Results 1 to 13 of 13
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Chifley, ACT Australia
    Posts
    313

    Default Cross cut sled for a table saw vs compound mitre saw

    Just about the first recommended table saw jig is a cross cut sled... but is there a real need for one if you also have a compound mitre saw?

    Cross cuts across wide panels is not required that often... and on those occasions I've done a reasonable job with a hand circular saw and straight edge. Cross cut sleds are bulky, awkward to store, and tricky to build.

    If not a cross cut sled, what do you think the "must have" jig for a table saw might be?

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Gold Coast
    Age
    70
    Posts
    2,730

    Default

    Is an outfeed table considered a jig?
    Franklin

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Hobart, Tas
    Posts
    1,211

    Default

    I have a Makita LS1214, which I think a great SCMS. There is however a degree of play in the sliding arms and it's simply not super rigid when extended or tilted. This isn't a criticism of the saw, just a limitation of it's design/role. It simply doesn't hold a candle to repeatable accuracy and finish I can get with my tablesaw, sled and crosscut blade.

    My main sled took me under an hour to make and has been with me for years. It lives under my saw (it's only about 600x400). Be aware that many YT "makers" construct sleds that are so over the top as to be ridiculous, but then they're trying to generate new content, not make a sled to just use.

    This is of course horses for courses. I break down sheet goods with a circular saw and straight edge, carpentry or breaking down solid stock my SCMS, and high accuracy cuts on my sled.

    I was given a massive sled to break down sheet goods on my table saw years ago. I used it a couple of times then gave it back. It was massive, cumbersome and I always felt a little sketchy using it.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Helensburgh
    Posts
    7,696

    Default

    Cutting small pieces is safer on a sled.
    CHRIS

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    blue mountains
    Posts
    4,882

    Default

    As Lance has pointed out miter saws are not as accurate as a sled on a decent set up tablesaw. Mitersaws are more a carpenters tool and if you are doing any house renovations or building a deck then they are a must. You get better accuracy from a mitersaw if you lock the sliding bars and use it as a drop saw provided the wood is not too wide. On the other hand its hard to crosscut very long heavy timbers on the average tablesaw. It is nice to have both.
    Regards
    John

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    In between houses
    Posts
    1,784

    Default

    There is no “ one saw does it all”, a panel saw with sliding table and a good sliding mitre saw should cover everything, and of course a bandsaw.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    1,014

    Default

    I've got a Kapex which is probably more accurate than I am. Still use the crosscut sled pretty often. Just depends on what the various tools are currently set up for.

    And the small pieces comment from Chris is very true - Pretty hard to clamp little stuff down on the mitre saw (unless you...have...a...jig...!)

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Chifley, ACT Australia
    Posts
    313

    Default

    An outfeed table is on my list... but thanks for the reminder/suggestion.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Chifley, ACT Australia
    Posts
    313

    Default

    I have a small workshop/storage shed. and for this reason have a Metabo TS 254 worksite saw that I bring out to the carport on Woodworking days. Large jigs/ cutting guides would be a pain to use and store. Making a small one that can be attached to the flolding frame of tbe saw would be worth mulling over...

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Chifley, ACT Australia
    Posts
    313

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Bernmc View Post
    I've got a Kapex which is probably more accurate than I am. Still use the crosscut sled pretty often. Just depends on what the various tools are currently set up for.

    And the small pieces comment from Chris is very true - Pretty hard to clamp little stuff down on the mitre saw (unless you...have...a...jig...!)
    If I had a Kapex SCMS I probably would not have asked the question! �� Mine is a no name hand me down... which probably answers my question right there... (but its still good to hear other's opinion)

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Chifley, ACT Australia
    Posts
    313

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Chris Parks View Post
    Cutting small pieces is safer on a sled.
    And therefore the sled should be small(ish), like Lance suggested.

    Ok you've all convinced me! Small sled back on the list!

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    32

    Default

    Aldi have 400mm x 300mm x 20mm heavy duty polyethylene cutting boards which might be useful for making sled runners or zero clearance throat plates.
    Density is 0.90g/cm3 so more VLDPE than HDPE
    Professional Cutting Boards - ALDI Australia


  14. #13
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Chifley, ACT Australia
    Posts
    313

    Default

    Yes I often thought that PE is a wonderful materials for runners etc - as it has a low friction coefficient.

    I think that plastic cutting boards are sold in many stores and supermarkets... They will all be made of PE or PP.

    Quote Originally Posted by jimbo16 View Post
    Aldi have 400mm x 300mm x 20mm heavy duty polyethylene cutting boards which might be useful for making sled runners or zero clearance throat plates.
    Density is 0.90g/cm3 so more VLDPE than HDPE
    Professional Cutting Boards - ALDI Australia


Similar Threads

  1. Cross cut sled and makeshift mitre sled
    By DeSeriousSquid in forum WOODWORK - GENERAL
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 28th May 2019, 07:15 AM
  2. VICTORIA Compound mitre saw and table setup
    By Bendigo Bob in forum WOODWORK - Tools & Machinery
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 5th January 2019, 04:12 PM
  3. Table Saw mitre Sled
    By Woody1 in forum WOODWORK PICS
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 13th June 2010, 08:24 PM
  4. Table saw sled - mitre attachment
    By jmk89 in forum HOMEMADE TOOLS AND JIGS ETC.
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 14th April 2008, 11:38 AM
  5. Mitre sled for the compact table
    By Corunetes in forum TRITON / GMC
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 11th November 2004, 09:40 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •