Mitre saw bench – Part 2 Surfaces

Following on from creating the frame for my mitre saw bench previously (here), the next step was to add surfaces to the frame, so I could actually use the bench for cutting lumber. I decided to use mdf for the surfaces as it is cheap and easy to cut to fit, as well as being simple enough to replace if required in future. Plus it gave me a nice smooth flat surface, which is always handy when moving around and laying out lumber to cut at the mitre saw. I selected 18mm mdf for the three top surfaces to give a nice solid and flat finish to the bench.

I measured the final dimensions of the frame on each side, as well as the centre section for the mitre saw and then cut the mdf to size using my circular saw and a guide clamped in place to ensure a straight edge. This would have been a lot easier to do by just running the mdf through a table saw with a locked fence in place but that’s a tool I don’t have yet! A table saw is one of the key tools on my list of things to add to the shop next, as I gradually increase my tool selection and my project ideas increase.

I fixed the mdf to the frame using screws, which I countersunk to allow timber to still pass unimpeded across the surface to the mitre saw. The four corner screws were more than sufficient to hold the top in place, which is now well supported on the top frame and four corner posts.

I used an mdf offcut from a previous project to create an under-bench shelf on the left hand side and secured that in place with countersunk screws. I also cut all the scrap wood to length which I had roughly positioned on the right hand side previously to create some under-bench storage. I replaced all the cut planks and secured them down using screws.

All that is left now is to add some storage above the bench surface, by creating some raised shelves. I already have the pieces for the shelves sorted, left over from a shelving unit we had to shorten quite a bit to fit under the cupboards in the new house following our move, so I just need to figure out how they are being secured and supported. I think if you provide yourself a sufficient amount of places to store tools, jigs and cutoffs etc, it makes it a lot easier to keep a clean and tidy workshop.

As with all shop furniture it is always good to make things moveable. So I shall investigate adding some casters to the bottom of each leg to make it much easier to move about if/when required! 🔨