The miter saw is one of the most popular shop tools to have and is extremely versatile, which makes it a popular choice for many homeowners that enjoy DIY projects. One problem that many people face is a lack of space to store shop tools, which leaves lots of freedom for both creative use and storage.
It is not recommended for you to use a miter saw on the floor. Although it is possible but it may be challenging to hold the board you are cutting level and in place. You can always buy or build a miter saw stand so you won’t have a hard time to work with your miter saw on the floor.
If you are taxed for space, you may resort to using your miter saw on the floor of your workshop or garage. This is not the best choice, but it can be done if necessary.
In this article, you will learn ways you can use your miter saw without spending lots of money on a huge table you cannot possibly store.
Why Use a Miter Saw?
If you are reading this, you likely know the versatility of a miter saw, but let us talk for a moment about how great a miter saw is and why it deserves to be used appropriately.
According to Timothy Dahl of Popular Mechanics, the miter saw is one of the most valuable tools you can have for your workshop. In his article, Tool School, The Compound Miter Saw, he explains how versatile the miter saw can be.
Some of the uses he highlights are:
- Cutting crown molding
- Cutting door frames and picture frames
- Making straight cuts
As you can see, the saw is versatile and can likely fit any need that you may have. When looking at miter saws, you will see they are not compact and are often attached to a table or frame, which may complicate things if you do not have an excess amount of storage space.
Can I Use the Floor?
You may be contemplating using your miter saw on the floor. While this is okay and you won’t cause damage to the miter saw, it may complicate things for you as you are making cuts, especially if you are cutting a longer board that requires support during cutting.
If this is the case, you will have to rig up a stand of sorts to rest the board on, so it does not wiggle while you are cutting.
Not only could this be dangerous for you, but you will likely end up with uneven cuts [ToolsOwner] and wasted lumber. Not to mention the frustration that will come along with this.
Tommy, from Out of The Woodwork, explains in his article How to Use a Miter Saw, that when working in his first home, he didn’t have any fancy equipment, just a miter saw, without a table or stand. He resorted to using the saw on his garage floor. He also explained how he needed to use many different objects to hold the wood he was cutting correctly. Therefore, it can be done, but it may not be quite as efficient as a mounted miter saw.
Does the Type of Floor Matter?
You may be breathing a sigh of relief that you can safely use your miter saw on the floor, but you need to use care when doing this.
You must remember the miter saw is a powerful piece of equipment, and there is some vibration when you are using it. Because of this, you want to make sure it is on a solid floor that will not be easily damaged.
While the saw itself will likely not cause damage to the floor, falling wood could cause damage.
If you must use your saw on the floor, stick to a solid concrete floor and make sure it is in a dry location. Operating any form of power equipment on a wet surface can be dangerous.
What if Space is an Issue?
If you are reading this article, you are probably looking for space-saving ways to use your miter saw.
While using it on the floor can be helpful in a pinch, it would be better if you could mount your miter saw on a stable surface, which will allow you to support the materials being cut as well.
If you are short on space, a portable miter saw stand would likely fit the bill.
Here are some top-rated options you may want to investigate (Amazon affiliate links below):
- BORA Portamate PM-4000 – Heavy Duty Folding Miter Saw Stand with Quick Attach Tool Mounting Bars
- DEWALT Miter Saw Stand, Heavy Duty (DWX723)
- Evolution Power Tools EVOMS1 Compact Folding Miter Saw Stand with Quick Release Mounting Brackets, Rollers, and End Stops
- POWERTEC MT4008 Deluxe Rolling Miter Saw Stand with Trays
Each of these options folds up for easy storage and is quite economical. If you are short on space but want a stand for your miter saw that can be tucked away, check them out.
Miter Saw Table
Maybe you are looking at the stands offered above and feel a bit uncertain of their stability.
They are sufficiently stable and will support both the saw and the materials being cut; however, if you are more drawn to a table, there are options for small spaces as well.
The difference is you have a larger area to put the miter saw on. You may still need something to support the materials you are cutting to ensure they are stable.
Here are some portable table options for you to check out (Amazon affiliate links below):
- Keter Folding Table Work Bench for Miter Saw Stand
- WEN MSA658 Multi-Purpose Rolling Planer and Miter Saw Tool Stand with Extension Rollers
- POWERTEC UT1004 Multi-Function Worktable – Portable Workbench Station
- WORX Pegasus Multi-Function Worktable and Sawhorse with Quick Clamps and Holding Pegs – WX051
Each of the tables above can be used for miter saws as well as other workshop tools. You can easily fold them up for storage as well, which makes them versatile options.
Can I Build My Own Table?
Perhaps you think it would be less expensive to custom build a miter saw stand. Not only will you save money, but you can make the stand fit precisely where you need it to, not to mention you could use your miter saw to help the project along.
If you are a fan of repurposing items and DIY, this may be a fun project for you to tackle.
The Family Handyman explains how to build a miter saw station in the article, Convertible Miter Saw Station.
When you are short on space, you want to make sure you are maximizing all potential space when making building decisions. With this plan, you are not only creating a miter saw station, but it also doubles as a handy storage station as well.
If you place this station on wheels, with locks, of course, you will also have an easy to move station.
Final Thoughts
If you are the proud owner of a miter saw, you likely want to make sure you preserve that gem of a tool for as long as you possibly can because of its usefulness.
If you are in a pinch, you can safely use your miter saw on any solid surface floor. However, it is going to be more challenging to control the boards or materials you are cutting.
If you are opting to buy or build a miter saw stand, be sure to check out the precise measurements you will need to ensure it properly fits your saw.
You also want to make sure it is something that can easily be stored in the space you have available.
Thanks for reading and good luck with your future projects!
Cheers, tools owners!
