The New Rockler Ad..

You sure could try making one, it would cost considerably less. If you are not satisfied, then go buy one. I built my own, and am quite happy with the results.

-- Maplewood, MN

I agree the home made one will give you skills on aligning and skills that are used all the time in making items.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

It is relatively simple to make one of your own. It generally takes me less than 1/2 hour to make one. The only time I have had to replace mine is when the blade gets out of alignment. It tends to be one of the most heavily used jigs in my shop.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

There are a number of free plans out there to make a sled. I’d been wanting one and went to my local Woodcraft store where I even bought Incra Miter Slides (although not necessary) to build mine…then when I got home and stood at my saw ready to begin I realized something….where am I going to store the darn thing??? “LOL” Well, still got the slides and hoping to move to a bigger place and will build it yet. But I would build your own and save your money for….other toys ;>).

-- Jim Hallada, Chesterfield, VA

I would say, build one first and try it out. Then decide if you want to buy one or not. I made a very simple cross cut sled with a piece of plywood and poplar that attaches to the saw’s miter gauge. I attach it with a couple of screws and use it. I built it mainly to have a larger miter gauge for cross cutting larger pieces.

My sled is only one piece, so there is no support for the other side. This is not usually a problem, unless I am cutting some thick wood (something like 8/4). That will cause the board to sag as it is cut, and can start to pinch the saw blade. In those cases, I simply place another piece of plywood on the other side of the table to support the off-cut. It works, though I should build a better one next time.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com