Jump to content

table saw sled sizing


Pat Meeuwissen

Recommended Posts

Good morning guys, I'm working on making some larger panel cuts and am wondering what size you make your TS sleds? I have a very nice small one but the width just doesn't allow me to cut things like cabinet sides. Would love to see some pics to gleem some ideas from.

 

As a side note I need to cut some plywood with some oval cut outs, I don't have the luxury of a cnc what would be the best way to reduce tearout in these cuts?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pat, the easiest way to eliminate tear out is to use a router and and a down spiral bit. Rockler sells a jig that works well for circles and ellipses. http://www.rockler.com/rockler-ellipse-circle-router-jig?sid=V9146?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=pla&utm_campaign=PL&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_JTUBRD4ARIsAL7_VeWG1z6KNuNqGFxbUWMCwZUp7GxMdgkSt1eWyTxDs2tx6h_IsUCpxOAaAhO2EALw_wcB

Edited by Gene Howe
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pat, as far as a sled width, I have made them so that a 2' wide piece of plywood will fit to be cut for cabinet sides. Just copy the one you have now only larger. The only draw back to them is where to put them when you are not making cabinets, they are big and  clunky,always in the way.

Herb

Edited by Dadio
Link to comment
Share on other sites

This sled is on a 12" table saw and I never move it off the saw.. I only use this set up for cross cuts.. its 48" wide be 37 deep.5a85b936471e9_theverybestandsafesttop.jpg.8620400b28c89c5d244e1429ac051349.jpg

 First picture is a few months after I built it. The second picture I have added a wood planner knob in the fore ground to pull the sled toward me as I cut the panels.. I think this is the best set up for safe working conditions...

5a85ae433b616_Ithinkthebestwaytobuildacrosscutsled.jpg.5c1da6d516a1169b6b332b2662828192.jpg

  18" vise grips to hold the sled secure to the two slides in the saw grooves and they are used as stops for cutting lengths of wood.

  Since I don't have room for work benches in my shop the table saws are work benches... and are very sturdy I might add. I do have rectangle tubing installed for another Grizzly fence but never use it..as it sits up on a shelf somewhere.. my shop is 30 x 62 but after a while a person runs out of room no matter have big it is to start with..

  It took a while to get this sled zeroed in but now for ten years or so even with checking its accuracy really often  I don't ever have to readjust it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 minutes ago, Smallpatch said:

Pat I tried a one runner model and I come up with more side movement than I wanted.  So to help there I finally found the 12" saw at a school auction..

   You could still make a 2 runner model but would be a bugger to set off and on when not using....Sorry I couldn't help.

The side of my TS is very flat If I get too much play I might add a "side" runner. Your help was very much appreciated we just do different things with our saws.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pat, I have 2 sleds. One is very much like the one you made. Single wooden runner. I copied the idea from "Norm". I had another version of the sled with the "fence" piece across the leading edge but with my small saw it was a little awkward to use. I use this one mostly for squaring panel ends. The framing square is for scale.

IMG_6872.thumb.JPG.c7280b1f7bb066a68635f8f3e607d59c.JPG

IMG_6873.thumb.JPG.ff002a30f761ef30e304736e6007da36.JPG

 

IMG_6874.thumb.JPG.f7984728380c2a5d9342753fdae8fd29.JPG

 

 

The other sled is a crosscut sled. It is a gathering of ideas. I have begun to use metal runners instead of wood or plastic. The sled was totally over engineered and really heavy.

IMG_6875.thumb.JPG.832b1302d1b845252388e3bc9e2f74a8.JPG

 

I added a stop to the sled/table saw to prevent it from going too far thru the blade. It's just a bolt threaded into the side wing and a stop block fastened to the side of the sled.

IMG_6876.thumb.JPG.4d544edc94608e395c592a98aa3fd524.JPG

 

The bottom and a view of the blade protection block

IMG_6877.thumb.JPG.813f6566131551ae7e9c1f4215f6263c.JPG

IMG_6878.thumb.JPG.96a220ac84fe438ae88fc650388c5fb3.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I like to have the right hand side extended to at least the width of the TS top width. The reason being that it will support the cut off from twisting as it comes off and not interfering with the return travel and for safety reasons. Also it gives the sled some counter weight to keep from tipping from the weight on the left hand side after the drop off is free. I have also seen where they are made with a fixed off cut side to support the cut off to eliminate tear out, but this does not help the counter balance issue.

I also prefer the work to abutt the back side (operator side) of the sled as opposed to the far side.

 

Herb

 

 

Edited by Dadio
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...