Crosscut Sled Runner question

[lrr]

I have a BT3100 with the dual miter slot add-on accessory. I want to build a crosscut sled, but have wondered how well they work with one runner (or two using both slots). Most articles on sled designs show them using runners that ride in miter slots that are on both sides of the blade on "typical" table saws.

I have thought about buying the Craftsman table extension for routers, since it has miter slots on it. A friend has one and I dropped it into my saw, and it looks to be a good solution, but I wouldn't mind just using the saw as-is if the sled would have enough support (and accuracy) using my existing miter slot(s).

[JR]

I have thought about buying the Craftsman table extension for routers, since it has miter slots on it.

That's probably not the right answer. The problem is getting the miter slot in the extension table aligned with the blade, and therefor aligned with the slots in your current setup. And if you do get it aligned, could you replicate that alignment when you move the extension table.

I think there are three potential solutions.

1. Use the SMT that came with your saw. I don't use mine, but there are many who say they are able to use theirs reliably.
2. Try two runners in your current setup. Given that two runners are better than one, this would probably provide good results.
3. Mount a DSMT (or a homemade version) to the right of the blade, which is what I have done.

[Bill in Buena Park]

I don't think you need two runners. I have only one runner on my xcut sled and it works great; in fact, all my sleds only have one runner. Just make sure there's no slop in the fit of the runner to the miter slot, so the sled can't wiggle. I'd also make the runner at least as long as your sled, maybe longer if your sled depth is short.

[Carpenter96]

+ one for align and one runner.

Regards Bob

[Brian G]

I also agree that one runner is all that you need.

One thing that I did with my crosscut sled (sorry, no pictures) is drill 1/4" hole in the sled so that the hole aligns with the hole for the pivot pin for the miter fence on the SMT. I push a dowel, flush with the surface of the crosscutt sled, so that it sloppily fits in the hole in the SMT. All that this does is give me more support for the use of the crosscut sled. It has no alignment utility at all.

[MBG]

This is a solution (I also like the shop made tables with miter tracks):

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?82788-Finally-a-better-sled-runner&highlight=sled

Mike

[LCHIEN]

the craftsman router table with miter slots: The miter slots are for router in the table use only. There's no way to guarantee that they are aligned to the blade.

One slot will do. If you use two you have to be real careful to get them paralleled exactly at the right distance or they will bind. Further if you do the math I'm sure that for any reasonable miter bar that the slop will be exceedingly small.

[Cochese]

the craftsman router table with miter slots: The miter slots are for router in the table use only. There's no way to guarantee that they are aligned to the blade.

One slot will do. If you use two you have to be real careful to get them paralleled exactly at the right distance or they will bind. Further if you do the math I'm sure that for any reasonable miter bar that the slop will be exceedingly small.

Sometimes you get lucky and they do line up.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

[LCHIEN]

Sometimes you get lucky and they do line up.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

why depend upon luck when one works fine?

[Cochese]

why depend upon luck when one works fine?

I was referring to the router table.

[eezlock]

crosscut sled runner question

I feel that something as big as a crosscut sled would give better cutting results
on a consistent basis and stay in alignment better with two sled runners on it.

You could add another dual slot miter table to the other side of the blade as I
did with my saw, or make a sled runner that would ride along the outside edge
of the saw table using a runner made of good, straight, hardwood or one of
aluminum channel tracks like Kreg Co. makes, from Rockler or other suppliers. It could be mounted on a strip of wood and attached between the main saw table
and the miter slot table giving you another slot for your sled to ride in.

[lrr]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Good to know that a single runner works well on a sled for some of you. I'll probably try that first due to the simplicity.