Cross cut sled questions

[lcm1947]

I intend to make a cross cut sled to expand the capabilies of my 3100 and have read a lot on the subject but still have a few questions if someone would be so kind as to answer. The first one is would 1/2" instead of the 3/4" base be Ok. I'm trying to keep the weight down. Question two is how would you attach the UHMW runners to the base. You can't glue it so you'd have to use screws but does that stuff hold screws well? The last one is asumming you do use screws would you screw them up through the runners into the base or into the base down into the runners? Appreciate any advise. Thanks.

[LCHIEN]

I'd screw from the bottom thru the runners. always easier to attach a small item to a big and get it positioned right.
Also the screws probably easier to hold in wood.

[Pappy]

I am remaking my miter sled using 1/2" Baltic Birch ply for the same reason - weight. On the front edge, and possibly on the ends, I am going to reenforce it with 1/2" x 3/4" x 1/8" aluminum channel. On a crosscut sled there is normally a vertical member front and back so this wouldn't be required.

I agree with Loring. Screw thru the runners into the base.

[drumpriest]

I just made my first one of these, and made it on the small side purposely, easy to store, and will do what I need for most of the types of cuts that I do. I used 3/4, because I had it, else I'd have used 1/2. I don't see any reason not to use the 1/2" except that you need pretty short screws.

I attached oak runners with screws to the bottom of my sled. I did this by careful measurements of the gap between the slots, attached one end of each, and sat the sled in place, pushed it far enough that just the unfastened end was revealed, and fastened that other end. I let the slots create the parallel for me, worked nicely.

[crokett]

The base on my crosscut sled is 15/32" ply and it works just fine. I use the SMT for mine. I added some stops to the underside and it simply drops down and sits on the SMT. I need to add a screw handle to fit in the slot in the SMT so it can be tightened down to help hold it in place.

[lcm1947]

Thanks guys. I was going to actually screw from the base down into the runner but Loring you and Pappy are right it would hold better the other way around and with drumpriest's great suggestion about attaching the runners it should be a lot easier then what I had planned. Excellent idea drumpriest thanks. So then 1/2" for the base then, excellent! I am just dead set on being able to use my TS for most of my cutting work instead of my circular saw especailly when winter gets here and I don't want to saw outside which I sure do right now due to the saw dust. That shark guard is so efficient I shouldn't have a problem sawing with the garage doors shut come winter once I have a sled.

[scmhogg]

Lee,

I used 1/2 Birch ply from HD. I have had no problems and I use the sled a lot. I used 2" Redwood to support both ends.



Steve

[MBG]

I made a sled for 45 deg. miter cuts (for mitered doors). When applying the runners - I applied two runners (two slots: Does everyone use both slots?). I put the runners in the miter slots with double sided tape on top. Once I aligned the sled to the blade I brought the runners up to the sled. Then screded the runners in place - took it apart to remove the tape then re-assembled.


Mike

[dlminehart]

Mike, I like the idea of double-sided tape, but I don't understand how you aligned the sled and then "brought the runners up", unless the runners are longer than the sled so they're accessible when the sled is suspended just over them.

[dlminehart]

Keith (drumpriest): I wonder if one could use your technique for both ends of the runners. I.e., put the runners in the slots with pre-drilled holes in them, put the sled on the runners, push one end of the sled just past the edge of the table exposing the holes, insert the screws, then back the sled to the other side of the table and insert the other pair of screws.

[lcm1947]

Nice looking sled Steve. Those Redwood supposts are beauiful! Another two good ideas on attaching the runners thanks Mike and David. Cool, so out of the three ideas you guys gave I should have no problem. I sure appreciate the help. Thanks all.