Table Saw Sled

Table Saw Sled

There is a secret to the perfect pieces that woodworkers can make, and it's not so much about precision measuring.  It is more about relying on a table saw sled to make the crosscuts and angle cuts of the pieces that they are making.  A table saw sled is a piece that sits in your table saw's miter gauge slots.  Your piece of wood sits against the fence on the front that faces the saw blade.

Most woodworkers use a table saw sled in place of the miter gauge.  It is believed through experience that the table saw sled is much more accurate and a lot safer to use than the miter gauge that came with your saw.  A normal sized table saw sled is made to accommodate a contractor's table saw or a cabinet saw that is at least 10 inches.  If you need a table saw sled for something with a smaller table size, like a bench-top saw, you will need a mini table saw sled.

Operating Safely

A table saw sled is a bit more risky to use because you have to remove the safety guard on your saw.  If you are making your own table saw sled, you can add some safety features that will protect your fingers from the blade.  You can attach to bolts that will act as a stopper; one goes into the table saw sled itself in the upper left corner, while the other gets attached to the saw's table.  When the two bolts meet, the sled stops after the cut is finished.  You should also use guard blocks, which are just blocks of wood, and attach them to the back of the fence of your table saw sled.

Choosing the Right Materials

In most cases, woodworkers will choose to build their own table saw sled because it is more cost effective and can be customized without additional charges.  The materials that you choose to make your table saw sled are important in order to maintain safety and accuracy.  The deck can be made from plywood, although you may have to keep replacing it because plywood warps with the slightest exposure to moisture.  A laminate board or melamine is recommended to maintain a flat surface without the risk of warping.  For maximum consistency, your runners should be made from a steel or nylon bar.  Additionally, if you are going to use wood for your fence, you should make sure it is completely straight and does not have any knots.  You will need some hold down clamps in various sizes that will hold the larger pieces to the sled while you are cutting them.

You do not have to make your own table saw sled if you are not up to the task.  A simple search online or a visit to your local home improvement store can provide you with a broad selection of sleds that are already made.  Making your own table saw sled, however, gives you the opportunity to save money and customize your sled to your own individual needs.

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