I just got a new miter box and I need to build a stand for it. In addition I figure I'd like a long support surface on both sides.
My typical use for a while will be 1) trimming big wood - 8' 2x4 and
2x6, and 2) mitering little wood (for picture frames)I could just whip something together, but I'm looking for suggestions and/or plans based on others' experience so I don't make the same mistakes others may have made and learned from.
For example,
- What's an ideal table height? I'm leaning toward a cutting-surface height of 40" based on my RAS table height.
- What's an ideal length of support on either side? I could vary placement of the saw in the workshop to give it the proper distances, but where I'm planning on putting it I've got about 6' available to the left and 4' to the right.
- How important is it to be mobile? Is this a machine that's easily wheeled out for occasional use or more likely to be necessary to quicly accessible?
- How important is it to be level? Should I put bolts on the ends of the legs (like my RAS) so each leg can be raised/lowered? Or is it sufficient to just cut the legs to the same length?
- Should I make a single long unit (saw table and wood supports), or make the wood supports separate so they can be changed if necessary, and separately leveled from the table?
- What's a good material for the wood supports - MDF for the base and fence? (I don't have planer/jointer to make true boards).
- What are some good time-saving tricks - tape measure on the fence, adjustable stop, etc.
Thanks for any input.
Michael