bob, really like the way you used the suggestions. A much improved mitre station. Love your videos

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks so much Ando!

[@An1mat0rz]

Hey Bob! You should add someone of large whiteboard to your work area so you can plan out and think a little more ahead when your doing projects... especially the large ones (maybe like a check list? Blueprint? It's up to you)

[@mikeandrade4114]

whats nice about these vids is if you're very new to saws/workshop tools, woodworking and DIY projects like me, you can see a lot of practical examples and uses of different tools and the things you can achieve with them. I've never used a table saw, so I never would have thought about stacking blades and adjusting the cut depth to achieve those 1/2" slots!

[@williamkelly5176]

Really interesting - have just bought a mitre saw so am going to build this. Thanks!!

[@mattpearce5294]

Good job Bob. Love your compact workshop. Neat

[@413DaveRN]

The white board front is a great idea... I'm always trying to find my notepad to check on my next step

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Yeah, it was kind of an accident but I think it'll be really useful!

[@craigo9101]

I like everything about your build and the upgrades Bob. One thing that escapes me is why you didn't put a flexible hose on the back of the saw directed downward to the dust collection ports. That way it would alleviate the dust cloud even further. All in all a great video

[@Aikidoman06]

My Dewalt compound mitre saw has a discharge port on the back. On my station I put a hose in the box to connect to my vac system. My set up is almost identical to yours. I have a small shop so dust control is a must. Consider a hose to the back of your saw. It made a big dif on mine. Love the videos! Keep em' coming!

[@MinhTran-wn1ri]

The dry erase board for the shroud is a great idea ...

[@emilydavis3997]

Perfect timing! I just got a new miter saw for Christmas and am about to start making a new miter station. Great video!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Sweet! I hope it helps! I've got plans for the original one on my site if you're interested. www.iliketomakestuff.com/shop

[@johnhunter9877]

Me too, can't wait to get started on mine.

[@paulcompton123]

Don't know if he's the best woodworker on KZbin, but I watch a metric ton of these type of videos. These are always my favorite. Informative and put together nicely. Keep up the good work.

[@NigelAndrew]

Shop improvement videos are great, makes me want to change my garage to a shop!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Excellent!

[@snowell17]

Bob really cool idea, love that you used suggestions to improve your build, would definitely like to see you keep revisiting shop builds in the future and making them better!

[@ecrusch]

Excellent redesign and improvements brother. Yours are by far some of the easiest videos to follow and learn from...honest. Really enjoy your content man. Thank you & Merry Christmas to you and your family. Eric central Florida

[@project_idea]

nice! I like the addition of the metal grates in the dust collection too. Good idea. Not to mention. cutting metal always looks cool on camera lol. sparks flying!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

It does! I love it :)

[@aceinside666]

Bob.....dude! You’re the master at making stuff! Merry Christmas to you and yours from Alberta and keep being awesome!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

You're very kind, thank you and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[@ShopNation]

I thought for sure you were going to whip up some 3D printed contoured surfaces to route sawdust down to the dust collection holes...haha. Nice job!

[@jamesshort5812]

Wow an update video. Just absolutely brilliant thank you for making such great videos I am a big fan now from UK your workshop ideas etc are brilliant thank you so much and please keep making them.

[@ToolMetrix]

Great video! That dust collection shroud is outstanding. Thanks for sharing!

[@modestmaking5314]

You did my suggestion and it was even first! Nice!! We're both better people because of this Bob :)

[@michaelfink2070]

Very nice build! One quick tip I'll give because I just ran into it. You don't want the tape measure on your saw fence. It will knock things a tiny bit out of square. And, unfortunately, unless you want to tape the entire fence, there's no good way to fix it. My saw was driving me crazy because I could not square it. Actually, I could square it with 3/4 plywood, but then with a 2x4 it wouldn't be square anymore. Or square with a 2x4, but then not square with 3/4. It's because the fence is different for the two board sizes depending on if it's hitting the tape or not. Also, I found pulling my saw forward about 1/16" from the extension fences is better. Even if your fence is dead straight (mine was pretty darn close), if you're cutting a 4' board, the chances of that board being straight enough are slim. Which means the high spot at 3' will push you a little off 90 or 45. If your only reference is the saw fence, it's much easier because you only have ~12" you're trying to push square, not a few feet.

[@JonathanRansom]

I need me some of those storage boxes! Turned out great, Bob!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

They're awesome and WAY cheaper than most other brands!!

[@periodcraftsmen]

Great set up and improvements on the miter box station.

[@robertjames-life4768]

I have shop envy. My stuff needs to be mobile so I use the Rousseau collapsing hood, it’s awesome.

[@alsanova]

That's brilliant idea to use whiteboard, this will help you a lots when you do lots of cuttings need to keep track of it :)

[@zac1220]

Very nice Bob! I’m going to make one plus build a router table on the other end.

[@scootersworkbench6347]

Great adds! You are becoming the king of magnets. :) I have so many ideas of how to use them now.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Magnets are awesome!!

[@1157jlh]

I like to leave the table top an 1 3/4" past the face of frame. It makes clamping up things with a small clamp easy when using the surface for other uses

[@paulbull3765]

Fantastic video, really enjoy watching your builds. I just started building my mitre cut bench tonight and will be including some of your ideas. Thanks 👍🇦🇺

[@cameronchild6146]

I see that lathe 👀 great info for when I make mine. Thanks again Bob!

[@jolly.red.giant.]

I’m currently. Along a new saw box for my mitre saw bow going to implement a few of these ideas. Cheers

[@Jayme]

Hey Bob! Just wanted to say I'm really impressed with the quality of your videos lately. Keep up the great work!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks so much Jayme!!

[@evarogers8775]

Love using magnets to the front panel. At some point you'll need to get back there. Now you can do it easily without deconstructing anything. Should work well unless the vibration causes things to shift and slide but nothing a couple more magnets couldn't fix. That dust collection setup & drawer is pretty nifty too.

[@russ8001]

Thanks for all the cool ideas. I am going to use the magnet front plate shroud idea on mine. Here are a few comments: 1. I found that after years of service, I opted to mount 1/2 inch MDF on movable fence part that came with saw and this offset the original fence which I originally made coplanar with the aluminum fence. I did this because often I cut for framing and long boards are warped or cupped and after a time, the saw moves abit due to binding (I mounted it originally with long screws and since there is a long distance between the top of the saw mounting hole and the table, the screws do not remain perfectly vertical). Soooo, I am no longer relying on the long part of the fence for getting a square cut, but just extended my miter stop out and allow the 1/2 inch gap out there. 2. After years, the deck that the saw sits on sagged and/or the dual countertop (mine was two glued MDF sheets wrapped in maple) moved a small amount-enough to make saw slightly lower on one side than cutting table...so I had used shims. Recently I redid my saw (like you did in this vid) and I installed 4 t-nuts into both maple side rails that the table sits on. This allows for adjustment as the years go by so I can true up the saw both for flushing it to table in both directions. 3. Because the long part of the fence on each side (for me) only supports the stop block and is not used to square long pieces anymore, I am debating removing those two fences because I realize that (like your need to elevate your cubbies behind fence) there is alot of space there that with the fences is dedicated to cutting and without them could be used as a deep work surface. The only problem I can see is how to lock down the stop block. For this, I am considering routing the Kreg mini track like you did but directly down into table. Then to keep stop block square I would use two T-bolts. What do you think? Do you think this would work? I am subscribing. Thanks again and keep up the good work!

[@nybajan]

Love your videos man! I always come to your channel and learn something new. I'm still not what I would call a maker though, but I always leave inspired to go out and actually make something.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

That's really awesome to hear, thank you!! I hope you stay motivated and make some awesome stuff!!

[@3dprintanything38]

Love your channel Bob!!! Wish my shop looked liked yours

[@toolshopguy2080]

You got a nice shop dude. Good idea with the Mitre Saw btw!

[@joshwiley881]

Maybe you could put a chamfer on the back corners using a compound miter from your saw. Great video. I really enjoyed it.

[@NWGR]

I like those shelves that hold the boxes a lot.

[@TDepatie]

always look forward to seeing your new shop upgrades I love the fact that your doing them with feed back from your community! Merry Christmas

[@bluefishandferret133]

Good video Bob! I’m also looking forward to reading your new book. Keep up the good work!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Excellent, thanks!

[@surtrfirecraft]

Hi Bob, cab I suggest using the crown gard on your table saw when ever it's posable. From a fellow woodworker @rjwestwoodwoodwork Stay safe

[@netcomptech]

I enjoy your channel very much and learning a lot from watching.

[@exyiseyres]

Your videos are very inspiring, Bob.

[@bootersdad]

Just ANOTHER MILLENNIAL with a Beard! How original BOB!

[@shannoncharlton46]

Love the pigeon holes I want to do that as I set up my shed again cheers love the vids bob and I thank you just watching the vids you make make my day just that little. It better

[@stevejames2142]

Good ideas, I think it's great you included the blooper at the end too 👍🏼

[@simon4realvideos]

The Shelves are a great Idea! I think I have to build at least one to fix the big Tower of Boxes in the Workshop. :D I don't like fixing Projects because of taking them a part again, but when it's done they work so great! So, good Job! Merry Christmas from Germany!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

[@thewoodworkinghusky3284]

I really like those shelves, simple to make and super clean. I might try and do something similar to my workstation I'm building!

[@hopperhelp1]

Ok I know this video is old by this channel’s standards but can we take the fact and appreciate that he actually took the time to read the suggestions and improve on what he made. Not many people take the time to do that and very few KZbinrs bother to do that at all. Props to you.

[@Sonal_Mobile]

Continuous improvement...good job!

[@albertwilson3396]

I like your channels. One thing I'd like to see that I haven't seen is how you built your dust collection

[@murphymmc]

Noticed that you have excellent trigger control discipline with your trigger finger in "registry" when not firing the nail nail. I would suspect an experienced craftsman and/or pistol shooter with that good habit. First time viewer and I say well done with the mods. You have some pretty astute viewers as well. Gonna have to hit subscribe.

[@tatooldchannelarchive4367]

Absolutely excellent. I need footage of you cutting cake with this.

[@northshorepx]

Love the videos Bob. I've also just started listening to making it! You're a real inspiration.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Fantastic! Thank you! I hope you enjoy the show!

[@Joe_1971]

You are living the dream...I am assuming that you don't have to work a regular job allowing you to just create content for your channel. You are so lucky.!!

[@MrJedijunkie]

This has inspired me to try and make one for my garage.

[@Chrispoyourow]

Love the set up, you should trim off the factory ends of your 2X4's and remove the stickers.

[@ThekiBoran]

I gave a lot of thought to what kind of miter saw station I wanted. I finally decided that instead of a vertical fence running along the entire length of my bench, I simply routed a slot for T-track in the surface along the entire length and use some t-bolts and thumb screws in a couple scraps of ply for my stops. My saw is level with the work bench. This allows for using the entire bench as a flat work surface, except of course where the saw sits. Having a ruler for me isn't necessary. Whether in the field or in the shop I'm cutting to a mark on my work piece, (and usually creeping up on it), and not a point on a ruler on a fence that could be just a bit off.

[@Ledcke]

Great project! Really dig your channel.

[@connormccarter9581]

Great video! Hmm about the dust left over under the saw. Maybe a fan or some small burst of shop air. Or, maybe replace the mdf base under the saw with expanded metal grate and build a steeply sloped box angles into the dust collection ports... Eh anyways great video!

[@stephenprentiss1021]

I love the shelves for the component organizers. I use those for electrical hardware (resistors, capacitors, potentiometers, etc.) and I've been looking for a better way to get those set up. Those shelves will probably be a 2018 project for me now.

[@AV-81]

I like to watch you make stuff bob! Much love 😍

[@boydmerriman]

Question about the grate: Uncommonly known, it is airflow that pulls dust in a vacuum system, not suction. So any airflow loss from clogging filters or screens will lower your ability to pick up dust. But also any leaks where air comes in from other than the end of your hose. The openings along the edge of the grate is not sealed around the edges so you can lose a lot of air flow through the edges. I know it sound nit-picky, but a little caulking around the edges will solve this problem.

[@ronaldthibodauxjr.890]

Overall, very nice design. I would suggest cutting a shallow dado in the back of the stop blocks so they do not wear out the face of the ruler over time. Great job!!!

[@johnnyboyrandoms1359]

Thanks for this info me and my cousin are planning to build a work shop soon

[@drdanbhcmg]

Great job , Liked the magnets very good idea.

[@isaacshiellsthomas992]

I don't (always) watch your vids because they are relevant to me, I watch them because you made them😄

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Aww, that's really kind. Thank you! I hope they all have at least a little value in them 👍🏻

[@isaacshiellsthomas992]

I Like To Make Stuff I think I do learn the most things from you, small or big, they are useful somewhere down the line, your my favourite creator, woodworker and KZbin channel. I've built your miter saw station and I love it! I'm also 14😇👌

[@drice847]

Love the whiteboard on front of miter station.

[@stephenwgreen78]

Love the adhesive ruler...didn't know those existed. I saw something in another video you (and me lol) should have...a folding sectional ruler with a slide out piece at the end for in between 8" accuracy. Have a great Christmas & thanks for the video

[@BenMarvin]

stgreen78 you can also buy the T-track with the ruler built in. Look up Incra tools for all kinds of track and fixtures for building your own jigs and stop blocks.

[@adamn.farhan3981]

I just love watching you make stuff

[@tjvhigh09]

I’d like to see how you would go about building a fold down dinner table that’s masked as a picture frame or art when it’s folded up. I plan on doing one myself eventually and it’d be great to get some ideas from how you do it.

[@WatchMeDIYIt]

Awesome improvements, Bob and audience!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks! It was a team effort!

[@richlagger507]

I wish I could "like" again, videos that I come back to over and over, or recommend, and re-watch with a friend.