How to set up a mitre saw stand or bench

Stand or bench?

Folding leg stands are light, quick to set up and pack flat for carrying to a job. Wheeled stands fold up like a sack truck, which suits heavy sliding saws. Fixed benches or stations in a workshop give the best support and dust control, and often include storage.

Whatever you choose, it must hold the weight of your saw and the boards you cut. Check the load rating on the stand against the saw's weight.

Mounting the saw

Most brand stands use quick release brackets that bolt to the saw's base. Follow the stand instructions so the brackets clamp squarely. If your saw has no matching brackets, bolt it to a piece of plywood and clamp the plywood to the stand or bench.

Never use a mitre saw just resting on a surface; it can move under the force of the cut. Check the saw is locked down by trying to rock it before you start.

Note:Disconnect the saw from power while mounting it or adjusting the stand. Make sure the stand is fully locked before lifting the saw on.

Levelling the supports

Accuracy depends on the supports being level with the saw table.

1. 1

   Set the stand on firm, level ground and lock the legs.

2. 2

   Mount the saw and lock its head down for setting up.

3. 3

   Extend each support arm to roughly the length of your longest board.

4. 4

   Lay a long straight edge or level across the saw table and over each support.

5. 5

   Raise or lower each support until it just touches the straight edge along its length.

6. 6

   Lock the supports and recheck both sides.

See mitre saws →

Supporting long boards

A long length of skirting or decking can tip the stand if it overhangs too far. Extend supports, add a roller stand at the end for very long pieces, and support the offcut side as well as the keep side so the blade is not pinched. Many stands include flip up stops for repeat cuts to the same length.

For angles on skirting and frames, the mitre angle calculator helps you work out settings. See how to cut skirting board corners.

Building a simple bench

A basic station has a lower centre section so the saw table sits flush with the bench surface on both sides. Measure the height from the saw's base to its table, then make the side tops that much higher than the centre. Plywood or MDF tops on a sturdy frame work well. Add a fence line, stops and a place for an extractor hose.

Leave space behind for the rails on sliding saws. See compound vs sliding mitre saw.

Dust and safety around the stand

Connect an extractor or bag to the saw's dust port, and keep the floor around the stand clear of offcuts. Set the stand height so you cut with your arms at a comfortable angle, not reaching up. Keep the area behind the saw clear in case offcuts are thrown.

Read how to use a mitre saw for cutting technique and safe hand positions.

Check the stand every time you set it up. Legs on soft ground can sink, and locking pins can work loose in a van. A quick wobble test before the first cut takes seconds and catches most problems.

Frequently asked questions

How high should a mitre saw stand be? Most people find a table height around hip height comfortable. Adjust to suit your height.

Do I need a brand stand for my saw? No. Many stands use universal brackets, or you can mount the saw on plywood.

Why are my cuts out of square on a stand? Uneven supports can lift the board. Level them to the table, and check the saw itself as in our calibration guide.

Can I use trestles? Yes, if they are stable and you fix the saw to a solid board clamped to them.