In our last post, we discussed our need for a new miter saw station. In this post, we’re going to take our list of requirements and come up with a basic design.
Whenever I start a new woodworking project like a cabinet build, I usually start out by drawing a sketch of what I think it should look like and then make changes and redraw it. Once I’m happy with how it looks, I can either come up with a dimensioned parts list or make a 3D drawing in SketchUp.
Here’s my pencil sketch.
In my pencil drawing, there are two tables. The top one was my first design. It’s a pretty straightforward miter saw station with a narrow workbench top that has two boxes on either side of the saw. One of our fellow Facebook group users posted a similar picture (Peter G) and it also looks a lot like that Shanty2Chic model. If you like this design, go for it. It’s a smart option if you already don’t have a workbench or two, but it will require some extra plywood for both the top and the boxes. Since I already have a couple dedicated workbenches, I came up with another option, which is the bottom drawing.
The option I’m going with will feature a narrow work surface with an integrated fence and a recess where the saw will sit to flush it up with the work top. While this setup will complicate the design a bit, it should be a pretty useful station.
After I finished my pencil sketch of the table, I drew it up in SketchUp. By drawing it in a 3D CAD program, it allowed me to see some areas of the design that I hadn’t fully thought through. It’s like building the table before you even buy the parts. It’s a helpful exercise.
Here’s what that drawing looks like. And no, I didn’t have to draw the saw. SketchUp has a great model library where you can import drawings made by other people.
If you’re in our Facebook group, you would have already seen this image. The table is made completely out of plywood and it will feature some caster wheels for easy moving around my basement shop.
From this image, I was able to dimension every single part. I’d give you that parts list now, but I want to verify it first. You never know. Once in a while even I make a mistake (no, no I don’t). 😉
Later this week, I’m going to run out and purchase the material. I should have it ready for a post next week.
See you then.
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