Recommendations for a miter saw stand/table

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Swaff

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I am looking to purchase a miter saw stand/table and was wondering if anyone could recommend one that is easy on the pocketbook. I know that in recent posts some individuals have mentioned the Clearmount system but it is too expensive and I didn't see a price for the Phaedra on their website. Thanks in advance.

Brian

[This message has been edited by Swaff (edited December 11, 2000).]
 
In the old days we used to make our own. It is not hard, check in your area for a Woodworkers store or organization. You should be able to build a really nice one in an afternoon for about $30.00-$50.00.
Or you could call a cabinet shop and see what they will charge. Both of these ways is probably a lot cheaper than a factory made one.
John
 
JRB's right -- You can make your own side tables for your miter saw. A good woodworkers' store might even have a good set of plans for it.

Still, I can't imagine that anything homemade could be as accurate as the Phaedra SawHelper. After ten years, mine still has repeatability within 1/32". And the hold-downs are effective & easy to use. Last time I looked, I believe the price was around $700.00. IMHO, it's worth every penny.

Regarding cost to build your own, I think the lumber and hardware would be more like $100.00, especially if you buy hardwood. Then consider the value of your time. It would probably take at least a day to design and build it.
 
I've opened up an old forum about homemade picture framing eqpt. I will leave it open for awhile to see it it gets any action.
 
Framer
Where can I find the forum about homemade frame shop equipment? My partner and I will soon be re-opening our frame shop in a new location and are very interested in updating our equipment. Thanks



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LBFOOTE
 
Thanks for the suggestions. They are greatly appreciated! Framer--the cutoff saw bench that you made might do the trick. I'd love to have the Phaedra SawHelper but I don't think it will be under the Christmas tree this year.

Brian
 
Swaff,

I have used the Phaedra system for about 7 or 8 years. I started out with a 10" Ryobi miter saw until I flipped it back and fourth so many times it wouldn't lock down anymore. (it's pretty tough cutting a square frame without a clamp to lock the saw at a 45 degree angle but I got pretty good at it for a short time. ;) Anyway, the 10" saw also limits you to a certain width & height of a moulding that you can cut (I've forgotten how tall and wide) When I finally broke down and bought a new saw I decided to upgrade to a 12" Dewalt commercial saw (great saw!), I also bought 2 of them, because I don't have to fiddle with re-adjusting the saws now, the system is faster, and more accurate, there are also more teeth on a bigger blade so it's also a little cleaner cut. Two 12" saws, in my opinion, are the BEST way to use any "cheapie" miter saw system. It all sits on a bench I built myself. The phaedra system without the saws used to cost around $700, I don't know how much it costs now and I'm sure the other brands work about as well. If you are going to build your own you might want to use a hardwood so it stays a little more "true".

To save on the wear and tear on the blades-(systematic blades are what we use) (And time and money) we order all metal frames chopped. I used to cut them myself but decided it also wasn't worth the risk of getting beaned by a little piece of metal traveling a mach-1. Plus metal frames are just cleaner when you order them chopped.

that's my two cents, good luck!
 
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