No Fence Miter Station

[@woodwhisperer]

This is a quick look at the construction of my No Fence Miter Station. If you'd like detailed plans and a full set of videos, head over to the Guild. thewoodwhispererguild.com/product/miter-station/

[@robertburks201]

Movable cleats for the saw section. Come on Marc, you'll never get another miter saw. :)

[@timort2260]

Your the man. A huge fence is such a bad idea thanks for making that point. And that looks like a universally good set up for anyone.

[@derekw40]

Several times your driver looked like it had a Forstner bit and expected a big hole and then it wasn’t there. What was that ?

[@woodwhisperer]

@@derekw40 amzn.to/32Ef7E0

[@derekw40]

Thanks Marc what an awesome tool I sometimes go overboard on countersinks 😁

[@hoangthang8772]

Great tool which will not disappoint. A little on the pricey side but the convenience factor is really nice.Update: 11/3/18 - Still works great kzbin.infoUgkxPeGkHOMe05FySypTOvYumxMn-xi39oRe and not disappointed at with the purchase. Wish I could have bought this at the lower price but ah well. This miter saw is truly awesome after two years of use. Makes cutting quick without messing around. I leant this tool to a friend for trim work at his home. He returned after using my saw and bought one for himself. I guess his demo with my saw was the deciding factor

[@unclebedhead9099]

That 2 second bit where you nail through tape then putty over the tape to hide the nails is genius. Wish I'd known that trick before now.

[@jonq8714]

KZbin has been invaluable for picking up small bits of wisdom from seasoned pro's... that's another really cool one.

[@markhedquist9597]

I had to rewind to look at that and figure out what just happened. Agreed, that is a "genius" trick.

[@Olm9]

I missed that.. can someone time-tag it? 😊

[@MrYelnats55]

I have this guild project, highly recommend it. It’s very thorough, Marc is a great instructor!

[@woodwhisperer]

Thanks Stanley!

[@Olm9]

1:26 When you have a T-track you basicly also have the oppetunety to add a piece of fence wherever it is convienient depending on the lenght of the piece you wish to cut. Half a meter of fence that you can slide along the T-track and push all out of the way when not in use, could be handy 😊

[@dannuthals7045]

The #1 project that I want to build in my shop is a mitre station. There are a number of good designs out in YT-land, but I was stuck because my biggest question was "Fence, or no fence?" Thank you for your pov and reasoning on this. I have settled on "no fence". I also agree with your 8' and 4' sides. Thank you for the video!

[@glencrandall7051]

17 years ago I built the Norm Abrams version for my miter station. At the time everything made great sense. Now you show me much better ways to do the top and storage. There is no way I am going to completely rebuild my miter station but I certainly am going to retrofit the top and (no)fence parts. Thank you for some great ideas. You and Norm are my hero's.

[@bobsacamano4]

I hope one day I'm as proficient a woodworker as Mark. I don't know if it's decades of mistakes but he always seems to think of everything prior to a build. Always good being able to consult his videos before I go muck something up (making a bench top for some existing cabinet frames and the tip about making the saw height adjustable is 💥). Thanks for all the (free) content Mark. I hope to join the guild someday. Shout out as well to Matt and Shannon as well for the Wood Talk podcast. I went for the knowledge, but stayed for the comedy.

[@novosib9017]

simple . effective and practical. No extra wasted on over engineering like many videos have. Especially the point about the long fence guide.

[@WhatsMikeUpTo]

Great build bud! I think you're the first woodworker on KZbin that I've seen actually use a respirator the whole time when cutting and finishing things. Thank you! I haven't seen anyone else do this, and most don't even use them when using finishes. I am very appreciative for you modeling good respiratory safety around dust and vapors. It's so important to lung health to protect them. Everyone else is just modeling how to fuck them up to everyone who doesn't know any better. So thank you again for that!!!

[@Clintboyd]

1. Agree 100% about the fence. Props. 2. Spider-Man shirt means I can watch this with my toddler and keep him entertained. Great video.

[@stevensrspcplusmc]

Mark this video was right on time.. was getting ready to purchase aluminum fences and expensive stops.. I love the fencers approach.. never looked at it that way.. thanks again 👍😊❤️

[@clobbyhardy]

Thank you for pushing the non-full fence miter station. I've been trying to explain to people, you don't need a long fence, and it's actually detrimental if your workpiece isn't dead straight. Great job on the build as always.

[@shughes599]

Very timely, I think this is my next major shop project. Now to find time to dedicate to it.

[@mytunesmokey]

I have used this system for years and it hasn't failed me yet. Just plain common sense and saves a lot of the green stuff. Just wished the t-track weren't so darned expensive. My stop block was a scrap piece of Jatoba. Was going to use the Purple Heart but not my favorite wood.

[@ehengle]

I've been shuffling my chop saw around the shop for a decade while trying to figure out a station configuration that would work in my shop. Finally! Your fence-less system will definitely work for my shop! I have 1,000 square feet but never enough horizontal surface to make everything work.

[@woodsniffer]

I like the free version and watching the video good techniques and hints along the way. And awesome toe kicks. Thanks for posting.

[@johnbond8566]

Very good setup very good job Thanks for showing how you put everything together

[@orowoodworks5413]

I'm planning on making myself a set of drawers that will sit on top of my cabinets to act as extension beds for my miter saw. Glad I watched this...really don't need the fence, and this made me realize it.

[@TheWoodLab]

When I first saw your no fence setup and stops/T-tracks on the surface, it made total sense. It's clean and I'll eventually do a similar setup. - Jim

[@davidbray6515]

This is by far the best system

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

A great idea with no loss of bench space! You make building cabinets look quick and easy (with the right tools of course).

[@woodwhisperer]

It's more the editing than the tools. :)

[@sixpotshot]

Excellent - Awsome vid with just the juice and none of the pulp 👌

[@johnmarshall5272]

A great instructor and the Woodwhisperer resources Marc has produced are simply enjoyable to follow. Highly recommend. I'm very happy with my end result and it gets used everyday!

[@DavidAKupka]

I am not a fan of having a fence either and you nailed it with your explanation. I LOVE IT !!!! I guess I need to get your plans because there isn't much I will change about your design . Nicely Done

[@briantorsell]

Awesome tip about offsetting the saw!

[@WilliamLutesMaker]

Finally, a common sense Miter Station video !!!!!! I knew there was a reason you was my Hero 😘

[@woodwhisperer]

I thought I was the wind beneath your wings? I guess I'll settle for hero.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Fantastic project Marc. I’ve always wondered why some miter stations have such long fences and why they are necessary. In one quick statement you answered by demonstrating what happens when a piece of lumber is not perfectly square. Since I use my miter saw mostly for breaking down long boards that makes a lot of sense. As you said, the accuracy of the cut is at the blade not the end of a long fence. I also like your cabinet design. Easy and fairly quick. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@bighands69]

A perfectly square station with long fences can enable you to easily cut long sections of wood and to a very precise measurements that are also square.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

bighand69 that was my point. I don’t use my miter saw for precision cutting and if, as Marc suggested, the long board isn’t perfectly straight then the cut at the saw will not be 90 degrees. My miter saw is mainly for cutting long boards to approximate lengths. The only precision cuts at the miter saw is on shorter lengths and I prefer to use my table saw if accuracy is extremely important.

[@StevenDavisPhoto]

I like this a lot. Great idea to use the tracks and no fence.

[@tracdfar]

Great project because of its practicality. Need a stop, not a fence. Saves space! However, I've started building a platform for the toe kick and do my leveling with it. Then just drop the base cabinets on it.

[@williamellis8993]

This makes a lot of sense. I'm moving and setting up a new shop. Food for thought.

[@kww8666]

This is so cool ! The flip stop away from any work piece it really change my idea for my new miter station !! Thanks and keep going bro 👍🏻

[@MarkAllan]

I built this project and love it. Very satisfying.

[@bill40bates]

I heard about this monstrosity on Wood Talk and thought I better come check it out. Great work! I’ve been looking at different miter stations and think this is the way I’ll go. Thanks!

[@TheDesertRat31]

I kinda wish I saw this before starting my miter station build. I'm midway through a Jay Bates inspired setup. I felt that was good for the miter saw hood and dust collection. I just got a new miter saw that's larger do I need to do a little modification. I guess I'll continue and see how it all works. Then I think I can re do a few things and turn it into something like this if I want to later. Thanks for the ideas, Marc.

[@MrCinnamonboy]

Jay has a video about the fence to discuss the pros cons since this no fence wave has hit So I'd say look it up. As long as you're aware of which fence your work is referencing, I'd say you're good.

[@TheDesertRat31]

@@MrCinnamonboy yea, I've seen his videos. Marc's setup is nice and clean, but Jay's is too, just different styles. Jay mentioned his saw is a bit forward of the fence to account for and curvature.

[@swank1975]

My fence fur my saw is also my plywood storage system so behind my fence is my sheet goods. Great discussion on this topic.

[@carterscustomrods]

I put a t-track, and made a fence from 20x60 V-slot that I am able to mount, and slide into the t-track. Extrusions make life sooo much easier. (Especially when you only have use of 1 arm/leg, like myself.)

[@UNKN0WN_YT]

That really is a great set up. I couldn’t agree more about not having a fence. I built a mobile miter stand using plans from Brad (FTBT) and I didn’t get precise with the fence and it’s off just a touch. It was one of my first projects so I didn’t think about the precision of the fence. So I focus on the fence on the saw. Maybe I’ll remove the fence and look into installing a track for a stop and tape measure. Anyway...you do really good work.

[@AutotechWoodworking]

Robin Lewis posted a video not long ago about a miter saw station that he built without fences. The difference between his and yours is that his T-track is not recessed for the reason you mentioned that some people may want to consider an extended fence; to keep him from using it as a storage bench. Even though I would probably be inclined to do the same, the recessed T-track does look a lot nicer. you did a great job with that as usual.

[@gizanked]

So glad you are making videos again! I have nothing to add but I'm liking and interacting.

[@andrewv5104]

Again? I never knew he stopped?

[@gizanked]

@@andrewv5104 it's been at least 26 minutes since his last video.

[@Alabamawoodshop]

Good build and explination.👍👍😁 Now I'm going to watch Friday live thanks.2 wood whisperers in one day yay.

[@meatwhisperer]

Excellent video. I’ve always felt the long fence was unnecessary. I’m glad I wasn’t the only one

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[@jeremyspecce]

Nice preview video! I was laughing because I already had it in mind to comment "but the fence tells me where I can pile crap or not!" (In reality i pile crap on both sides, it's just more long term crap on the back side of the fence)

[@markwilloughby2686]

Thank you for this video. I have been saying the same thing in my shop at work for year.

[@bobbygolucky]

Thank you. Perfect timing. Opened KZbin to go to the other video and ask why not leveling feet. 🙂

[@DrJWR1]

Well-thought-out, as always. Thanks, Marc!

[@alexpettigrew8971]

I've never understood why people like fences. Your setup is much more sensible. Thanks for sharing.

[@bighands69]

Long fences are great for cutting long sections that need to be square. If you are doing many of them it means you do not have to go messing around and can just put it up against the long fence with ease. When doing hundreds of long cuts it makes it really easy.

[@MaydaysCustomWoodworks]

Good job Marc. None of this was overkilled. I love seeing you use common brands like DeWalt and Milwaukee. It shows people that the skill is in the use and not the tools. The higher end stuff definitely has its place. But you did a great job with this. And 100% about the whole thing of sometimes it's better to buy something than to make it when time. is money. Use leftovers from jobs and what is available and cheap to get the job done. Great video. My miter stand is nearly identical in design. Offset, with no fence. Just table stops. Frameless panels with a strengthened top. And those zero clearance inserts are all you need. Better than lasers or shadow lines. Great job man. Very smart business build.

[@bradymcphail9690]

You know Marc, I've been watching a lot of your older videos... You are a very good educator of woodworking. I'm just sayin'!

[@tpbbuzzelli1327]

Very nice , like the offsetting

[@BKRcustommotorbikes]

Just the other day I moved my mitre saw forward about 15mm. I still have the fence as it’s attached to a cabinet but now the timber does not utilise the fence although I am still able to use the stop block.

[@MrStukov]

Nice work, definitely pulling some tips from this for my new miter station. Thanks! nice quality video work and editing too. Subscribed.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Nicely done Marc! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I enjoy these videos. I look forward to one day joining the guild. You have a very easy to understand and great style of teaching.

[@JimTom.]

Cutting plywood on those foam pads is such a great idea. I never thought to use those

[@justinstewart3060]

I like the slide out trays, nice idea 🤓👍

[@reforzar]

Congrats on 597K!

[@thesplinteredfinger]

Awesome video Marc, on my list to make!

[@Werkzeug-Feinschmecker]

very good point to better go without fences but only stops !

[@fastlap2]

Great job!

[@gunslingerwoodworks8981]

I do the same thing! Thanks for making this video.

[@bradymcphail9690]

This makes much sense to me to be honest! As a metal fabricator for as long as I have been my Miter Saw has only an 18" fence on the left side and a 0 fence on the right side. I do that because of the curve that 100% of metal stock has coming from the manufacturer in 20 foot pieces. It longer the fence, it more inaccurate the cut, the more difficult the fit up and uglier the weld....

[@JusBidniss]

I like your idea of a T-track for stops, and you're right about using the surface being easier without a fence in the way. My own solution was to mount the saw on the same level as the workbench top, not 3 1/2" below, then build 2 long boxes 3 1/2" tall, a few feet long as dictated by the workbench length, and a vertical back on the boxes that extends a few inches upward to allow clamping stops to it. Also a horizontal flange in the back of each box with star knobs on bolts that thread through the flange into nuts set into the workbench top, for precise re-locating, should the boxes need to be moved. The boxes are made mostly from 1/4" plywood, divided into drawer sections by 1/2" plywood dividers (which being vertical, are also the main supports for the weight of the workpieces being cut), and the mini drawers that slide into these spaces are simply glued and pinned small boxes made from the 1/4", since they don't hold that much (the small clamps for stops, tape measure, pencil, etc.). Since they're precisely located with the knobbed bolts, a tape measure decal on the clamping backer can remain accurate.

[@jimfeaster4837]

You no longer have slide compound saw ?

[@lylemorton8641]

I’ve seen the countersink bit in other videos. Who makes it? The whole thing makes perfect sense. Going to rethink my plan. Thanks.

[@jeffjohnson2792]

Running a makerspace we have an issue with the flat space junk collection. So we have a fence more as a method of keeping members from junking it up.

[@aaudain1]

You are awesome , i agree on that

[@jerryhubbard4461]

My new saw station has 8 feet on the left and 50 inches on the right. I have a 1x4 board screwed down horizontally the entire length fo the table. It is set back 1/8 inch from the saw fence so it will not interfere with the saw. I also have a Microjig stop block running the entire distance of the fence. My table is 36 inches deep so I have a lot of storage space behind the table fence. My saw table is a raised box and I put six wide drawers along the front to the table. Behind the fence I have two lids on the left and one on the right for storage.

[@ShopNation]

Awesome build sir. I built my shop cabinets/miter station extremely similar to yours and I love it. Fenceless all the way. Do you find yourself using the measurement on the Incra T-track often? Or do you mark the boards you are cutting after measuring separately? Trying to decide if integrating a measurement tape into my work surface is worth it.

[@boartdesign]

I remember seeing your video before this one, it was interesting

[@mountainviewturning5319]

Nice job 👍

[@SteveWetzelsProfile]

Thanks for posting Marc. I bought he guild plans and made the miter station. The plans and videos were excellent and I encourage everyone wanting to build something like this to go to the Guild and purchase them. I have not put the T-tracks in yet but I am thinking one will do.. Do you have any hindsight on having two tracks Marc?

[@randyallaway4085]

Someday I will have the time to build this. Not today, or anytime soon. But someday.

[@lucasrzuniga]

Mark makes a great noise at 2:38

[@danielgeng2306]

I have the same brand saw, great saw but any dust collection that occurs is accidental! Lol

[@bnssoftware3292]

I'm building this exact station

[@jimfeaster4837]

Great in put i like your Videos !

[@joshl90]

I love this station

[@cgsathome]

The introduction to this video separates it from the masses of miter saw projects on the internet, but you might not realize it unless you have already constructed a miter station. Stock is often not straight, and especially if you use your miter saw to rough cut rough stock, the long, perfect extra fence you added gets in the way of the stock being against the fence at the blade. I have often thought I would be better off without the extra fence, but only now, with a new miter saw, am I going to do something about it.

[@michaelcampbell9900]

Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!

[@williamwinder3466]

Bill is that you?

[@johnsanford3596]

Not really interested in doing a miter station like this (mine is mobile), but I do LOVE the magnetic stop on the bandsaw. Why haven't I ever seen anybody do that before?

[@coleve8596]

I was intrigued by your magnetic stop you used on your bandsaw table and thought that could be a handy addition to my workshop, so typed it into Amazon. I thought it was a mistake but no, here in the UK it’s £124 for this magnet. Wow no magnet for me.

[@shootsandscoots]

Good video. Then again there’s shorter wings for support rather then alignment? I typically leave tools on flat surfaces.

[@UVJ_Scott]

Your off-cuts and scraps looks like my wood stock pile...

[@pnwgrown_360]

IM building my miter station 100% like yours

[@befmx31]

And also, why the two t-tracks on each side? Thanks again.

[@williambutler3695]

My miter saw table is about 8” taller than my side out feed table. I have 2 or 3 vertical 3/4” plywood supports. To support the work piece. This lets me clutter stuff on the wings but my workpieces just pass right over the top. I also have a fence though so I can use stop blocks. In theory, I could make the fence humble of the saw fence and get the best of everything.

[@unclebedhead9099]

Any way you can post a pic of your miter station? it sounds interesting. Thanks.

[@WrongTimeWatch]

I need this setup

[@TheBryeCooper]

Nice one! Great Vid, love the track T stop! Cheers!

[@seanconnolly903]

Was wondering what made you decide to cut the toe kicks into the side panels and not build a separate toe kick frame?

[@scottdellefave1868]

I'm planning on buying the Guild project but can't find dimensions. Can you share the dimensions of the build as it is shown in this video?

[@BradJObrien]

For the movable cleats, whats the preferred method for creating the slots? Router or drill bit multiple times?

[@gavinclayton9552]

Great video and idea. The theory and practical makes perfect sense. This will be the bases of my next mitre station. I like that the stop is still an option because that is a must however did you consider changing the side of the flip down so the wood could have a bit of support at the stop end? And if it was perfectly aligned with the saw fence it would help keep those long lengths square to the blade while allowing for any bows the length may have. Great job. I love your work!!

[@wayneholmes1800]

How did you make tops flat? I went a different way and used nice FLAT doors (hollow) and clued MDF on top and bottom...My floor is only 2 years old and flat...HOWEVER, AFter I put the surface on my frames and put my formica on it...I found a high spot...grrr. The frame is 4 lap joints of pine (yes flattened in joiner/planer) so all I can thing of is for now the one section that is high...I raised the levers hopping gravity will pull down the spot...otherwise I'll have to build another top...I've got a desk to build for grandson so this will wait.

[@josephcarlyle5743]

Nice!

[@boboconnor1403]

You broke my heart using those RTAs...lol...

[@SwapnilBhartiya]

So you ditched Bosch saw? I just ordered one after watching one of your videos.

[@zachgoestoeuro]

How is the “cleat” for the tray holding the saw created? Is this a “French cleat”?

[@mlubecke]

You make so much sense. Why are we buying $100 bucks of blue aluminum then???

[@audioman99]

Hi Marc, why two t tracks? Not sure why you have one in front of the fence...