I just recently made a crosscut sled, and thought I’d go over some of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a crosscut sled. I can’t think of too many disadvantages, except it is another thing to store in my small shop, which doesn’t have a lot of storage space, or any space at all. Of course, that may not be a disadvantage for you! The only other thing is you can’t use the table saw blade guard, but the sled has a lot of safety advantages.
This sled also is a combination miter sled, so I am getting two sled in one. Which helps with the storage problem.
Since I put in tracks into the base of the sled, I can use that for hold downs, to help hold small pieces. This will keep my hands further away from the blade. The miter sled also had tracks, which will be used for stop blocks, but I guess could be used to help hold a small piece on also.
This sled has the Kreg top track, which has a place for tape measures to go, as well as can hold the Kreg swing stop (a fancy stop block, that uses the measuring tapes too). That is super easy and nice to help make pieces the exact same length. The Kreg swing stop swings up out of the way, and can swing back in place, all while being in the exact same place it was.
With the front fence being there, pieces can’t get kicked back into you. It is possible they could get kicked over the front fence. A lot of your pieces will be held right up against the front fence though, making sure they won’t move.
The front fence can be set to a high accuracy using the 5 cut method. I used this method and got the fence to within 2.4 thousandths of an inch. That should give me easy 90 degree cuts.
The miter fence that comes with the saw is small, and for large pieces, the pieces drag on the table saw top, and inevitably pull the piece out of 90 degrees exactly. With the crosscut sled, the piece rests on the sled, and since the whole sled moves, it makes a much more accurate cut.
Overall, I’m liking the crosscut fence already, and have been using it a lot. Thanks to Nick Ferry, who made the excellent plans for this sled.
Parts used in this article:
Kreg Swing stop: http://amzn.to/2pbYVb8
Kreg 1/2″ measuring tape: http://amzn.to/2FDczLb
Kreg 1/2″ left to right measuring tape: http://amzn.to/2FC5WNq
Kreg 48″ mini track (Qty 2): http://amzn.to/2Fytqmn
Kreg 48″ top track: http://amzn.to/2HvgjyW
1/4 20 bolt, 1.25″ long: http://amzn.to/2tK7MpZ
1/4 20 knobs: http://amzn.to/2FAE1gZ
Sanding drum drill press attachment: http://amzn.to/2Hz5ITU
Countersink bits: http://amzn.to/2FGo9FB
Optional parts:
Mini hold down clamp (3″): http://amzn.to/2tNLX8W
Hold Down clamp (3 5/8″): http://amzn.to/2tSdoyD
Hold down clamp (about 6″ (?) and it looks like you’d need to replace the 5/16 bolt with 1/4 20 bolt and knob) http://amzn.to/2tLguEb
Kreg miter track (if you don’t make your own out of wood – Qty 2): http://amzn.to/2Dq0TcR
End cutting nippers (to cut screws shorter): http://amzn.to/2p7SSoS
Big Tools I use:
Table Saw, SawStop PCS: http://amzn.to/2H3ySLb
SawStop Industrial Mobile base: http://amzn.to/2spo6f6
Overarm dust collector: http://amzn.to/2CdfRlR
SawStop 80 tooth blade: http://amzn.to/2Cenngl
SawStop 40 tooth blade: http://amzn.to/2CdLRXh
SawStop Dado safety cartridge: http://amzn.to/2H8e7ye
DeWalt Dado: http://amzn.to/2CeqLrs
SawStop Cast Iron Extension: http://amzn.to/2Cdtj9s
Bench Dog Router Extension: http://amzn.to/2Bpcbkr
Router: http://amzn.to/2H5YK9v
Router Lift: http://amzn.to/2Ejz3En
Band Saw: http://amzn.to/2Eh9pQG
Smaller Tools I use:
DeWalt Drill/Driver set (very nice!): http://amzn.to/2BpDMC7
Clamps: http://amzn.to/2H6tG9t
Bessey REVO Clamps: http://amzn.to/2CeGEOJ
FastCap Glue Bottle: http://amzn.to/2Cf25z5
Chisel set: http://amzn.to/2EVBUAD
Brad point drill bits: http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?c=&p=42247&cat=1,180
Forstner Bit Extension: http://amzn.to/2CdxB0r
Bubble Level: http://amzn.to/2Elvr50
Sharpening Stones:
DMT 8″ Course (D8C): http://amzn.to/2hZ8AOO
DMT 8″ Fine (D8F): http://amzn.to/2hY4tCT
DMT 8″ X Fine (D8E): http://amzn.to/2Agtofq
DMT 8″ XX Fine (D8EE): http://amzn.to/2BwMziU
Safety Equipment:
Dewalt safety glasses: http://amzn.to/2Dp5ZpW
Dewalt safety glasses Rx-BiFocal (choose your power): http://amzn.to/2FFV2lw
Dust masks N95: http://amzn.to/2HynRRH
Camera Equipment:
80D: http://amzn.to/2EUq5KV
Lens: http://amzn.to/2CdJKCs
GoPro: http://amzn.to/2BnQa5h
Sandpaper:
3M 100: http://amzn.to/2EiI94g
3M 220: http://amzn.to/2H8us5K