Who has the best cross cut sled?

Who has the best cross cut sled? · 04-25-2008, 04:31 PM

And how did you make it?

I threw one together 30 years ago out of 1/2 ply and some pine strips.

Now, I'd like to make a really nice one that is accurate, convenient, adjustable and versatile.

Or do I really need two sleds?

One for cross cutting and a separate one for mitering?

Also would like to make a tenon sled.

Not in a big hurry, I'll have to buy materials a little at a time.

ptt49er · 04-25-2008, 04:47 PM

I'm extremely interested to see what this thread brings about! My current sled leaves A LOT to be desired.

My thoughts are you need two, one for cross cutting and one for mitering. Of course you could always build one with built in holes for dowels to move fences against...oh the ideas!

nelsone · 04-25-2008, 04:54 PM

Mine's just a basic crosscut sled. I need to make one for miters. I used some extra melamine for mine.

Canuck · 04-25-2008, 04:57 PM

Hi Mike,

Joe Scharle put me onto this universal crosscut sled last year and I use it a lot! I just use a multiple angle drafting square to set the fence angle to the edge of the sled, clamp the workpiece and cut away. It provides for an infinite number of angles you can cut by setting the fence angle. It rides on one runner.

I(I think I still have a copy of the plan, if you would like for me to send it to you.

Also, the latest issue of Shopnotes (Iss 99) has another crosscut sled plan. (I haven't looked at it in detail yet. Just came in the mail today.)

There are a ton different concepts on the web as well.

(I really like David Marks' version for cutting 45 degree miters, but haven't found a plan for it.)

Wayne

woodArtz · 04-25-2008, 04:59 PM

Here's the one I just completed.... I mean bought

. I love it so far.

The most recent issue of Shop notes has a cool looking one... http://www.shopnotes.com/

Tar Heel · 04-25-2008, 05:01 PM

I just finished my first one today. It is a fairly simple one made from a plan in the October 2003 issue of Wood magazine. The dimensions are 19 1/2 X 40. I think I am going to really enjoy using it.

I haven't put a finish on it yet. Any suggestions?

Sandy Rose · 04-25-2008, 05:19 PM

Mike,

If you havn't checked it out yet, you can register at http://www.woodsmithshop.com and take a look at all of the jigs, etc. they have. Most of them seem simple enough to make.

CarvedTones · 04-25-2008, 05:52 PM

Wayne/Canuck has such a pretty one that it is embarrasing to post mine, but that won't stop me.

As you can see, I have had it at least a couple of years.

There is a strip on the bottom, long ways, that goes in the slot. The tablesaw blade at 90 is flush to the edge of this jig, so whatever I secure to it will get cut at whatever angle I clamp it down. About 60% of the cuts I make on the tablesaw are using this jig.

Mike Davis · 04-25-2008, 06:52 PM

Sandy, I don't have any extra money for magazines right now.

Joe Scharle · 04-25-2008, 07:02 PM

These are my favorite tablesaw sleds.
Here's one I use for small stuff. 2 runners.

This one is a single runner (Incra) for big stuff, 24" X 37".
Shown with a table top being squared up

This one is a taper jig that rides in either the left or right miter slot just like the Universal tablesaw Jig. 12" X 37". Shown here after cutting curve off the far side and preparing to square up the piece.

And of course, the one Wayne mentioned that rarely leaves the table. Shown set to 45 deg angle.

Joe

DaveO · 04-25-2008, 07:22 PM

Joe Scharle is the jig master. He has the best cross cut sled(s)

notworthy

notworthy

Dave

Mike Davis · 04-25-2008, 07:48 PM

Looks like I need to save up for a bunch of T-track.

Could you loan me the plans for those Joe?

Bryan S · 04-25-2008, 08:39 PM

Heres one I recently made with 1/2 " BB ply with oak runners. Back fence is red oak and birch ply for the front fence, didn't have enough oak for the front. Measures about 24 by 28 used the 5 cut method to square the fence got withing .001 inch over a 16 inch span.

Nowhere near as versital as the one's Joe posted but I did download the plans for the universal crosscut sled.

Canuck · 04-25-2008, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by Tar Heel

I just finished my first one today. It is a fairly simple one made from a plan in the October 2003 issue of Wood magazine. The dimensions are 19 1/2 X 40. I think I am going to really enjoy using it.

I haven't put a finish on it yet. Any suggestions?

I think I would just put on a couple of coats of clear shellac and then add some Johnson's past wax, Stuart.

Wayne

CarvedTones · 04-25-2008, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by Mike Davis

Looks like I need to save up for a bunch of T-track.

Could you loan me the plans for those Joe?

Mike I have that plan.

PM with snail mail and I will send it your way.