Rockler Coping Sled

[ragswl4]

I recently purchased this coping sled as I was having hit and miss luck with my shop built jig while coping the ends of door rails.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?p...ing%20sled

The sled is good quality, takes about two minutes to put it together and works extremely well. The design allows for holding the workpiece down with both a horizontal and vertical clamping device. It holds the workpiece rock solid. I coped the ends of 12 rails and all perfectly aligned with the stiles.

It also gives one the feeling of control with the two handles and best of all it keeps both of your hands away from the router bit. So if you are making rail and stile doors you might want to take a look at this coping sled.

It is currently on sale for $39.99, regular price is $49.99. Not a great deal so I didn't put it in Bargain Alerts.

I have no affiliation with Rockler.

[DonHo]

Thanks for the report. I ordered it last Saturday for the 39.99 price with free shipping. Glad to hear it works well.

DonHo

[gwyneth]

Thanks for the report. I ordered it last Saturday for the 39.99 price with free shipping. Glad to hear it works well.

How'd you get free shipping?

[DonHo]

"How'd you get free shipping?"

I got an email from Rockler, Free Shipping until July 22nd. Use code V7820. Can't combine with other offers.

DonHo

[newood2]

Hey Rags, I saw this note from Rockler.

NOTE: When using the Coping Sled for the first time, your bit will be cutting a small rabbet in the phenolic base. This is normal and required to minimize tear-out for all future cuts.

How big a rabbet did it make, and would this damage the bit?
Howie

[ragswl4]

Hey Rags, I saw this note from Rockler.

NOTE: When using the Coping Sled for the first time, your bit will be cutting a small rabbet in the phenolic base. This is normal and required to minimize tear-out for all future cuts.

How big a rabbet did it make, and would this damage the bit?
Howie

I actually sent an email to Rockler on this subject and their reply was that didn't necessarily happen with all set ups. I have now used that jig to cut copes on 20 door rails and the first time I used it I set the bit to just clear the jig. Of course at my age the eyes are not as good as they should be so it took a paper thin slice out of the top edge the first time I used it. It now clears the bit every time. Bit height is critical so its worth checking twice.

No bit damage and I can barely detect where the bit touched the jig. Bottom of the bit needs to just clear the jig.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Hey Rags, I saw this note from Rockler.

NOTE: When using the Coping Sled for the first time, your bit will be cutting a small rabbet in the phenolic base. This is normal and required to minimize tear-out for all future cuts.

How big a rabbet did it make, and would this damage the bit?
Howie

Phenolic will not damage the bit.

[kirkroy]

Save this to the reviews section?

[tlt]

thanks for the review -- I had wondered how good this jig was. I looked at it a while back, but went with the MLCS coping jig because it was cheaper (http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...safety_anchor). But at $40, I'd get the rockler one in a heartbeat. The nice thing about the rockler jig is that you can use a replaceable hardwood backer. With the mlcs jig you have to replace the plastic piece.

[uglystick]

See it in action

The Wood Whisperer's lastest video podcast on raised panels shows the Rockler sled in action... looks like a nice accessory!

http://thewoodwhisperer.com/

[drumpriest]

I have that sled as well, it's pretty good. One of the rockler bit sets cuts into it, their others don't. The CMT set cuts into it a little as well. Still, overall I think it has made making doors easier, safer, and just nicer.

[hermit]

This is one of those jigs I see in magazines or in a store, and just think "no way am I buying that"! A $10 toggle clamp and some scrap and you have one very easily. Jointer blocks were another one that I thought that on, so I made some. A pushstick for the tablesaw is another, but I guess they still sell 'em. I was just at a woodworking show and Woodline USA were demonstrating their box joint jig. Well, I just finished making a 1/4" one and a 3/8" one, saving about $80. LOML bought the dovetail system for me though!

Anyway, the thing does a great job bought or made.

Todd

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I agree with you Hermit. One of the few jigs that I thought was worth the time and effort versus store bought. I own store bought feather boards, push sticks, etc but the sled was so quick and cheap I had to do it myself. Toggle clamps are the key.

[jhart]

Jeffery and Hermit - might want to post some pictures of your home made versions.

[drumpriest]

I would say you guys are correct at the normal price. I ended up getting mine from a friend for 20$, so it was a steal. The phenolic is nice though, no fighting the ply trying to get it to stay straight.

It does go on sale occasionally, but sure, if you don't wanna wait, I think you are correct, it's overpriced normally.