Angled stand

[millwab]

I am about to build a stand for my saw, and a friend suggested that I build it with the back a bit higher than the front so the saw has a slight downward tilt (to the front). His theory is that with this angle it would be more comfortable to work since I wouldn't have to lean so far over to be looking straight down at the work. I thought of trying it by temporarily blocking the saw, but a 5 minute test isn't the same as a 5 hour cutting session. Anybody have any experience with this? Does it really make a difference, or would the angle necessary to achieve "comfort" be distractive? Any thoughts before I start the stand?

Bruce

[Old Mooner]

Bruce--
It makes a difference to me. I have the back legs on the stand for my RBI Hawk raised about 3" so that the saw tilts forward. I sit on a stool when I saw and it makes the work easier to see and eases the strain in my shoulders and wrists. The angle between the table and my arms is much more comfortable than the "up and over" feel when the table is level. I noticed in some of the shop photos posted on this forum that some of the others also tilt their saws forward. You might "block it up" with a couple 2X4s for a session or two before you make your permanent stand.
Moon

[jttheclockman]

This comes down again to one of those personal choice things. What I would suggest is to make the stand with adjustable feet in the back so you can raise and lower it at a few different hieghts. Easily done.

[ozarkhillbilly]

Well today I elevated my stand 4 inchs in the rear before starting my latest project, and want to say "WOW" what a wonderful difference it made! Thanks for the tip!!!

Ozarkhillbilly
Bill

[wwalker47]

My DeWalt stand came with an adjustment on the back leg. I haven't tried it yet, but Old Mooner has a point. If it is going to let the work easier to see and eases the strain in my shoulders and wrists, well that's for me. I'll try it. Thanks Old Mooner for the tip.

-Bill

[Poppie]

I made a stand that tilted my saw forward and really liked the difference it made. For me it made it easier to see the cuts and made it easier on my wrists. Its the only way to cut for me now.. Ray

[CanadianScroller]

My saw stand is an old kitchen cabinet. The three drawers under it are great for storing blades, patterns, and smaller pieces of wood. Specially BB Ply.
The height is perfect for me I can stand without straining my back or sit on my stool.
The back of the cabinet is covered with pegboard, to display items I have cut
My saw table has indents for my wrist to sit on.
The only thing I would like to do with my next stand is make it slightly narrower.
The first reason to do this is so it will fit in my trunk when I go to a show.
The second reason, it would be more comfortable to straddle the stand. Right now it is a little wide for the knees.

When I do get time to build a new stand I will definitely add a sandbox to minimize vibration. I may also sacrifice part of the bottom drawer to incorporate a dust extractor of some sort.
It will also have a small trash can attached to the side.
I may also put two wheels on the back and a retractable handle, although for now I use a small dolly.

[Gill]

Originally Posted by CanadianScroller

I will definitely add a sandbox to minimize vibration

I was going to make a sandbox too, until a friend kindly donated a 3 x 2 piece of marble. By simply placing the saw on top of the marble, the vibration has been eliminated.

Gill

[jttheclockman]

Ouch on the vibration problems. But what alot of people use is some carpet foam or heavy rubber and this dampens the vibration also. I think they even sell an anti-vibration pad for use under saws. Check some of the catalogs like Wildwood designs.

[millwab]

Carl,
I use a couple of sand bag tubes for a vibration dampener for my lathe. They're clean and real handy; maybe around 6" in diameter and about 30" long (I'm going on memory so the dimensions may be a little off). Depending on the type of stand you have, these might work well. Also, if you're traveling with it this may make it easier to break down and carry.

Bruce