My New Lean & Mean Miter Saw Setup | The Best Fence Wing System

I'm setting up a new miter saw station for my apprentice. This setup uses Fast Cap's Best Fence Wing System. I walk you through the setup, show you how it works, and talk about the key features that I needed out of this miter saw station to make money and be productive.
Dewalt DSW 780 12" Miter Saw - amzn.to/3IIPMiR (Amazon - Earns Commissions)
Dewalt Miter Saw Stand - amzn.to/3EWaAlV (Amazon - Earns Commissions)
Dewalt Aluminum Auxiliary Fences - www.customfabricatingsolution...
Zero Clearance Insert - www.customfabricatingsolution...
00:00 - Why The New Lean & Mean Miter Saw Station
00:39 - Auxiliary Fences & Zero Clearance Inserts
03:52 - Fast Cap Best Fence Wing Overview
05:09 - My Key Needs In This Setup
09:24 - Best Fence - Fast Setup & Portability Rating
10:45 - Best Fence Mounting Brackets Review
14:37 - Cost Breakdown of This Entire Miter Saw Setup
16:03 - Back to Work
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[@FastCapLLC]

Hi Spencer, This is an awesome overview of our Best Fence system. As a company that is always striving for improvement, we would like to point out a few things that have been updated since you purchased your system. First as noted at around the 14-minute mark, most saws need to be raised a bit to match the adjustment blocks. Every system now comes with 1-inch spacers, and properly sized mounting bolts to mount the saw spaced upward. If you reach out to us we would be happy to send you the new hardware! Next, we do understand that the adjustment blocks are pricey, but we take pride in them being made 100% in the USA. We do however offer options for this DeWalt stand that allow you to buy it for cheaper without the nice adjustment dials. The DEWALT-LT system shown at 12:14 utilizes the Dewalt brackets with an added adapter in the video. These are made by FastCap, not Festool, and a system with those instead of the adjustment blocks will save you about $300! The Kapex mounts shown at 12:30 are also available as an alternative to the adjustment blocks and can save you around $120. We greatly appreciate the feedback and are always open to suggestions to make our system better! Please feel free to reach out to us directly with any issues, OR simple ideas for improvement on any of our products! We love hearing from those of you who are putting out products to the test!

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Thanks for commenting. I did realize after the edit that I had misspoken in regard to the "festool" brackets. I knew that Fast Cap made them but switched words for some reason while talking. I do that occasionally... Thanks for listing the mounting options and respective cost comparisons!

[@scottbertrand2057]

I would definitely consider purchasing the set up for dewalt saw to save on the brackets.. thanks for the clarification..

[@petermacander2061]

How do we get in touch with Fast Cap to order Best Fences or Fast Cap wings?

[@jeffjackson3356]

@@petermacander2061id recommend going directly to their website

[@alexgrubb6640]

You can bypass the adjustment blocks by using the saw stands material supports, and adding legs to the far ends. This option works for the rolling stands

[@mikesager7886]

True professional. Have been a project manager for 30 years taking projects from dirt to final key. Your approach to projects is top bar. Well done sir.

[@danstill1111]

Hey Spencer, thanks a million for this video. I am a 55 year old trim apprentice. Been at it for 1 year. Your videos give me hope that I can become a true craftsman like you one day. The master carpenter that I am under is an amazing teacher and craftsman, and the parallels between you and he are strikingly very similar. Your teaching is invaluable to me. Can’t thank you enough.

[@jackholoman478]

He's changing it up from working solo! I wonder who he decided to work with! Absolutely badass setup too.

[@truth6733]

Love the Flat Cut Crown comment. I can just imagine some thrashing around quickly to their keyboard...

[@homecraftsolutions3506]

One thing I appreciate about you is your lack of ego. You want to help others, from your own apprentices to all of us aspiring carpenters. I know it makes you money to have your guys more efficient too. Like Zig Ziglar used to say: Help enough other people get what they want, and they will help you get what you want.

[@cuttheknot4781]

A single Festool saw can cost more than this epic setup. Nice job putting this together for everyone. Thank you!

[@user-ed5jh3ff6u]

If you can get your hands on a set of sawhelpers buy them, nothing since has been as good.

[@richardleslie410]

Great to see all of this put together all in one video. also nice to see your expertise being passed on to an apprentice , a lucky person.

[@t.e.1189]

I can't agree with you more on the continuous support. Been doing it that way for at least 35 years now. I hate the rollers.

[@mrpimpshakable]

Thanks Spence! I've learned a LOT from you over the years. I always appreciate your feedback from the field.

[@terryarmstrong2226]

Great video! Thanks for keeping us all informed on the best products available. I have what must be fast caps original wings, you screw a bracket right to the saw, have a separate stand for the saw and separate supports for the end of the wings...a real hassle to calibrate after set up. I appreciate the work you do and all that you add to the community!

[@kiwdwks]

Always give good info/tips...thanks again Spencer!

[@tomreidy1237]

Good video Spencer. And thank you for the info on the zero clearance inserts. I have made these in the past, but I spent too much time making them.

[@philwort1873]

Yeah i love mitre saw setups too. After watching your first mitre saw stand video i built one on the dewalt stand using solid timber. Did get to add a tape but was a huge upgrade from stand dewalt stand. I ended up using the saw mount brackets to attach the material support as that was quickest. Great to see a pro's take on fast caps. Look forward to seeing a future review on it

[@robertbamford8266]

Looking forward to seeing how you adapt to the new era - a second set of hands!

[@buildingwithjosh]

Love your channel! You are super thorough and helpful! Keep them coming!

[@mattschoular8844]

Great info, thanks Spencer. Good luck with the apprentice. He or she is fortunate to be able to work with you.

[@richtapper476]

Hey Spencer we're still waiting for that sweet shop tour you got! Keep the videos coming, Love your work.

[@ajs96350]

Oh how I have been looking forward to this, I am overdue for a new set up for mine. Thanks.

[@dirkg7062]

I watch all of your videos. By far one of the best trim carpenters on KZbin. I watch and learn from you. Thank You for sharing your knowledge.

[@cybersewingschool874]

Great explanation of your set up. Not having wings on my Dewalt 780 with the Dewalt stand aggravates me every time I do cuts. Very helpful and reasonably priced to prevent these cutting headaches.

[@iplayzthegames6968]

I had no idea that these wings were even a thing, the amount of times I've wished I had something like that for my mitre saw stand is ridiculous. Gonna have to get some

[@waynemiller6070]

Thanks for the post. The older I get, the heavier my station becomes. Aluminum wings would be an improvement.

[@timmietimmins3780]

wheels may be worth considering. Wheels are cheap, and I really like how paulk handles his wheels. If that's too big for you, custom fabrication solutions makes axle kits for the dewalt miter saw stands.

[@dougdiplacido2406]

Great setup. Hope we get to see the apprentice learning from you.

[@garettcriddle9580]

Love your content and knowledge! I agree 100% “time is money” well done!!

[@r.deanmcknight136]

I've been in the home construction business for over 30yrs and that my friend is an impressive setup. Definitely something I'll be checking into to redo my setup 👍

[@jeromewalton5553]

Probably going to be doing something like this soon. Thanks for the breakdown and details

[@brianhawes3115]

Here’s my two cents, I had a job remodeling kitchens on a piece rate, so speed and accuracy were paramount, so one day I used a metric tape and loved it, same accuracy but sooo much easier to write down, no more questions on what a scribble was, and I also made a quick plan of the room, this gave me all the inside and outside bevels, and crown stops are important 😅

[@mchilly]

Great video! I’m a faithful Kapex user with the UG stand and wings but I’ve actually been looking at almost this identical setup as a replacement mainly for the 12” blade and power.

[@mikeinmaryland]

I liked this video. Mostly because I Like that you’ve finally hired someone. I sure you’re ready and I’m positive your helper will really learn a ton. Congratulations!

[@DGALVIN45]

Great set up, just bought the zero clearance fences and table inserts myself. Love the content brother. Nested crown 💯

[@jayschuon8330]

Spencer, you need to start manufacturing the perfect set up. Im sure you could make it happen. For all of us watching ! Thanks for all of the videos. And taking the time . Very educational

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Believe me I have thought about it!

[@brianweishahn9131]

For my wings I bought the same brackets that's under the saw, the custom cut wood blocks to the right height. Then used the supplied Dewalt outer ends

[@2chipped]

Very thorough review on the setup! I only cut crown for cabinets. So my cordless Makita sits on a rolling Ridgid stand. I added 2 more brackets outboard of the saw,for mounting my crown stop (just like yours except mdf). It can be removed in 30 seconds since it floats independent on its own brackets. Different needs since it only gets 1 hr of work per install,then rolled back into the truck via ramp.

[@michaelanglin903]

I have the same set up and absolutely love it!! You should do a more detailed video on how you built your custom wings so that I can steal your idea😁

[@richardporter1455]

Love my C.F.S. auxiliary fences on my saws.

[@alexsela7507]

Great videos i mount my miter saw to a piece of mdo plywood through to the stand brackets that gives a surface on either side of the saw where i can use the fast cap bench mounts for the ext wings they are 12 bucks a piece I found gary katz dvds 15 years ago and adopted his setups and workflow methods there are many similarities in styles and its great to see new inovations in the field Thank you for the dedication to sharing the knowledge as it makes us all better

[@plankedwoodworking1098]

Hey Spencer, Just bought few items from CFS. Made sure they knew it was by your recommendation/reviews. Appreciate the content. Will be making wings next.

[@lougjolaj7839]

I can’t imagine you having a helper lol he must be good. I love your shop👍💪

[@genefoster8936]

It was smart to include the total cost of the setup. The saw is a third the cost of what is required for a production carpentry job.

[@aigauthier1980]

Please show us a video of your miter saw stand. I’ve been trying to pause your videos to break down how you’ve built it. Thanks!

[@markhedquist9597]

Hmm... was not aware of the fastcap wings. Pretty cool. I think I'm still committed to a custom set-up myself, with plans on making a diy festool style collapsible cart one day. Thanks for the video.

[@Fractal-insights]

Looks awesome thanks for the info

[@johnhall3203]

U always have awesome info!!!

[@seanmahoney2231]

thank you always interesting useful information-

[@iamthewelcher]

Lol...we know you weren't kidding about cutting crown flat !

[@karthiksc47]

Thank you for sharing and God Bless !

[@michaelnilson9876]

I can't believe you don't have a million subscribers, great video

[@papiwe1]

Love your shop

[@John-cb6wn]

Even though I have quite a bit of experience it would be a honor to work with you

[@IanSmithKSP]

*zip*

[@nrehberg]

Your apprentice is one lucky guy or gal.

[@Themuskychannel]

Portability is key, my bestfence pro is currently getting dismantled after a year of sitting and going to go on my dewalt stand, the fully loaded fastcap frame is just to big coupled with a cordless makita 10 and it’s a big girl. Definitely going to try and save a dollar or 2 and use my existing pro adjustment wing mounts to work the the yellow. Thanks for the tips as always, one of the best if not the best trim on KZbin

[@tonyrigger]

Can't believe you're getting an apprentice. We've been saying for years, you need to pass on your knowledge first hand. You will be a great journeyman.

[@taylormedia1000]

I look forward to seeing the new guy

[@jeffshackleford3152]

I have to say this: " I want my guy to be setup for success out the gate" That is what will get/ keep the better carpenters around.

[@Ta53508]

I like it. I never get to use anything like that being a union carpenter. 😮😢😅

[@Adam-gi1yl]

Nice review 👌 👍

[@user-qy7dr2ml8j]

Spencer love your channel. Learn a lot. I've had the Fastcap best fence with regular 64" length wing on each side for years. Recently inquired about custom length - 96" on either side rather than piecing short fences together (slop in joint from wear over time decreases accuracy). Normal 64" fence today is $121 each. Today, for 96" fence (no stops, tape, etc.) they want $256 each or $512 for the pair and a whopping $438 shipping from west coast to east coast...yes they quoted me $951 all in cost for just 2 96" wings with no mounts or accessories. Like Fastcap but can not justify that price point.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

It's very expensive to ship long lengths like that.

[@franmusolino2660]

Really like the looks of your plywood rake setup. Can you share more on that.

[@a-carpenter9229]

I recently picked up the DW779 deal from Home Depot with the free short miter saw stand and made a. Paulk style cart for it to sit on along with a dust extractor and festool separator to sit underneath so I could wheel it into a room at nt night with a temporary lock on the door. I was looking at the smart cut miter saw wings and I'm kind of leaning more towards them now after watching this video. The mounting bracket is fixed between the saw and the brackets for the stand like a universal mount which I like since I also have the Dewalt 7-1/4" miter saw on brackets too

[@als1023]

Thank you for posting, I'd like a good independent review of that system, to Spencer's level of requirement, especially for cutting crown etc. I need to cut to both sides of the saw blade.

[@degrom542]

I like to keep it simple,light, and mobile .

[@KizenEnterprise]

It’s a start :) could still be upgraded by changing one part and I’m sure you could guess which one

[@haltz]

This is a real struggle for me. I do remodeling so each day and job can be pretty different. I have a 716 with the squared off CFS fence, I use that more than anything. Sometimes on a DeWalt stand but more often on one of those DeWalt folding tables with your style of wings attached. This is a crown, casing and base only setup and when the crown stop gets set it needs to stay there with no bouncing back and forth. The 716 is my favorite saw for a variety of reasons including accuracy, weight and dust collection. But of course sometimes you need a slider. Also use the 780 with a Kizen fence which is pretty great. Quick side job the other day helping someone with a small run of cabinet crown and didn't need to bust out the wings. Just set the stop on the fence and go. Good all around setup. I also have a 717 which is a great saw that I bought somewhat recently basically because I saw one in great condition used and guys love it and it's no longer in production. Thought it would be a good framing saw maybe. Unfortunately when it comes to trim the motor gets in the way and I think it's limited in vertical capacity at least for right side miters. Ran a couple hundred feet of 7" base with it last week, which I'd have to cut flat anyway and the bevel controls are great. More of a European or Kapex setup in that regard I guess. I've got a Bosch axial whatever setup in my garage that's fine but I don't love it and a Ridgid dual bevel 7 1/4" with a Makita battery adapter that weighs 20 lbs and is phenomenal for really quick very small stuff or almost anything flat. I can throw that on the floor next to a small battery vacuum in a finished basement and cut shoe with it with zero setup and no lugging equipment up and down stairs. I think I might make a couple of sets of wings that are not as wide and lighter that can be attached to mounting brackets on the DeWalt stands. Something like those fast cap supports that would work for all the saws and are lighter and more portable. I don't feel like mounting aluminum angle on blocks on the side of all the saws as an attachment point like I have on the 716. The wings I have are great but I don't use them every day and need something a little easier that doesn't cost a million dollars.

[@KizenEnterprise]

:) thanks for sharing

[@danielcausey7409]

Spencer, I got the Fastcap fence set up for the Dewalt 780. Best saw I have used. I'm setting up a 40" crown stop system so I'm making some 13 1/2' plywood wings to attach to the saw table for the inset t-track to hold the stop in place. I'll then fasten the rails to that. I'm looking for a way to attach the wood to the saw that will be a secure connection but simple when setting up the saw on the job. I'm using a DW7231 saw mounting bracket on each side to hold the outer edges of the plywood wings and need an idea for connecting it to the saw deck. I'm sure you have tried various ways over the years and wanted to know which one you use now. If you get a minute, please post a picture of your connections. Thanks for the great videos. Danny.

[@TimboSlice1000]

That’s crazy I literally installed these wings on my saw today. Instantly regret not getting longer ones, mine came with plastic washers to raise up the saw off stand

[@quietstorm219]

Quick question, what mounting brackets does the wings come with from fastcAp?. I have the same Dewalt stand as in the video, but in the video I think his brackets are from a different company and very expensive. Thanks in

[@BrianKliss]

Just a note. Fastcap makes a washer stand off for the dewalt setup. And a new dewalt crown fence set up is coming REAL soon...it's really bitchin.

[@keithwiddows2391]

We don’t have anything like Fastcap over here in the UK. I made some brackets to fit my festool wings to my larger Bosch saw

[@neddyboy01]

Don't forget to add the cost of the blade to that setup. That's another $200. I have been thinking about getting those wings for my saw also.

[@tedd1091]

Spencer, I'm not an Intermediate woodworker, but a low-skilled type, and require a lot ot explanations to understand somethine. Dude, you are knocking it out of the park. This is a "go-to" sight now. Keep up the good work

[@switzm]

Nice!

[@allenguffey9370]

Let us know how it goes with the apprentice good help is hard to find but it is out there and this is a great carrier for some one willing to put the time in

[@lou9108]

Thanks Spencer. I was going to buy the zero clearance insert but when checking out from the site it denied my credit card and that never happens.. I will not re enter it and wanted to make sure anyone else to protect their credit info. Other than that fantastic video as always.

[@RealTechSkills]

Question for you concerning the new style auxiliary fences in the video: Can the new style auxiliary fences be installed on the opposite side with the "notched" section away from the blade? If so, then you could always switch them back around whenever you needed the notched sections close to the blade (allowing for the extra clearance). I would also believe that the opposite side installation would allow for the extra support for the short pieces (your stated preference).

[@InsiderCarpentry]

I am going to try and shoot a short video and address this! Stay tuned.

[@tableshaper4076]

I'm curious as to why you didn't have the measuring tape on the bed set at 0 from the blade? Hopefully that makes sense.

[@tamill1]

Just commenting for the algorithm. Great vid 👍

[@InsiderCarpentry]

It's always appreciated Tim. Thanks!

[@markb.1259]

Looks like your paint color of choice for your construction site tools is blaze orange? My dad always used to spray his tools with a small marking of paint to identify those tools as his. 🙂

[@wildtwindad]

What is your dust solution going to be? I run a ridgid propack with an Ivac screwed to the top. Runs to a budget dustopper setup. All in under 200 bucks.

[@alexroark366]

Sweet set-up brother!

[@chipmhandle]

So glad your passing on your talents!!

[@nickbonci7600]

what length did you get for the wings? I planning to purchase some, but want to make sure that I can use the stop on 6/8 doors since they are pretty standard. I appreciate your videos.

[@tuckpoint2]

Sweet

[@bwillan]

The Ron Paulk total station and compact benches might be an over all more customizeable solution, when you add up everything that you spent for that setup. As for the time vs money solution, spending the time to build exactly what you need pays dividends in workflow efficiency for every job going forward.

[@prototype3a]

Sort of curious what you think of the current Makita 12" slider.

[@thomasdinocento9228]

Hey great video and setup.. What do you think about the cuthub?

[@stevegrimes5105]

My dewalt 780 is a nightmare to calibrate. The base was very warped, I had to spend hours to flatten it. The mitre adjustment comes out of adjustment easily and the bevel is very small..

[@davids8493]

Hi Spencer, have you given any thought to the entire Fast Cap fence system with the stand? Pricey yes but everything goes on the stand, including the saw and it is easy to move because of the wheels. One trip. Have it all set up and calibrated and then you are done. Next job, just put it together quickly and you are ready to make the 💰. Like you said, time is money. Another great video! 👍👍

[@InsiderCarpentry]

It always looked way to large for my taste. To hard to find a good storage solution in a work van.

[@davids8493]

@@InsiderCarpentry it might be time to upgrade to a box van. 🤣🤣🤣JK

[@ThekiBoran]

I have the Best Fence Pro 4. I switched to the dewalt stand because the fastcap stand is massive. It takes up gobs of room in my truck and trying to carry it up narrow windy stairs while trying not to punch holes in finished walls or out to the guest house or pool house over trenches and rough terrain is too much. The pro 4 is right for some but not everyone. I like to cram everything in the 8’ bed of my truck with a camper shell and make one trip to a job site. With a fastcap stand it takes 2 trips to get all my crap to the job site. I now have a plywood box that sits up on one of the wheel wells and screwed in place and I stuff my Dewalt stand and its fastcap micro blocks in it. It’s protected and up and out of the way so if I need to get plywood the bed is free and clear. I have another open space/drawer on top of the miter stand box for long clamps, 3rd hands, stabila level case and on the side I hang my 3 1900mm guide rails in a bag. The footprint of the pro 4 stand is about 2’ x 5.5 feet. That’s how much floor space you lose in the back of your truck. And you can’t throw stuff on top of your saw/stand and micro adjustment blocks, you’ll damage them or knock them out of adjustment. The Fastcap stand is a superior stand in every way, it’s just way too massive.

[@Amtrak___]

Thoughts on the dewalt miter saw stand with wheels?

[@Themuskychannel]

1500 sounds like a lot but that’s a lot of capacity for the price, I’ve always thought makita has the finer tuned saws but the dewalt 12” i have used was very nice too and accurate, I guess just a little more utilitarian in a sense where the makita just feels a bit more refined, not to mention the bevel adjustment on the front of the saw is super nice. But none the less 1500 for that setup is pretty good add a dust extractor and now ur dangerous lol

[@lordpaxman]

Thanks for all the good info!! Do you put a different blade on your saw? I didn’t hear that in the final tally.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Yes, I use a FS Tool SM 6300. A little shy of $200 for that blade.

[@patrickgibson8906]

Hello Sir, I appreciate your videos and craftsmanship! I'm new to finished carpentry and I appreciate your advice. How is it going with your apprentice? I see this video was posted 9 months ago.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

It's going really well. I don't know what I'd do without help at this point.

[@Icantball67]

I’ve never used a festoon kpex but as far as my opinion goes, dewalt mitre saw for life 👍

[@ryangadson]

Hi Spencer. I called fast cap to basically order the same set up as you have here. Wanted 8’ fences. They quoted me $872 just for shipping. Did you pay expensive shipping or were you able to get your hands on these another way?Thanks sir.

[@Ta53508]

So what do you do if you have to move the saw to a different Location in the house for some odd Reason

[@antonn1608]

Hey Spencer, would you ever consider getting a cut hub station? It seems a bit expensive but looks very promising

[@InsiderCarpentry]

It never intrigued me. Too large.

[@timmietimmins3780]

how much does putting the CFS auxilliary fences throw your tape and stop block off when you miter over? Is it enough that you have to calibrate for square cuts and 45s separately? Or do you just eat the difference and assume the rest of your steps are accurate enough that your work will still turn out acceptable?

[@InsiderCarpentry]

You have to always remove the auxiliary fences when using the stop block for miters.

[@frankmgallo]

Wow I can’t believe your going to have an apprentice. Does that young man or lady realize that they hit the lottery having you as the instructor.

[@rayhosking3927]

Spence! You forgot to mention dust collection, your old setup has a hood, will you provide some similar arrangement on this unit or just one big clean up at the finish of each job?

[@InsiderCarpentry]

He is running lean and doesn't have a big van like me at this point. So no hood on this saw. Trying to keep this one as simple as possible.

[@drumzero]

Spencer I really enjoy your channel, and it has helped me increase productivity, earn better $$, and most of all, trying out things that I have never done ( folded miters for example). I have a question about the fastcap brackets. In the video you show the brackets that you can buy from fastcap, and the extensions that fit on the dewalt brackets. But in the setup you have showing (with your custom length track) the outboard mounting bracket appears to be somewhat different from the inboard brackets. Are they the same bracket? When you go to order from fastcap, you only have the selection of 2 or 4 of the inboard brackets assembly. I would appreciate knowing these brackets fit on the ends of the stand like yours does before I decide to spend that kind of money. Thanks

[@InsiderCarpentry]

If I remember right it is two different types of brackets.

[@zackstanton4654]

great vid. the browse products link is not working