Tired of dealing with a loose or binding Crosscut Sled? Consider upgrading to adjustable metal runners.
There are many opinions about crosscut sled design. Just Google “crosscut sleds” and you will see it returns about 125,000 results.
This post considers what is under your crosscut sled – the runners. In the video I review my experience with two different types of aluminum runners.
What is your experience with crosscut sled runners? Do you prefer metal runners, or wouldn’t use anything except quartersawn hard wood, or maybe UHMW plastic? Go to comments and give your opinion.
Thanks for viewing,
Randy
http://www.randallprice.com
-- http://www.randallprice.com
3 comments so far
Roger
home | projects | blog
9191 posts in 973 days
#1 posted 661 days ago
very nice review…. I would add a little canning wax to the miter slots. it may help eliminate that bit of drag with the incra slides
-- Roger from KY. Work/Play/Travel Safe. Kentuk55@bellsouth.net
SchottFamily
home | projects | blog
110 posts in 662 days
#2 posted 661 days ago
I agree. Thanks for the review. I’m building my first crosscut sled this week and one of my concerns was the play involved and sure to increase due to the friction and wear of either hardwood or plastic runners vs. the miter slots with their imperfections (I’ve got an entry level saw). I’ve been wondering if I would be better off acquiring some miter rails (actually a few replacement miter gauges and reusing the rails) from the MFG for my sled, and this has made up my mind. Thanks!
-- IZZZZZI BoB IZZZZZI
Randy Price
home | projects | blog
202 posts in 1670 days
#3 posted 661 days ago
I’m glad the post helped you decide to go with the metal runners.
One thing I didn’t mention in the post was durability – when I bought the runners I was concerned about wear with nylon set screws in the Kreg system, but they have held up well no appreciable wear.
Check out the Incra web site – http://www.incra.com – they have downloadable product manuals & ideas for jigs and sleds.
Also I have free plans and a sketchup drawing for the 45 degree miter sled shown in the video at my web site http://www.randallprice.com.
Randy
-- http://www.randallprice.com
Have your say...