Ana gave me a compound miter saw for Christmas, so I can now attempt a few projects around the house like crown molding. I’ve never really been very good at building things, but I suspect that’s mostly because I: 1) just don’t try to often and 2) never have the appropriate tools. So, needless to say, thus begins what should be an interesting little adventure.
Yesterday I discoved that before I can actually properly use the new saw I need to mount it to a table/workbench. Well I don’t have a suitable table. Much to my dismay I learned that the solution to this is to… build one. So that’s what I did tonight - I built the frame of what is a very simple yet sturdy work bench. All that’s left is the table top and shelf and it’ll be ready to accept the saw and other tools. I was really surprised that it’s actually looking and feeling like a real, sturdy workbench!
I used this website as a guide, and will be making a few additions such as built-in electrical power with a switch to turn off the whole table.

5 responses so far ↓
1
Kate
// Dec 28, 2007 at 1:24 am
I like the category “wood”. I will definately be keeping up on that one. Hopefully there will never be a post that combines “wood” and “hospital”.
2
EJ
// Dec 28, 2007 at 7:04 am
I’m really hoping that the electrical switch I add will help reduce the likelihood of wood+hospital.
Maybe I should also install a call button of some sort so I can press it and Ana can get the car ready upstairs in the case of an accident.
3
Scott
// Dec 28, 2007 at 8:34 am
Miter saw is one of my most used tools. Problem is, I use it everywhere (inside/outside), so I just use an old Black/Decker portable workbench and mount it on that when I need it. Then hang it on the wall when not in use, out of the way.
Personally, I hate the bottom shelf on workbenches, it only bruises my shins. I left the space under my workbench open, it’s handy to keep the shopvac under there for cleanup.
4
EJ
// Dec 28, 2007 at 8:38 am
I thought about the shin problem as I was putting it together. But, like all new things I try, I made sure to not deviate from the directions so I could at least prove to myself I could get it made without screwing it up before improvising.
I think I’ll probably end up making at least one more of these for the basement, so I may go the shelf-less route on that one.
5
The Johnson Blog » Blog Archive » First Project
// Jan 7, 2008 at 9:53 pm
[...] weekend I used my new saw for something a bit more delicate than the workbench. Decorative shelves for Ana’s sewing [...]
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