Thread: Cross Cut Sleds - Who's made one?

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.

Thanks, Justin. Might give that a go!

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.

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

Originally Posted by orraloon

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

Same as me John

I have made a number of sleds for different jobs but I also bought an Incra Miter 1000HD. Great bit of kit

What type of wax would you guys recommend? Is there a general purpose type I should be looking for?

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.

Originally Posted by zoovegroover

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.

Highly recommended, love mine, works like a charm as most Incra stuff does.

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.

Originally Posted by zoovegroover

What type of wax would you guys recommend? Is there a general purpose type I should be looking for?

I just use an old candle on the runners but I use Gilly Stephenson's Carnauba Polish on the base of the sleds and the saw table.

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

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

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.