Posted on Table saw sleds: 1 or 2 runners; metal, wood, or UHMW plastic?
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#1 posted 240 days ago |
I would use 2 runners. I build a sled with UDMH runners. Tip on the material – check out mcmaster.com. They have this stuff for a decent price. I bought a 1’x2’ sheet of 3/8” thick material so I could make several TS accessories (other any accessory with a miter track). jmos’ comment about the plastic deformation is true, however it can be mitigated with some added functionality. I started with the large blank and drilled a few holes along one side 3/8” from the edge (half of the standard 3/4” miter track). I used #10 brass inserts in the holes. Then I ran the edge (trimming about 1/64”) through the table saw to remove any potential bulge from the brass inserts. I then cut the 3/4” runner from the large blank and waalaa, perfectly strait and flat with inserts. It’s a bit more work, but it also adds some benefit when you attach the runners to the sled. Often people will put the runner in the tracks with double sided tape and drop the sled on top, then screw it in. I put small counterbored holes in my sled. Drop the runners in the tracks, put the sled over it, then just screw it down with #10 screws. The screws and inserts can be found at McMaster for a couple bucks. I was also thinking about the fact that I may have to adjust my runners if I move from a warm and dry climate to a cold and wet climate (something that is very possible still). With the couterbored holes, I have just enough room to adjust the runners (won’t need much). My sled runs really smooth, I like the UDMH. It’s a bit more work, and a couple more bucks, but imo worth it. -- Jason |
