Skil Folding Miter Saw Stand

Setting up a miter saw on a sturdy and portable stand can significantly enhance your woodworking efficiency and accuracy. Recently, I had the opportunity to test out the Skil's Folding Miter Saw Stand, model SPT5002-FS, and I must say, it brings both strengths and a few weaknesses to the table.

Design and Portability

One of the standout features of the Skil Folding Miter Saw Stand is its design. The stand is constructed from welded steel tubes, which contributes to its robustness while keeping the weight manageable at 34.6 lbs. This combination ensures that the stand is both sturdy and relatively easy to transport. Portability is further enhanced by the stand's foldable design, allowing it to be compactly stored or easily moved between job sites.

However, while transporting the stand, I couldn't help but think that a set of wheels on one end would have added tremendous value to its portability. Carrying it by hand feels fine for short distances, but wheels would make it even more convenient for moving around larger work areas or between job sites.

Setup and Stability

Setting up the Skil stand is straightforward, thanks to the tool-less latches that facilitate quick assembly. The process took me only a few minutes, and I appreciated the simplicity of the design. Once set up, the stand provided a stable platform for my miter saw. The material support extensions, which can extend up to 8 feet, are a fantastic feature for handling longer pieces of wood.

That said, I did encounter a minor issue with the legs. While the steel construction is certainly sturdy, the legs themselves did not lock as tightly as I would have liked, resulting in a slight wobble. This wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, as the stand remained stable enough for most tasks, but it’s something to be aware of if you require absolute rigidity for precision work.

Compatibility and Versatility

The stand is designed to accommodate miter saws from various brands, but it seems to be optimally suited for Skil saws. I tested it with a few different brands, and while it worked well with most, the fit was perfect with the Skil miter saw. The adjustable deadman support for longer material was another useful feature, making it easier to handle larger cuts without additional help.

One issue I faced was with the screw holes for attaching the saw. In one instance, the threads were damaged, making it impossible to secure the saw to the stand properly. This seems to be a quality control issue that Skil should address to ensure a seamless experience for all users.

Performance and Durability

Once set up, the stand performed admirably. It provided a solid foundation, and the material supports lined up nicely with my table saw, allowing for more streamlined workflows. The weight capacity of 440 lbs is more than adequate for most miter saw tasks, and the stand felt secure even when handling heavier materials.

The built-in leveler on one leg is a thoughtful addition, ensuring that the stand remains stable on uneven surfaces. This feature came in handy when I was working outdoors on slightly uneven ground, allowing me to quickly adjust and maintain a stable working surface.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Skil Folding Miter Saw Stand offers a lot of value for its price point. Its combination of portability, ease of setup, and sturdy construction makes it a practical choice for both professional contractors and serious DIY enthusiasts. The extendable material supports and high weight capacity further enhance its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of woodworking tasks.

However, there are areas where it could be improved. Adding wheels for easier transport would be a welcome upgrade, and addressing the issue with the leg locks would enhance stability. Additionally, ensuring consistent quality control for the screw holes would prevent potential setup frustrations.

Recommendation

Would I recommend the Skil Folding Miter Saw Stand? Yes, but with a few caveats. If you’re looking for a sturdy, portable, and easy-to-set-up miter saw stand that offers good value for money, this stand is a solid choice. However, be aware of the potential wobble and check the screw holes for any defects before securing your saw. With these considerations in mind, the Skil stand can be a reliable addition to your woodworking toolkit.