A miter saw is great for crosscutting long boards — until the board extends several feet beyond the saw table with nothing underneath it.
A dedicated miter saw station solves the problem, but not every workshop has room for one. These simple plywood support wings provide a low-cost alternative. They attach to the sides of the saw when you need them and can be removed and stored when you're finished.
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Build the Plywood Support Wings
The supports are simple laminated plywood assemblies. Each wing consists of two layers of plywood glued face to face to create a stiff, stable work surface.
A back fence, also made from two layers of plywood, runs along the rear edge. When the support is installed, this fence aligns with the miter saw's fence to help keep long workpieces properly positioned.
Riser blocks glued to the underside bring the top of each support to the same height as the miter saw table.
The height is the critical part of the setup. The support surface should be flush with the saw table so a long board rests flat rather than tipping up or down as it crosses the saw.
Make the Supports Easy to Install
The clever part of these supports is how they attach to the saw.
A narrow groove near the end of each plywood wing slips over a piece of aluminum C-channel bolted to the side of the miter saw. This registers the support and makes installation and removal quick.
The saw used for this setup already had holes that could be used to mount the channel. If your saw doesn't provide a suitable factory mounting location, don't drill into the saw base without first checking the owner's manual and making sure the modification won't interfere with the saw's structure, adjustments, or operation.
A Space-Saving Alternative to a Miter Saw Station
When it's time to use the saw, set it on a sturdy benchtop and slip the support wings into place. The extensions provide a larger surface for supporting long stock and can be removed again when the cutting is finished.
It's a simple solution for a small workshop or portable miter saw setup where a permanent station isn't practical.
If you have the room and use your miter saw frequently, a full-size miter saw station adds storage and permanent workpiece support. But for an occasional setup, these knock-down plywood wings provide the support you need without permanently giving up valuable shop space.
WANT TO BUILD A WALL-MOUNTED MITER SAW STATION, GET THE STEP-BY-STEP PLANS: Wall-Mounted Miter Saw Station
