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24th July 2015, 12:18 PM #1Senior Member
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Cross Cut Sleds - Who's made one?
Having all manner of trouble creating a cross cut sled over here. I'm using the video from the Wood Whisperer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE9f4bp_wm8
The thing is, getting the runners to fit tight enough to keep it from moving, but loose enough to actually slide I'm finding nigh on impossible. Just when I think I have it, I'll make an adjustment and then the whole thing binds up on me. I've spent hours and tons of wood trying to get this right. I wonder if I'm just too new to this all to be able to successfully create one.
Have any of you tried this? Had any luck? Maybe got some tips for how a newbie like me could get it right? I'm at a point where I have to get my cuts perfect or I can't build the things I want to build.
Is there a simpler option for getting good cross cuts on the table saw? My table saw's mitre gauge isn't really effective at all (DeWalt DW745, for what that's worth)
At this point, I'd rather spend $500 on a good mitre saw than lose my mind trying to get this right! But it's important to me that I learn how to do things like this so I can get better. Throwing money at the problem isn't always the best bet long term.
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24th July 2015, 12:43 PM #2In pursuit of excellence
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What are you making the runners out of? I had exactly the same problem as you back in the day, and fixed the problem by using UHMW or HDPE plastic (aka cutting board plastic). It machines really well and is inherently self-lubricating. You can rip the runners on your tablesaw, if you really get stuck I think carbatec might sell the correct width runners in varying materials also.
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24th July 2015, 01:31 PM #3Senior Member
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Thanks, Justin. Might give that a go!
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24th July 2015, 01:34 PM #4Senior Member
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Had no idea Carbatec sold these: https://www.carbatec.com.au/workshop...mm-18-anodised
Might come in very handy to create a smooth sliding jig. Might take a trip up there on the weekend.
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24th July 2015, 03:51 PM #5
I have made a few sleds with hardwood runners and only had problems with them swelling due to humidity changes later on. A light shave down the sides with a shoulder plane sorted them. A rub with wax helps also.
Regards
John
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24th July 2015, 04:45 PM #6Woodworking mechanic
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24th July 2015, 04:51 PM #7Woodworking mechanic
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Mitre gauge
I have made a number of sleds for different jobs but I also bought an Incra Miter 1000HD. Great bit of kit
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24th July 2015, 04:52 PM #8Senior Member
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What type of wax would you guys recommend? Is there a general purpose type I should be looking for?
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24th July 2015, 05:20 PM #9Senior Member
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Daaaaaaaaaaaamn, that Incra Miter 1000HD looks INCREDIBLE. For 269, I think this is a case of cost wins out over time and labour issues. I think I'm gonna go ahead and get that one...just would save me so much time.
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24th July 2015, 05:24 PM #10
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24th July 2015, 06:18 PM #11
I made a couple of sleds - 90, 60, 45, using cutting board plastic as suggested by Justin, and they worked fine. BUT, then I saw the Incra 1000 and bought one, so the sled rarely gets used now, mainly for coving.
Just a thought - why is it binding? Is it because the runners are too big in the tracks, or is it because they're not quite high enough, and are pulling the sled down tight on the table.
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24th July 2015, 07:20 PM #12Woodworking mechanic
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24th July 2015, 07:47 PM #13In pursuit of excellence
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Don't forget that the runners have to be parallel as well as the same thickness, if not this can also be a cause of binding. Zoover by all means get yourself an Incra Jig, but without being condescending I'd say that part of being a good woodworker* is being able to make up accurate jigs to support your machining operations. So it's certainly worth persisting with a sled.
* I have a long way to go before I can consider myself a good woodworker
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24th July 2015, 08:55 PM #14GOLD MEMBER
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You should be able to find accurately machined aluminium mitre bar in 3 metre lengths. The cost effective alternative, especially if you are making a lot of sleds (I have 7, all do different jobs). McJings have them in Sydney - I don't think there's a Mcjings in Melbourne but someone must stock it.
I also have the Incra HD. Nice thing. Depending on what you make, be aware of its limitations. Well-made sleds offer many advantages - ability to support workpiece on both sides of the cut, ability to offer support right up to the edge of the blade (even when tilted), own built-on bladeguard, built-in clamps to hold the workpiece and keep your fingers out of the way, built in sizing-blocks to compensate for different sawblade kerfs, on-board rulers and layout markings for common jobs - the list is limited by your design and building skills.
cheers
Arron
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24th July 2015, 09:49 PM #15
That's a bit freaky. I have just finished watching that very same vid on you-tube about making a cross-cut sled by The WoodWhisperer, then log onto the forum to see this post about it.
Anyway, i have also started making one myself this afternoon having watched the video last night. I've only made the base and the fences so will have to tackle the runners next.
Been meaning to make a decent cross-cut sled for a long time.
Steven.
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