Milwaukee Folding Miter Saw Stand

As a seasoned tradesperson, I've used a myriad of miter saw stands over the years, and the Milwaukee Folding Miter Saw Stand (model 48-08-0551) brought about a mix of expectations and realities. Milwaukee has a reputation for delivering high-quality tools, so I was eager to see how this stand would fare on the job site.

First off, the core structure of the stand is commendable. The main beam is made from lightweight aluminum, which contributes significantly to its portability. At 31 lbs, it is relatively easy to maneuver, making transport between job sites less of a hassle. The folding design is compact, allowing for convenient storage, which is always a plus when space is at a premium.

Setting up the stand is straightforward. The steel legs unfold smoothly, and the adjustable foot is a thoughtful feature to stabilize the stand on uneven surfaces. This ensures that your miter saw remains stable, reducing the risk of inaccurate cuts due to wobbling. The stand supports up to 500 lbs on the main beam, which is more than adequate for most heavy-duty tasks.

One of the standout features is the versatility of the mounting brackets. They are designed to be compatible with all brands of miter saws, which is a significant advantage for those who may not be exclusively using Milwaukee tools. I appreciated the quick adjustments for setup and teardown, which saved valuable time during transitions between tasks.

However, the experience starts to falter when you delve into the extensions and support arms. The extensions, which are supposed to extend up to 100” to support larger workpieces, fall short in terms of durability and functionality. The metal used for the extensions feels flimsy, and there’s a noticeable lack of sturdiness. This can be particularly frustrating when working with longer pieces of wood, as the supports tend to sag and fail to remain level with the saw base. The height adjustments are cumbersome, and the wing nuts used to secure the extensions often come loose, causing the supports to wobble or fall off entirely.

In practice, this means that while the main stand holds up well, the extensions do not inspire confidence. I found myself frequently readjusting the supports, which interrupted the workflow and, more importantly, compromised the precision of the cuts. This is a significant drawback, especially for tasks that require repeated, accurate cuts.

Another point of contention is the lack of rollers on the support arms. Rollers would have made it easier to slide workpieces across the stand, preventing the material from falling off and potentially damaging the workpiece or the stand itself. The narrowness of the extension arms exacerbates this issue, as they provide insufficient support for wider boards, leading to frequent slips and mishaps.

The inclusion of a carrying strap would have been a welcome addition, given the weight of the stand. While it is not excessively heavy, a strap would have made it more ergonomic to carry, especially over longer distances. The lack of this feature feels like an oversight considering the stand's price point.

Durability is another area where the stand disappoints. The plastic wing nuts and other small components do not hold up well under regular use. Over time, these parts tend to strip or break, necessitating frequent trips to the hardware store for replacements. This is not something one would expect from a brand like Milwaukee, which usually sets a high bar for quality and longevity.

Despite these shortcomings, the stand does have its merits. It is solidly built in terms of the main frame and legs, and it provides a stable platform for the saw itself. The quick-release brackets make it easy to mount and dismount the saw, which is a practical feature for those who need to pack up and move frequently.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee Folding Miter Saw Stand is a tool that shows promise but ultimately falls short in critical areas. The main stand is robust and portable, making it suitable for basic support needs. However, the flimsy extensions and lack of essential features like rollers and a carrying strap detract significantly from its overall utility.

Would I recommend this stand? Unfortunately, no. The flaws in the extensions and support arms are too significant to overlook, especially for professionals who rely on precision and efficiency. There are other stands on the market that provide better support, durability, and functionality at similar or even lower price points. Milwaukee has the potential to create a superior miter saw stand, but this model needs significant improvements to meet the high standards expected from the brand.