This project was built and designed by Alex and Emily Tarsha from Tarsha Homestead. Inspired by Jay Bates’ original plans and concepts from Caleb Harris at You Can Make This Too, they created a customized miter saw station that prioritizes efficiency, clean design, and functional storage.
Designed for a real working shop, this build replaces an older, cluttered setup with a smarter layout and improved dust control. With careful planning and straightforward techniques, it’s a project that pays off every time you turn on the saw.
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Why a Miter Saw Station Makes Sense
Having a dedicated miter saw station adds value to nearly any workshop. It keeps the saw stable and at the right working height, provides built-in storage, and significantly improves dust management.
Alex had been working with a basic, inefficient setup where lumber often slipped and dust piled up. The new station solves those problems by providing level infeed and outfeed support and organizing tools right where they’re needed.
Getting the Workspace Ready
Before any cuts are made, the first step is to clean and clear the shop area. Removing clutter and organizing tools helps streamline the build process and prevents accidental damage or lost time searching for parts.
A clean workspace also helps keep plywood sheets from picking up debris during cutting and layout. With the area prepped, it’s easier to focus on building and avoid unnecessary delays.
Cutting Down the Materials
The station is primarily built from plywood, which is broken down using a table saw. Accuracy here is key—straight cuts ensure square boxes and smooth drawer operation later in the build.
Large plywood sheets can be tricky to manage alone, so proper support is essential. Whether using a roller stand, saw horses, or just an extra hand, supporting the cut side prevents splintering and binding at the blade.
Building the Base Cabinets
The base structure begins with cabinet boxes that hold up the miter saw and provide core support. Pocket hole joinery is used for strength and ease, with a pocket hole jig speeding up the process and ensuring tight joints.
Each box is carefully squared using clamps during assembly. Adjustable leveling feet are added to the bottom of each cabinet, a thoughtful feature that makes it easier to align everything perfectly even on uneven floors.
Adding the Upper Cabinets
Once the base is built and leveled, upper cabinets are added to extend the functionality. These provide much-needed drawer storage for blades, fasteners, layout tools, and other shop essentials.
Drawer parts are cut from more plywood and labeled before assembly. This keeps things organized during the glue-up and helps avoid mistakes or misalignment once it’s time to install hardware.
Drawer Construction and Installation
Drawers are assembled by attaching the sides to the bottom with glue and screws. Consistent clamping pressure and a square layout keep the boxes true, ensuring smooth motion once the slides are installed.
Installing drawer slides is one of the more precise steps. Templates or simple homemade jigs help align the slides evenly on both sides. Once everything’s in place, the drawers glide easily and offer easy access to stored tools.
A Functional Top Surface
The work surface itself is built from layered plywood to give it extra thickness and durability. This surface handles heavy materials with ease and holds up well to repeated wear.
Adjustable stop blocks are built into the surface next to the saw, allowing repeatable cuts without constant re-measuring. These blocks are simple to use and make a big difference in efficiency during longer cutting sessions.
Planning for Dust Collection
Though the dust system wasn’t fully installed yet, the station was designed to support one. A dust port area is built behind the saw, making it easy to connect future ductwork or shop vac hoses.
Even without active suction, the enclosed area already helps contain dust better than an open setup. It’s a cleaner, more controlled way to work—especially in smaller shop spaces.
Final Details and Improvements
Every part of the station is measured to support the saw at the right height and create a seamless infeed and outfeed path. That detail alone improves cutting accuracy and reduces user fatigue.
With the drawers in place and everything leveled, the miter saw station looks clean, professional, and ready for serious use. It’s a tool upgrade that also enhances workflow and shop organization.
Please support Alex and Emily by visiting their website: https://tarshahomestead.com/.