Today’s post will show you how to design a mitre saw and table saw workbench with Sketchup, a 3d modelling computer program. 

I have been meaning to build a workbench for months now. I wanted a workbench that not only served as a work table for my DIY projects, but also a table where I could put my mitre saw on. Without a mitre saw stand, I often find myself working on the floor.

So I want this workbench to double up as a mitre saw station. And while I am at it, I thought it would be a nice challenge to try to make this workbench so it also works as a table saw.

I own an Evolution circular saw that I purchased for my fence build project. And I always fancied having a table saw too but they are quite pricey and just could not bring myself to invest in one just yet.

Therefore, I thought why not build a workbench that serves all 3 purposes:

• Work as a standard workbench for my DIY projects
• Work as a mitre saw stand
• And also, somehow converts my circular saw into a table saw

As you can tell already, this will not be a straightforward workbench build. So it is important that I get the design right first.

Designing a workbench with Mitre Saw and Table Saw

I want this workbench to be as compact as possible, so it can fit in my conservatory, for the time being, while I finish rebuilding my garage. So the overall dimension of the workbench top will be 72 inch by 24 inch.

I plan to use 6 table legs that are 3”x3”. The legs will be 34” long each, and the tabletop will be 18mm thick plywood. 

Therefore, the overall height of the table will be 34” + 18mm = 34.7”

The frame of the table will be built from 4”x2” timber.

Creating the slot for mitre saw and circular saw

First of all, I needed to know the exact base dimensions of my mitre saw which were as follows: 

49cm x 54cm

Then I needed to know how high the cutting surface of my mitre saw is from the level it sits on. 

This was exactly 70mm as per the image above.

I also needed to know how big my circular saw is so I can make an opening big enough for it to fit into.

My circular saw by Evolution is 11” by 10” in overall dimension.

So this meant that whatever opening I create on my workbench for my mitre saw, it will be big enough for my circular saw to hang down from it too.

How to design mitre saw and table saw workbench on Sketchup:

Considering the complexity of the mitre saw + table saw workbench I was trying to build, I thought now is the right time to start using Sketchup for my DIY builds.

I realised that it is crucial for me to get the design right first. Otherwise, I will be risking wasting lots of time and materials.

For those of you who don’t know about sketchup. It is a 3D modeling computer program which can be used for a wide range of drawing applications.

https://www.sketchup.com

You can use Sketchup for architectural drawings, interior design, mechanical engineering, and even video game designs.

I have always found Sketchup, or any 3d modelling software for that matter, quite intimidating. They’ve always felt quite complicated to me.

But after giving it a go today, I have realised it can be quite easy, and the learning curve isn’t that steep at all.

Therefore, I have decided to record a video on my first ever woodwork design on Sketchup so it can help encourage others to do the same. 

Mitre Saw and Table Saw Workbench design on Sketchup video

You can view the video below for a brief intro to Sketchup and a step by step build guide. You can follow the video to build your first design. I hope that this video helps you take your first plunge into the world of 3d modelling.

In the video below, I will start off by taking you through some Sketchup shortcuts, then I will show you the finished design first.

We will then start the design again from scratch and build it in real time.

Useful Sketchup keyboard shortcuts:

Here is a list of very useful shortcuts you should try and get used to from day one. These will make your workflow so much smoother. You may find it hard to remember during the first few minutes, but once you start remembering the keys, it will become second nature to you.

O – Orbit (drag and change perspective)
T – Tape measure
H – Hand tool (pan)
P – Push/pull tool
R – Rectangle tool
Space – back to select tool
G – Component
M – Move tool
CTRL – copy

My mitre and table saw workbench design file

If you were inspired by my workbench design, then here’s the .skp file for you below. You can import this file on to your Sketchup account and work off it if you like or modify it.

Click here to download Mitre and Table Saw Workbench .skp file for Sketchup (auto download link)

And there you have it. 

My first ever serious attempt at creating a scaled model slash design on Sketchup.

Next step for me now would be to actually head out and buy the timber, and start building this workbench.

I will be writing another post on the exact build process and record a video too. 

So please subscribe to our newsletter if you haven’t done so already. And you will get notified when I have finished building the workbench.

Thank you and speak soon!