A pointed stop, so saw dust doesn’t effect accuracy, then with a threaded bolt to give hundredths of a millimetre accuracy. Beautiful and genius. Passing on wisdom with a smile. Then he says “thank you kindly for watching” wish I could tell him in person thank you kindly for passing on your wisdom, greatest gift
Detailed instructions on a magnificent saw sled delivered with comedic nuggets like, "it is not really that hard to make. It certainly easier than gluing your fingers back on".
Been woodworking for 9 years young. Dunno how I only came across you these past few months having thought I’d seen everyone who is anyone on YT. Now you’re the first port of call daily! Thank you for your content and awesome instruction.
Congratulations to the presenter for possibly the best planned video I have seen. The substance is easily understood and the credibility is first class.
Undoughtably this is the most comprehensive saw sled build video I’ve seen. Your presentation is as precise as your finished product. I’m not aware of another saw sled video that includes a good storage idea like your sled cart/caddy! That is a great option because it will take less floor space than wall space to store multiple sleds. Good ideas, great job. BTW, that was worth a good hammer twirl!
What a superb presentation! No "ums" nor "ahs" and no waffle. Just clear instructions and reasoning to make a superbly versatile sled - and in both metric and imperial too. I haven't enjoyed a UA-cam video so much for a very long time! Subscribed!
The single most helpful and universally applicable hint in this entire video might be the genius use of blue tape to keep screws from falling out. Bravo.
This man is an EXCELLENT TEACHER. In another life he must have been a school teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed watching, and learning from, this video. As the late, great, Paul Harvey was fond of saying, LEAD ON, Nick.
I wish I had you instead of my shop teacher in high school. You explain things better, without condescending, without a better than you attitude. You seem like a fun guy to work with.
"Theres even a slot for your semi retired miter gauge " and that smirk was hilarious. Just came across this channel and wow, did I hit a goldmine of information. Thank you!
I don’t own a table saw or even a shop. But enjoy watching and listening to this excellent teacher. Banking this knowledge for the day I will have a shop😊
Damn, this is probably the best table saw sled video on the platform right now! Definitely gonna do this ASAP to complement my existing sled. Thanks for putting out such a concise tutorial. Lots of ideas for me to consider.
Hi Nick, I have just come across Your channel and I have to admit, that You and Stumpy Nubs are my favorite teachers now, followed closely by 3x3 Tamar. People like You have a special gift. Thank You so much for that. kind regards from Germany
When I get my first table saw, I will revisit this! This isn’t the first video of yours I’ve seen. You have a great presentation and reminds me of some great teachers I was blessed to have in school years ago.
@@WorkshopCompanion I meant them! May I also ask what kind of animation software you used at minute 8:12? I'm an aspiring wood worker. I purchased an investment property with a detached garage built in the 1970's (?). The bones are good but much of the building is in disrepair. I'm going through the process of a stud down rehab to create my own workshop. I'm working through the electrical of the building and wanted to use the same animation to describe the home run diagram and circuitry. Thank you.
@@mehrrepairz For that particular animation, I used Sketchup with an "Animator" plugin. Sympathize on the building -- we restored a 100-year-old hangar for our shop/studio. Everything but the walls, windows, and a few rafters are new.
@@WorkshopCompanion Congratulations for that rework and recycle of an old building, Nick. Good size too. I've scanned the background of several of your videos, and I'm a little envious of you guys for having that much room.
As a future hobby woodworker I have never learned so many useful things in so few minutes, awesome teacher! Task, solution and explanation of the solution, THANKS!! Viliam
The UA-cam algorithm was kind enough to serve this up to me today. Couldn't ask for more: a project I need to do presented by a master who speaks clearly and with words us mere mortals can understand. Well done Nick!
I am a joiner by trade for many years now and even at 60 years old I still like watching videos about joinery you never know what you can learn and I must admit I did learn a few things and I like to see other people’s workshops the only thing I will say is about your converting Imperial into metric it’s millimetres in metres not centimetres l must admit when l go out to buy things at the shop here in the uk 🇬🇧 they put centimetre’s and feet which then I have to convert l was lucky when I grew up with my dad who was a joiner as well he would work in feet & inches and I would work in millimetres in metres so I had to learn to convert them? But it has had it been useful thanks for your advice and videos stay safe 👍😊
I agree - I grew up in the 50s and 60s so I used imperial but learnt metric and when I started work I worked with older guys who only knew imperial, so I can easily switch between the two systems (I even combine them when it suits me), but I was also taught to ignore centimetres . . . they are for cloth workers such as dressmakers and curtain makers . . . so I find myself “thinking” to convert when I hear ‘8 centimetres’ instead of 80 mil.
Another great video! One thing to add to UHMW, it's also "self lubricating" meaning you don't need any lubricants for preventing wear and you also don't need any lubricants in order to decrease friction between the mating surfaces. Also when tapping wood I always pour a good amount of CA into the threads and shoot some accelerator, then run the tap through again to clean up the threads, this will make the threads harder and won't strip so easily
Without a doubt the best sled how-to that I've seen. Details, all the little details missing from other videos. Correct names for the fasteners as well as the reasons each was used. On top of all that, metrics as well. Even if you don't live in that part of the world. Excellent work.
We have a complete metalworking shop for our aircraft builds in the next room, off camera. It's amazing how often we borrow tools from one shop to the other.
Big fan of Nick, the plywood cutting/handling plans have turned out to be great for a one man shop. purchased these plans and plan on doing it within the next week. edit. i am waiting for the tutorial on the hammer spin without getting knots on my head :)
I have a couple of your books that I cut years ago, but the humorous asides in your videos are just great. As with your books, the videos are thorough and detailed. Thanks much
I’d just like to echo what a lot of people have said - your explanations are great, Nick. It’s almost like listening to someone tell a story and is possibly the best style on the internet. I think I’ve learnt a lot from this channel - not just about woodworking, but also about transferring knowledge and information, so thank you for that also.
The great norm’ Abram,has been completely out normed by this bloke. This fellow is ridiculously under subbed. Best quality woodworking content on youtube,absolutely outstanding.
I appreciate all the hard work you have put in to make this video. I could only imagine how detailed a woodworker you would be when you made such a detailed video for a sled that people think should be a 3 minute job. Excellent work mate!!
Hi, Alex from Costa Rica again. I'm advancing on my cutting table and this whole video is like gold to me. Thank you very much for sharing your time and knowledge with us Sir!
Best sled vid on UA-cam! Bravo, Sir! Bravo! It’s rare for me to watch a video then immediately watch it again, but that’s exactly what I’m about to do.
I have watched literally hundreds of frigging sled vids... not one comes close to your quality and versatility, and bugger me if that adjustable little fractions-of-a-mm screw-thingamajig thingy isn't the best I have seen so far! great video... no... GREAT VIDEO!
Nick, your videos are clear, easy to follow and delivered in a very interesting way. Providing inch and mm as you discuss the sizing, is very, very, very helpful. Thoughtful!! Love this particularly. Thanks a million for sharing :)
Ok, I have seen a lot of projects on how to build a table saw sled, but THIS TUTORIAL IS THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN. And I mean EVER! Brilliant! Thank you so much for sharing this video. I am usually not as emotional about videos but this tutorial is just perfect! And I feel like having to tell you how good it is, otherwise … I don‘t know … my head is going to explode due to all this excitement?!? Have a great day. Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭 (…and now I‘m off to build me a new table saw sled…)
@@WorkshopCompanion Oh no, please don‘t. Please keep challenging my health the way you did till now. PLEEEASE! 🤪😂 And being all sincere again: This is still the very best table saw sled tutorial ever!
I'm very new to wood working and have found your tutorials both in depth and calming you make it look like this is something I could quite easily achieve (in theory) testament to your skill as a tutor many thanks Tricia.
What an excellent video! Miter guide sticks have a way of creeping from the vibrating saw while pressing your work hard against the stick. I simply use a very sharp-pointed 1" screw about 1" from the end of my miter guide stick. I turn the screw until it's poking through the end of the stick only 1/32" or less. It's amazing how it completely stops the guide from slipping. You can just leave the screw in, remember to lift the end of the guide and it won't scratch the plywood.
@@WorkshopCompanion No, talking about your miter guide fence for cutting 45s. The pivoting miter fence gets slippery and creeps even if you tighten the bolt crushing tight. I use oak for a miter fence, and it's very slippery. Sawdust makes everything slippery after a while.
@@WorkshopCompanion Yeah, it's probably my weak 3/8 plywood, but the wood also gets slippery after lots of use. It's amazing that just a tiny sharp screw tip anchors it so strongly. Thanks!
Even though I am subscribed I’ve just come across this video. I’m a newbie woodworker & am unhappy with the CC sled I’ve made. I’m going to try yours, it’ll take me to the edge of my ability but I can see the immense advantages. Complements on the clarity of the instructions & a special thanks for including metric measurements. Thank you & greetings from Australia.
This guy was incredible. I learned more every minute than I did from almost every other video I've watched of "woodworking" UA-camrs. Keep up the good work. And make more videos please
Great video, thank you very much. About your auxiliary surface @23:30: Instead of one plate I've made two narrow stripes. The advantages: - you need less material for them - you need less storage space for them And as another benefit: Imagine you want a cutoff from a longer bar. Instead of placing the cutoff on the sled and the longer end of the bar on the right side of the blade (where you must have the space for it) it's more comfortable to place the longer end on the sled where you normally have the space. To do so you set your table fence to the desired extend, push the bar against it, hold it in place on the sled with your left hand (or clamp it), push away the fence with the other hand and then make the cut. But in this case your auxiliary surface may be too wide to set the fence to the desired extend for shorter cutoffs. No problem with the stripes, just use only one of them. 'Pro-Tip': Make the stop-block at the end of the stripe double as wide as the stripe itself. And then make a countersink at the other end of the stripe on the bottom side and glue a flat magnet in. Both the wider block and the magnet will prevent the stripe from sliding or shifting sideways. Works great for me. If you like the idea you make like to upload a short additional video about that?
I'm delighted to have just found your channel. Eloquent, concise information presented with enthusiastic clarity. Even better, no dreadful library music or gimmicks. I'm a relative beginner and look forward to watching all your vids. Thank you very much for making the effort. Cheers from the UK.
Hey Nick! I love this adjustable fence sled. I have an idea for you; essentially the adjustable fence is a sine bar, so you could make yourself an adjustable story stick to measure off the back of the sled to the fence and get very precise angles. I know you know how to do a sine bar because I watched that video as well. Keep em coming Nick, I enjoy your videos greatly; thanks!
Essentially you would need to make a disc with a radius of the distance of the pivot from the back of the sled and cut the needed amount and fasten it to the fence at the sliding bolt. The needed amount would be the radius minus half the thickness of the fence.
@24:22 -- "This scale won't be precise in all circumstances. It may change if you change saw blades." Which is why I built my sleds for the left side of the blade instead of the right. No matter what blade I use, the shoulder on the arbor never changes position, while the width of the blade or dado stack always extends to the right.
Thanks for saying. But a classroom is a two-way street. I've worked professionally in several communities (including education), and have found that craftsmen and craftswomen are -- by far -- the most eager to learn and share what they've learned. As much as you appreciate my efforts, I'm just as thankful for yours.
Watching you teach me about sled build ideas makes me wish I would have been a better student in high school, you remind me of a woodshop shop teacher. Well done sir.
Really glad this video popped up on my feed. Your knowledge and explanation are very astonishing. So many don't bother to even talk through things these days.
It's always explained in a way so that we can all understand it, even beginners can understand it. Don't miss a single video from WC, they are always useful and educational. 👍
I have watched many sled videos on UA-cam and built 2 of my own. But your methods beat most others I have seen. I have a large capacity sled which is really heavy to manhandle especially with the arthritis in my fingers, so I will make your adjustable "half" sled next and make it smaller so it will be easier for me to cope with. Many thanks for sharing your approach. Excellent video!
By and far the most comprehensive and useful sled video I have seen. I am disappointed I finally made the leap to build a sled last week only to find your video this morning…looks like I am making another sled!
Actually there are so many good woodworking techniques and tips in only one video. It's amazing. Understandable and clear information. This guy is a true teacher. I also appreciate giving the information both in imperial and metric.
The best way to learn is to teach and this man has obviously been teaching for many years, That and he just made me feel like an idiot for buying a high end miter fence :-). Anyway great video and thank you sir.
Most welcome. And your comment about the best way to learn is spot on. I never learned woodworking so much or so well as when I was teaching it at the University of Cincinnati.
Very well done. I have watched quite a few YT presenters sled designs, this one provides better explanations than most. I especially like the gunslinger hammer gimmick.
I'm amazed at how well you explain things in each of your videos. I've re-watched your finish comparison and this video many times. This particular saw sled design was the basis for my sled and I love it. Only changes I made were 1 - used a roughly triangular sheet 42" x 36" (triangle shape to cut down on weight) I can safely cross cut larger pieces when I'm in the field using my small contractor saw 2 - I took your 90 degree stop idea to a new level, routed key holes and matching dowel holes in the sled deck at the more common angles. I can now change between a 22.5, 45, 90 etc degree cut faster than I can with my mitre saw 3 - glued a piece of galvanized steel to the back of the fence to prevent the stops adjustment bolt from digging into the wood over time
Masterly overview. The basic problem is the saw itself- the left hand side of the table should slide, completely solving the problem. Available, but rare.
There is also a type of sliding table saw in which the entire carriage slides forward and the work remains stationary on the table. Also rare, maybe rare-er. Shopsmith offered one for a while, but it was too much of an odd duck to catch on. Thanks for the kind words.
I was so impressed with this video I subscribed to your channel. As soon as I can I want to make this sled. It will take me a few weeks, as I have a lot of problems medically as I am taking chemo for primary liver cancer. So, bear with me, as I really like your sled better than any other I have seen.
All i can say is wow i am so building this. Great video well presented and explained and love the way its converted to metric as well for us Aussies which not many people seem to do.
I watched this last night and as usual was mesmerised by your skills and light hearted but very effective teaching. However there was a little thing in the back of my head gnawing away at me and kept me awake. Then at 3:30 in the morning - UK time it woke me up and it was all about measuring along the fence using your stick on tape. With the fence at 90° the measure is accurate and you correctly mentioned compensating for the saw kerf if you change the blade but didn't touch on the bigger problem of measuring the distance once you angle the fence. As you push the fence away it pivots around the bolt nearest the cutting edge and since the fence has width the leading corner nearest the blade follows an arc effectively around the radius centred on the pivot centre and the diagonal to the leading corner of the fence. As it follows this arc, the corner extends into the cutting side and at around 35° reaches a maximum and as you continue beyond that it starts to come back towards the cutting line. As you continue increasing the angle, the leading corner continues to back, and around 50° degrees comes in line with the cutting edge and at 60° is well back from the cutting line. Being geeky I did some calculations using a fence 50mm (just under 2")wide, pivoted at its centre 50mm from the cutting edge. At 35° it had extended to the maximum into the cutting side by 6mm (just under 1/4"), thus shortening the length of the cut. It then starts to come back. At around 53° is back to the original length but at 60° however it has backed away from cut line and effectively increased the cut length by 7mm (a little over 1/4"). So depending on the width/depth of the fence and pivot point, the taped on measure will only be accurate at 90° and one other angle. Any ideas on how to compensate?
All tools have their limitations, and this is just one of the sled's. Another is that the the tape becomes inaccurate if you change saw blades and the width of the blade changes . In many cases, the tape can only be considered as a reference, not as a source of final measurement. In this wise, it's no different than the scales and quadrants that many manufacturers put on their tools. They will get you close, but not all the way there. One of the most important jobs you have as a craftsman is to discern the limitations of your tools, and learn to work within them or around them.
This is great! I just made a basic crosscut sled, and now I'm already planning it's upgrade / replacement... Thanks for the great tips and advice. Very logical and organized presentation. No wasted time...
Nick and his videos are always so amazing. The projects, and all the tips and tricks make you watch each video more than once, to make sure you get all the details. As they are all so useful, and can (and for us newbies surely WILL) save us from a lot of headaches and failed projects if we listen and do what Nick tells us. ❤ I (also) didn't know about threads (19:10). It will (also) make it so much easier for me in the future, and thank you VERY MUCH much for adding the metric measures. 👍 This sled will be one of my first projects when it gets a little warmer, and I can get back in my tiny and unheated workshop"! Tried to warm it up with a gas stove, and it worked, but it was like a sauna (very hot, very high humidity) and the wood didn't like it at all! And using an electric heater now our electric bills are about 30-50 percent higher in my country, is something my tiny budget simply refuses!! Especially if I want to use my power tools and not only hand tools... This would be stupid, as I've just ordered my very first bandsaw (not a cheap one!), to be able to make a coffee table with 4 different curved legs, like the one Nick made in a previous video that (also) inspired me so much! 👍 Stay safe, creative, and active, and let's make some sawdust ❤
Thanks, it is a very clear video and just what I need. I feel I do need to mention the use of plastic. We know the world is filling up with the stuff and once made it never goes away and 90% is not recycled. By far the biggest threat is microplastics. When we cut sand or drill that is what happens and all of the waste must go to a landfill where it will sit for 1000 years or more. Or it ends up in the food chain. We must find a solution and the start point might be to find a cutting solution that does not create dust. That will be a challenge.
In any archive of human knowledge, this man's entire video catalog deserves to be preserved above most anything else on UA-cam or news article.
A pointed stop, so saw dust doesn’t effect accuracy, then with a threaded bolt to give hundredths of a millimetre accuracy. Beautiful and genius. Passing on wisdom with a smile. Then he says “thank you kindly for watching” wish I could tell him in person thank you kindly for passing on your wisdom, greatest gift
6 minutes in and this is already as good or better than any high school shop class in the 80s! 😍
Detailed instructions on a magnificent saw sled delivered with comedic nuggets like, "it is not really that hard to make. It certainly easier than gluing your fingers back on".
Been woodworking for 9 years young. Dunno how I only came across you these past few months having thought I’d seen everyone who is anyone on YT. Now you’re the first port of call daily! Thank you for your content and awesome instruction.
Most welcome -- and thank you for the kind words.
Congratulations to the presenter for possibly the best planned video I have seen. The substance is easily understood and the credibility is first class.
Thanks for saying
I’ve been a woodworker for 50 years, and I’ve never mastered the hammer spin. Glad that there’s mountains left to climb.
Undoughtably this is the most comprehensive saw sled build video I’ve seen. Your presentation is as precise as your finished product. I’m not aware of another saw sled video that includes a good storage idea like your sled cart/caddy! That is a great option because it will take less floor space than wall space to store multiple sleds. Good ideas, great job. BTW, that was worth a good hammer twirl!
Many thanks.
undoubtedly*
@@christopherdean1326 no he's taking about making pizza. It's undoughtably
@@RoshDroz talking?
@@WorkshopCompanion yeah this sled is definitely not some half-baked UA-camr idea. It will definitely see some yeast on the shop flour.
I bought a cheap table saw at a garage sale. I made a double sided sled and made every cabinet in my house. Best tool I have had now over 10 years.
What a superb presentation! No "ums" nor "ahs" and no waffle. Just clear instructions and reasoning to make a superbly versatile sled - and in both metric and imperial too. I haven't enjoyed a UA-cam video so much for a very long time! Subscribed!
Thanks...and welcome!
The single most helpful and universally applicable hint in this entire video might be the genius use of blue tape to keep screws from falling out. Bravo.
This man is an EXCELLENT TEACHER. In another life he must have been a school teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed watching, and learning from, this video. As the late, great, Paul Harvey was fond of saying, LEAD ON, Nick.
Thanks. Actually, I was a teacher in this life. University of Cincinnati.
I wish I had you instead of my shop teacher in high school. You explain things better, without condescending, without a better than you attitude. You seem like a fun guy to work with.
Thanks for those kind words.
"Theres even a slot for your semi retired miter gauge " and that smirk was hilarious.
Just came across this channel and wow, did I hit a goldmine of information. Thank you!
Most welcome.
I don’t own a table saw or even a shop. But enjoy watching and listening to this excellent teacher. Banking this knowledge for the day I will have a shop😊
Such a pleasant way to spend half an hour, watching these video lessons is awesome, love the wild west hammer at the end lol!
The best idea for the sled. Period. Thanks for showing that.
Most welcome.
Damn, this is probably the best table saw sled video on the platform right now! Definitely gonna do this ASAP to complement my existing sled. Thanks for putting out such a concise tutorial. Lots of ideas for me to consider.
Thanks for saying.
Best woodshop class EVER.
Hi Nick, I have just come across Your channel and I have to admit, that You and Stumpy Nubs are my favorite teachers now, followed closely by 3x3 Tamar. People like You have a special gift. Thank You so much for that. kind regards from Germany
Thanks for your kind words.
When I get my first table saw, I will revisit this! This isn’t the first video of yours I’ve seen. You have a great presentation and reminds me of some great teachers I was blessed to have in school years ago.
Outstanding explanation and demonstration of this jig, it’s on my “to build list”!
Thanks for aying.
I really appreciate you including metic measurements! Great channel too!
We kinda have to -- only a third of our audience thinks in inches. Thanks for saying.
@@WorkshopCompanion it’s still kind from you and I thank you as well.
Love your use of both imperial and metric measurements. By far the best woodworking channel I’ve come across.
Thanks for the kind words.
Terrific content, production quality, and clearly a knowledgeable teacher. Well done 🙏🏽
Thanks for the kind words.
@@WorkshopCompanion I meant them! May I also ask what kind of animation software you used at minute 8:12? I'm an aspiring wood worker. I purchased an investment property with a detached garage built in the 1970's (?). The bones are good but much of the building is in disrepair. I'm going through the process of a stud down rehab to create my own workshop. I'm working through the electrical of the building and wanted to use the same animation to describe the home run diagram and circuitry. Thank you.
@@mehrrepairz For that particular animation, I used Sketchup with an "Animator" plugin. Sympathize on the building -- we restored a 100-year-old hangar for our shop/studio. Everything but the walls, windows, and a few rafters are new.
@@WorkshopCompanion Congratulations for that rework and recycle of an old building, Nick. Good size too. I've scanned the background of several of your videos, and I'm a little envious of you guys for having that much room.
gotta love that hammer spin around the finger too hahahah
As a future hobby woodworker I have never learned so many useful things in so few minutes, awesome teacher! Task, solution and explanation of the solution, THANKS!! Viliam
Most welcome.
Thank you Nick. As always, the perfect blend of knowledge, humor, and safety.
Thanks for saying.
Are you certain you were thorough enough? I now understand a little more than I did before. That’s great.
I love your conversions between metric and the other measure. Your "matter of fact" explanations inspire confidence. Thanks!
Most welcome.
I appreciate the time, effort and consideration you put into this channel. 🙏
The UA-cam algorithm was kind enough to serve this up to me today. Couldn't ask for more: a project I need to do presented by a master who speaks clearly and with words us mere mortals can understand. Well done Nick!
Thanks. Every now and then, the algorithm works.
I am a joiner by trade for many years now and even at 60 years old I still like watching videos about joinery you never know what you can learn and I must admit I did learn a few things and I like to see other people’s workshops the only thing I will say is about your converting Imperial into metric it’s millimetres in metres not centimetres l must admit when l go out to buy things at the shop here in the uk 🇬🇧 they put centimetre’s and feet which then I have to convert l was lucky when I grew up with my dad who was a joiner as well he would work in feet & inches and I would work in millimetres in metres so I had to learn to convert them? But it has had it been useful thanks for your advice and videos stay safe 👍😊
I agree - I grew up in the 50s and 60s so I used imperial but learnt metric and when I started work I worked with older guys who only knew imperial, so I can easily switch between the two systems (I even combine them when it suits me), but I was also taught to ignore centimetres . . . they are for cloth workers such as dressmakers and curtain makers . . . so I find myself “thinking” to convert when I hear ‘8 centimetres’ instead of 80 mil.
Another great video! One thing to add to UHMW, it's also "self lubricating" meaning you don't need any lubricants for preventing wear and you also don't need any lubricants in order to decrease friction between the mating surfaces. Also when tapping wood I always pour a good amount of CA into the threads and shoot some accelerator, then run the tap through again to clean up the threads, this will make the threads harder and won't strip so easily
One good piece of information; one exceptionally good tip. Thanks for sharing.
This is another awesome resource. I just purchased the plans, well worth it and it supports this great content.
Thanks for saying.
to the point , simple and clear , comprehensive explantions .
one the best videos .
Many thanks.
I've been an educator for 35 years ... my God, you're good.
That means a lot. Thanks for saying.
Without a doubt the best sled how-to that I've seen. Details, all the little details missing from other videos. Correct names for the fasteners as well as the reasons each was used. On top of all that, metrics as well. Even if you don't live in that part of the world. Excellent work.
Thanks for saying.
The only WW I've seen using transfer punches, awesome job! great tutorial. Appreciate you not trying to sell me a bunch of product.
We have a complete metalworking shop for our aircraft builds in the next room, off camera. It's amazing how often we borrow tools from one shop to the other.
This is a great tutorial with some of the clearest explanations and best ideas I've seen in a while. Thank you!
Most welcome.
Big fan of Nick, the plywood cutting/handling plans have turned out to be great for a one man shop. purchased these plans and plan on doing it within the next week.
edit. i am waiting for the tutorial on the hammer spin without getting knots on my head :)
I have a couple of your books that I cut years ago, but the humorous asides in your videos are just great. As with your books, the videos are thorough and detailed. Thanks much
Most welcome. And thanks for the kind words.
I’d just like to echo what a lot of people have said - your explanations are great, Nick. It’s almost like listening to someone tell a story and is possibly the best style on the internet.
I think I’ve learnt a lot from this channel - not just about woodworking, but also about transferring knowledge and information, so thank you for that also.
Most welcome.
Sir you are an excellent instructor! I could listen to you talk about tools all day lol.... Nice job my friend!
Thanks for those kind words.
The great norm’ Abram,has been completely out normed by this bloke. This fellow is ridiculously under subbed. Best quality woodworking content on youtube,absolutely outstanding.
I appreciate all the hard work you have put in to make this video. I could only imagine how detailed a woodworker you would be when you made such a detailed video for a sled that people think should be a 3 minute job. Excellent work mate!!
Hi, Alex from Costa Rica again. I'm advancing on my cutting table and this whole video is like gold to me. Thank you very much for sharing your time and knowledge with us Sir!
Glad it was helpful.
Best sled vid on UA-cam! Bravo, Sir! Bravo! It’s rare for me to watch a video then immediately watch it again, but that’s exactly what I’m about to do.
Thanks -- enjoy!
I have watched literally hundreds of frigging sled vids... not one comes close to your quality and versatility, and bugger me if that adjustable little fractions-of-a-mm screw-thingamajig thingy isn't the best I have seen so far! great video... no... GREAT VIDEO!
Thanks...no, THANKS!
@@WorkshopCompanion 🤔🤔 ... I see your point! Apologies... nothing like an English expression! 😂
Sir, I have now made this sled and it is just the very best sled around... brilliant! All I need now is a table saw!
Nick, your videos are clear, easy to follow and delivered in a very interesting way. Providing inch and mm as you discuss the sizing, is very, very, very helpful. Thoughtful!! Love this particularly. Thanks a million for sharing :)
Most welcome.
Ok, I have seen a lot of projects on how to build a table saw sled, but THIS TUTORIAL IS THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN. And I mean EVER! Brilliant!
Thank you so much for sharing this video. I am usually not as emotional about videos but this tutorial is just perfect! And I feel like having to tell you how good it is, otherwise … I don‘t know … my head is going to explode due to all this excitement?!?
Have a great day.
Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭
(…and now I‘m off to build me a new table saw sled…)
Calm down! Out of respect for your health, we'll try to be much more boring in the future...;-)
@@WorkshopCompanion Oh no, please don‘t. Please keep challenging my health the way you did till now. PLEEEASE! 🤪😂
And being all sincere again: This is still the very best table saw sled tutorial ever!
I'm very new to wood working and have found your tutorials both in depth and calming you make it look like this is something I could quite easily achieve (in theory) testament to your skill as a tutor many thanks Tricia.
Thanks for the kind words.
What an excellent video! Miter guide sticks have a way of creeping from the vibrating saw while pressing your work hard against the stick. I simply use a very sharp-pointed 1" screw about 1" from the end of my miter guide stick. I turn the screw until it's poking through the end of the stick only 1/32" or less. It's amazing how it completely stops the guide from slipping. You can just leave the screw in, remember to lift the end of the guide and it won't scratch the plywood.
I presume you talking about what I call a "push stick." Good tip.
@@WorkshopCompanion No, talking about your miter guide fence for cutting 45s. The pivoting miter fence gets slippery and creeps even if you tighten the bolt crushing tight. I use oak for a miter fence, and it's very slippery. Sawdust makes everything slippery after a while.
@@Bob_Adkins Haven't hand that problem -- using ash and Baltic birch plywood.
@@WorkshopCompanion Yeah, it's probably my weak 3/8 plywood, but the wood also gets slippery after lots of use. It's amazing that just a tiny sharp screw tip anchors it so strongly. Thanks!
Even though I am subscribed I’ve just come across this video. I’m a newbie woodworker & am unhappy with the CC sled I’ve made. I’m going to try yours, it’ll take me to the edge of my ability but I can see the immense advantages. Complements on the clarity of the instructions & a special thanks for including metric measurements. Thank you & greetings from Australia.
Most welcome from Ohio.
I found your channel less than a month ago and am so happy I did!
This definitively is the best tablesaw sled and the best explanation I have ever seen on UA-cam. And I have seen many. Thank you so much for sharing.
Brilliant! Shakespeares leanguage... And the purest presentation of the material!!! And of course very warm. 20 score of 10 possible!!!
Thank ye.
@@WorkshopCompanion , put your "ye" in my vocabulary!
Brilliant video.!!!
...as per usual. Especially the use of the metric system. But !!, *millimeters* rather than centimetres is the best practice.
This guy was incredible. I learned more every minute than I did from almost every other video I've watched of "woodworking" UA-camrs. Keep up the good work. And make more videos please
We're trying. Thanks for your kind words.
Great video, thank you very much.
About your auxiliary surface @23:30: Instead of one plate I've made two narrow stripes.
The advantages:
- you need less material for them
- you need less storage space for them
And as another benefit: Imagine you want a cutoff from a longer bar. Instead of placing the cutoff on the sled and the longer end of the bar on the right side of the blade (where you must have the space for it) it's more comfortable to place the longer end on the sled where you normally have the space. To do so you set your table fence to the desired extend, push the bar against it, hold it in place on the sled with your left hand (or clamp it), push away the fence with the other hand and then make the cut. But in this case your auxiliary surface may be too wide to set the fence to the desired extend for shorter cutoffs. No problem with the stripes, just use only one of them.
'Pro-Tip': Make the stop-block at the end of the stripe double as wide as the stripe itself. And then make a countersink at the other end of the stripe on the bottom side and glue a flat magnet in. Both the wider block and the magnet will prevent the stripe from sliding or shifting sideways.
Works great for me.
If you like the idea you make like to upload a short additional video about that?
All good ideas, and thanks for sharing. Our video schedule is set for the foreseeable future, but we'll keep this in mind.
Brilliant. Decades of wisdom packed for posterity. Thank you sir!
I'm delighted to have just found your channel. Eloquent, concise information presented with enthusiastic clarity. Even better, no dreadful library music or gimmicks. I'm a relative beginner and look forward to watching all your vids. Thank you very much for making the effort. Cheers from the UK.
Thanks from Ohio.
Thanks for all the great tips Nick! Sleds are such an asset for a table saw.
Most welcome.
Hey Nick! I love this adjustable fence sled. I have an idea for you; essentially the adjustable fence is a sine bar, so you could make yourself an adjustable story stick to measure off the back of the sled to the fence and get very precise angles. I know you know how to do a sine bar because I watched that video as well. Keep em coming Nick, I enjoy your videos greatly; thanks!
Essentially you would need to make a disc with a radius of the distance of the pivot from the back of the sled and cut the needed amount and fasten it to the fence at the sliding bolt. The needed amount would be the radius minus half the thickness of the fence.
@24:22 -- "This scale won't be precise in all circumstances. It may change if you change saw blades."
Which is why I built my sleds for the left side of the blade instead of the right. No matter what blade I use, the shoulder on the arbor never changes position, while the width of the blade or dado stack always extends to the right.
A great class, with a great teacher. You keep the attention of your subscribers rivited on the lesson at hand. Couldn't ask for a better instructor
Thanks for saying. But a classroom is a two-way street. I've worked professionally in several communities (including education), and have found that craftsmen and craftswomen are -- by far -- the most eager to learn and share what they've learned. As much as you appreciate my efforts, I'm just as thankful for yours.
Watching you teach me about sled build ideas makes me wish I would have been a better student in high school, you remind me of a woodshop shop teacher. Well done sir.
Thanks.
Really glad this video popped up on my feed. Your knowledge and explanation are very astonishing. So many don't bother to even talk through things these days.
Thanks for the kind words.
It's always explained in a way so that we can all understand it, even beginners can understand it.
Don't miss a single video from WC, they are always useful and educational. 👍
I have watched many sled videos on UA-cam and built 2 of my own. But your methods beat most others I have seen. I have a large capacity sled which is really heavy to manhandle especially with the arthritis in my fingers, so I will make your adjustable "half" sled next and make it smaller so it will be easier for me to cope with. Many thanks for sharing your approach. Excellent video!
You're most welcome, and thanks for sharing.
By and far the most comprehensive and useful sled video I have seen. I am disappointed I finally made the leap to build a sled last week only to find your video this morning…looks like I am making another sled!
Actually there are so many good woodworking techniques and tips in only one video. It's amazing. Understandable and clear information. This guy is a true teacher. I also appreciate giving the information both in imperial and metric.
Thanks for the kind words.
The best way to learn is to teach and this man has obviously been teaching for many years, That and he just made me feel like an idiot for buying a high end miter fence :-). Anyway great video and thank you sir.
Most welcome. And your comment about the best way to learn is spot on. I never learned woodworking so much or so well as when I was teaching it at the University of Cincinnati.
Very well done. I have watched quite a few YT presenters sled designs, this one provides better explanations than most. I especially like the gunslinger hammer gimmick.
This is the best sled build I have seen. Thanks so much for sharing.
Most welcome.
I'm amazed at how well you explain things in each of your videos. I've re-watched your finish comparison and this video many times.
This particular saw sled design was the basis for my sled and I love it.
Only changes I made were
1 - used a roughly triangular sheet 42" x 36" (triangle shape to cut down on weight) I can safely cross cut larger pieces when I'm in the field using my small contractor saw
2 - I took your 90 degree stop idea to a new level, routed key holes and matching dowel holes in the sled deck at the more common angles. I can now change between a 22.5, 45, 90 etc degree cut faster than I can with my mitre saw
3 - glued a piece of galvanized steel to the back of the fence to prevent the stops adjustment bolt from digging into the wood over time
Holy cow man you really thought of everything!! This must have taken months to work out! Then perfecting your spiel for each shot! Thank you Nick!
"...must have taken months..." Nah. About fifty years.
About 600 months ;-)
Masterly overview.
The basic problem is the saw itself- the left hand side of the table should slide, completely solving the problem. Available, but rare.
There is also a type of sliding table saw in which the entire carriage slides forward and the work remains stationary on the table. Also rare, maybe rare-er. Shopsmith offered one for a while, but it was too much of an odd duck to catch on. Thanks for the kind words.
I was so impressed with this video I subscribed to your channel. As soon as I can I want to make this sled. It will take me a few weeks, as I have a lot of problems medically as I am taking chemo for primary liver cancer. So, bear with me, as I really like your sled better than any other I have seen.
All i can say is wow i am so building this. Great video well presented and explained and love the way its converted to metric as well for us Aussies which not many people seem to do.
Only a third of our audience are fractionophiles, Dieter. All the rest are meterminds. We cater to both.
I watched this last night and as usual was mesmerised by your skills and light hearted but very effective teaching. However there was a little thing in the back of my head gnawing away at me and kept me awake. Then at 3:30 in the morning - UK time it woke me up and it was all about measuring along the fence using your stick on tape. With the fence at 90° the measure is accurate and you correctly mentioned compensating for the saw kerf if you change the blade but didn't touch on the bigger problem of measuring the distance once you angle the fence.
As you push the fence away it pivots around the bolt nearest the cutting edge and since the fence has width the leading corner nearest the blade follows an arc effectively around the radius centred on the pivot centre and the diagonal to the leading corner of the fence. As it follows this arc, the corner extends into the cutting side and at around 35° reaches a maximum and as you continue beyond that it starts to come back towards the cutting line. As you continue increasing the angle, the leading corner continues to back, and around 50° degrees comes in line with the cutting edge and at 60° is well back from the cutting line.
Being geeky I did some calculations using a fence 50mm (just under 2")wide, pivoted at its centre 50mm from the cutting edge. At 35° it had extended to the maximum into the cutting side by 6mm (just under 1/4"), thus shortening the length of the cut. It then starts to come back. At around 53° is back to the original length but at 60° however it has backed away from cut line and effectively increased the cut length by 7mm (a little over 1/4").
So depending on the width/depth of the fence and pivot point, the taped on measure will only be accurate at 90° and one other angle.
Any ideas on how to compensate?
All tools have their limitations, and this is just one of the sled's. Another is that the the tape becomes inaccurate if you change saw blades and the width of the blade changes . In many cases, the tape can only be considered as a reference, not as a source of final measurement. In this wise, it's no different than the scales and quadrants that many manufacturers put on their tools. They will get you close, but not all the way there. One of the most important jobs you have as a craftsman is to discern the limitations of your tools, and learn to work within them or around them.
He is soo good! Makes me wanna start making some jigs, stops & clamps!
I’ve watched hundreds of “how tos”. This is the best one I’ve ever seen…in every aspect.
Thanks for saying.
This guy is the “Rainman” of woodworking. He throws out knowledge bombs like Raymond counted cards.
What a simply brilliant walkthrough. As soon as you stated a metric equivalent I subbed. I KNOW this is a channel I will use often. Thank You.
You're most welcome. And thanks for the kind words.
Thanks a lot for imparting such a useful knowledge based on lengthy experience. Lots of love and respect from Pakistan.🇵🇰
Excellent presentation , thorough and modest at the same time. Adding dimensions in metric is a great touch, much appreciated. Keep it up !
Thanks for your kind words.
This must be the best detailed saw sled video on UA-cam. It’s absolutely amazing.
Thanks for saying.
I'm a couple of months away from setting up a small shop, and I'm definitely buying all of Nick's plans.
This is great! I just made a basic crosscut sled, and now I'm already planning it's upgrade / replacement... Thanks for the great tips and advice. Very logical and organized presentation. No wasted time...
Most welcome. Good luck.
This person's pretty good reminds me of my old high school shop teacher.
Terrific table saw sled build Nick! Great presentation & instruction as usual. Well done! 👍👏😉
Thanks for saying.
Nick and his videos are always so amazing.
The projects, and all the tips and tricks make you watch each video more than once, to make sure you get all the details.
As they are all so useful, and can (and for us newbies surely WILL) save us from a lot of headaches and failed projects if we listen and do what Nick tells us. ❤
I (also) didn't know about threads (19:10). It will (also) make it so much easier for me in the future, and thank you VERY MUCH much for adding the metric measures. 👍
This sled will be one of my first projects when it gets a little warmer, and I can get back in my tiny and unheated workshop"! Tried to warm it up with a gas stove, and it worked, but it was like a sauna (very hot, very high humidity) and the wood didn't like it at all!
And using an electric heater now our electric bills are about 30-50 percent higher in my country, is something my tiny budget simply refuses!!
Especially if I want to use my power tools and not only hand tools...
This would be stupid, as I've just ordered my very first bandsaw (not a cheap one!), to be able to make a coffee table with 4 different curved legs, like the one Nick made in a previous video that (also) inspired me so much! 👍
Stay safe, creative, and active, and let's make some sawdust ❤
Thanks for all those kind words.
I've been enjoying your videos late at night. I've been working on a shop for the last year and a 1/2
We're glad to keep you company.
Looks like I just found my new favorite UA-cam channel!!
Wow. I wish he taught MY high school shop class. I probably would've learned more.
I love your videos and your style of teaching. Thank you so much for taking the time to produce and share this video with us.
You are so welcome!
What a clever sled.
Your videos are the best! You are not only educational, but very entertaining!
Thanks for the kind words.
Great teacher.
Thanks, it is a very clear video and just what I need.
I feel I do need to mention the use of plastic. We know the world is filling up with the stuff and once made it never goes away and 90% is not recycled.
By far the biggest threat is microplastics. When we cut sand or drill that is what happens and all of the waste must go to a landfill where it will sit for 1000 years or more.
Or it ends up in the food chain. We must find a solution and the start point might be to find a cutting solution that does not create dust. That will be a challenge.
love the safety perspex on the sled neat idea just reminds you to keep fingers away
Thanks.