Pro Tool Reviews: We’ve used over a dozen miter saw stands throughout the years. The best miter saw stand for the carpenter may not be best for the guy adding an addition to a home. One may prioritize portability and simplicity while the other may want a more robust unit that rolls over typical jobsite terrain.
6 comments:
I like seeing how many different variable they have considered in this review. There is actually a lot that goes into picking something like a miter saw stand that you might not think about right off the bat. Breaking these down into categories based on what specifically you are looking for in a stand is good too. BEing able to pick one for portability, stability, or affordability are all good options that people might want to prioritize. I really like the Metabo one because of its leveling leg. I have never considered only needing one leg to be adjustable in order to make a four legged thing stand level on uneven ground, but I will have to keep this in mind for future projects as well. Normally, I would just go to a tripod with something like this but obviously that is not always applicable. I cannot imagine spending over $1000 for the Fastcap stand with the fences though. I would like to use it to see if it is worth it, but honestly it just seems like they should use a saw attached to a bench at that point. No need to drag that huge thing around with you.
This review of different miter stands was extremely in-depth. In picking any tool, there always has to be a lot of thought that goes into it. Part of the thought has to be thinking about other tools you own and what tool brands you often buy. One thing I would have liked for Pro tools to talk about more specifically is how these stands work with saws of different brands. In all the pictures, the brand of the saw is matched with the brand of the stand. What I would really like to know is will my Milwaukee chop saw work with the Bosch miter stand that they say is best. On top of that, I want to know if there are any limitations imposed by this even if the saw fits. Similar to what Cooper thought as well, I could not see dropping that much money on "the stand with the best fences." If I need that kind of accuracy I would hope I am working in a shop or a mobile trailer type shop.
I like the approach that this article took to reviewing the different tools. One size certainly doesn’t fit all when it comes to tools and it really comes down to what its primary use is and in my experience a whole lot of personal preference with the person buying it. Maybe it is because I’m relatively early in my career but I don’t have any really strong senses of brand loyalty. Don’t get me wrong after using a screw gun for 4 hours straight on a load in I’ll have a strong sense of whether or not I’m a fan but if anyone asks me about buying tools my next question is for what and how often because you honestly don’t need to go with Milwaukee brand if the tool is going to sit in a closet 363 days a year and come out to hang a picture frame a couple times. I’m all about fitting tools to their functions and I think that this article does that effectively for miter saw stands.
I agree with Cooper when he says that there is so much that can go into purchasing something like a miter saw stand. It's like picking out good work shoes: while you may not think a lot about them in the moment, when you stand on them all day long the effects become exponentially more noticeable. Two places that I immediately think about a portable miter saw stand are outside or in the theatre. In the outside world, I have historically just used a pickup truck tailgate as a stand, which has always suited me well. I could, however, see using the DeWalt folding stand example for these situations. Inside the shop or theatre space, portability is paramount, which is why I'm surprised there was no mention of the Rousseau Smallshop Miter Saw Stands we have in our spaces. They are relatively expensive, but no mention is curious. In those cases, either the DeWalt or Bosch seem fine, but they still don't offer the mobility our current stands provide. At the end of the day, though, a saw stand is a great shop project to build yourself, which can suit your exact need!
I was not expecting quite an in-depth list of miter saw stands from Pro Tools, but nevertheless, I am happy to have the data and comparisons now. While I have never needed to spec and purchase my own miter saw stand, and frankly, I had no idea that there were so many different types on the market. It is clear that the Bosch T4B Gravity Raise is the best option by Pro Tools, it comes in at around 370 dollars which is a fairly mid-range price point when it comes to tools and their accessories. Although the budget-friendly options seem to be fairly effective and may have quirky outfeed capabilities, for the general hobbyist at home where the longest stick of lumber you might have in the garage is 8 feet, outfeed may not be as big of an issue than in a commercial setting. Finally, I really like how they included the beast of a stand that is the Fastcap Best Fence stand. That monster really exaggerates the range in price and performance for miter saw stands.
I know that it is super important to have a good saw stand. A good saw stand should be sturdy, durable, and easy to use. It should also be adjustable, allowing you to customize it to your needs and preferences. Stability is key when it comes to a good saw stand. A sturdy base with non-slip feet is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring a safe work environment. Durability is also important in a saw stand. It should be made of high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Look for a stand that is rust-resistant and able to handle exposure to the elements if you plan to use it outdoors. A good saw stand should also be easy to use. It should be easy to set up and take down, with intuitive controls that allow you to adjust the height and angle of the saw quickly and easily. Overall, a good saw stand should be sturdy, durable, and easy to use, allowing you to work efficiently and safely. The fact that the Metabo saw stand has wheels is super cool because then you can just fold it up and wheel it around wherever you need it.
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