This is a great video and it will help me in my work. I have read your comment above explaining the mistake you made in the discussion. I am a little confused though. First, in your explanation I am not sure what is right and what is left. Second, I am not sure exactly what the mistake/error was. You made a correction using the feeler gauge and then measured the error in the fence. You calculate a 0.001" error! Was that right? The correction was to "push" that end back was that the "right end" or the "left end" ? Did you actually improve the fence placement in the video or not. Sorry I am confused here. I get your point that using the feeler gauge is one directional but I am not sure where your original discussion went wrong.
It's really easy to get confused there. That's why William has a plus and minus in his formula. Easy fix, though. :-) Thanks for this. You added a couple of touches I hadn't thought about. Thumbs up to crush a troll.
@@mikecurtin9831 I'm still confused too. If the back end of the test piece was wider than the front, that means that the left side of the fence would need to go forward. But Marc actually moved that side BACK and yet ended up with a more accurate cut. That's what I don't understand-because adjusting the fence in the wrong direction should have produced more error. So why wasn't that the result???
@@merchantbankers You are correct. He didn't show his proper correction in the video. Also, when you're using the feeler gauge, the further you can get it away from the saw blade (the longer the baseline), the more accurate it will be. The best explanation of the 5-cut method, and funny, to boot, is by William Ng himself. Look on UA-cam for the 5-cut method by William Ng. Using this method, you can get better than most machinist's accuracy quickly and easily.
You do have to spend some time setting the saw up... blade, fence, etc. But once done, the saw is great. Fairly compact which is Nice ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxXh-4_3-ZT1fFWP91ZV7iVqzElr0lEb-a I did get an Incra Miter Gauge which takes some setup as well. The stock miter gauge can be adjusted in the miter slot with a little painter's tape... this tightens up the side to side play a lot.
Marc, I have learned more from you than David, Norm, Tommy, and all the rest put together! Your generousity is matched only by your talent to build and teach. Thanks for all you do for the woodworking world.
Thanks Marc, I've been referring back to this video with every saw I build a sled for. This comment is 10 years later.... Just evidence of a great video! I first saw it maybe 7 years ago. Thanks again brother!
Hi , it sounds like you’re an experienced sled-maker that might be able to help a beginner like myself 😬. Instead of cutting the wood from underneath, the blade raises the board (to cut the kerf of the blade in the middle). I tried to add some weight, even clamping the board to the table saw and nothing worked. I tried to go slow but still didn’t work. Am I doing something wrong or do I need to change the blade the table saw came with? I’m using the Dewalt DW7485, so I’m assuming it’s powerful enough? Please help 😂
I really enjoy watching you at work. I am a retired college professor and have used woodworking to relax for many years. You have taught me many new methods to utilize in my woodworking. Thank you for being a good teacher. John
HI: I been looking at various videos to learn how to make this cross-cut shed, and by far you have the best instruction. Your detail, clarity and verbal speed is perfect. Thank you so much for taking the time for a well done professional training video. I will be looking forward in seen more videos.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. You have a well balanced personality which works wonderfully as a teacher. Not too fast, not too slow, not boring, not jumping all over the place. Well thought out. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I used your video to make a small cross cut sled (I do mostly scroll work and use only small pieces of wood). I used the 5-cut method for calibration and after 1 adjustment, the error was zero. Thanks for an extremely clear, concise, and helpful video.
Here in Australia, there is a saying, translated from a Work Wear advertisement from a few years ago. And it is. "You do not have to tell me, I know boats" Well, I did know boats, and now after watching your video, I now "Know them" even better. Thanks mate.
The video helped immensely! I spaced my rails by laying 4 strips of paper across the channel and pressing the rail into the track. I then cut off the strips of paper so they would not affect the plywood resting on the surface of the table saw. This guaranteed that after attaching the rails that I had space equal to the thickness of a piece of paper on the sides and bottom. The rails slide smoothly.
I realize this video is 8 years old but you are such a fantastic teacher, I really appreciate William Ng's videos and he is such a genius woodworker but I had issues following his video when he was explaining his 5 cut method and that is probably just because of my limited brain capacity, the way you explained it really made sense to me, thank you yet again sir for teaching me something.
you are so perfect for tv is not even funny, your explanations are easy and clear, you are very knowledgeable, your voice is perfect and you seem to love teaching, you need your own tv show, let me make some calls for you, you are one of my favorites
I don't usually comment on videos but I want to say yours is the best and easiest to understand on building things. I am a bit of a greenhorn, in carpentry , but I built the sled using your video and some specs from a book, and your instruction made it so easy to follow. I made a few test cuts and they look perfect. I am now excited to try some projects knowing that my cuts will be square. Thanks for your video and the time you spend making them.
I like that Marc takes the time to explain why he is doing something, what materials he's using, etc. There are so many videos that gloss over details, I don't think intentionally, but because experienced woodworkers tend to forget to mention things they consider second nature. It's helpful to use newbie to hear details. I've written down all Marc's steps from this video and it makes constructing this thing a snap (so far).
great vid.. I did all the steps and worked great, I use it for shelves for cabinets, dovetail parts. so they got to be really squere.. but one thing I did find out, is that the wood runners expand with cold temperatures..I'm from oregon. and it gets cold. my sled got stuck and I had to sand the little wood runners..I did not wanted to remove them.but I realized the solution is using some aluminum runners that are sold in woodcrafters. they fit perfectly because they are ment. to be use for feather boards ands and jigs. I have a porter cable contractor table saw.. I just wanted to share this it might help when it gets cold..
yes what I did. I lined up the board. and I drew a line in the middle of the table saw grooves. and drilled 2 holes up and down insert crews. there's some aluminum runners that you have to insert through the groove.(screws not to tight because the board and runners lock.. you'll find out.) good luck
Hands down the best video I have ever watched on reasons for building and the actual build of a cross-cut sled. I feel confident that I can build one now, based on your great video! Thanks for sharing.
This is an excellent tutorial describing the construction of a crosscut sled. The 5-cut method is thoroughly explained is great. The added bonus is is useful techniques on the use of the sled.
I did some research on it. Apparently it's so common there that you guys use it for construction. Much like we use pine here is the USA. Pretty damn cool!
Followed your method for building a sled. Tried two other ways previously and struggled. Anyhow, first attempt I got the fence within 41 thou (4 times the error) and dialed it out with a 10 thou feeler gauge. Great tip! Now there's no measurable difference over a 14" 5 way cut.
Thanks for your prompt reply. I must say I have enjoyed watching all your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us all. I find woodworkers and woodturners are renowned for the way they freely share their ideas. Keep up the great work.
Thanks, been out of the loop of woodworking for the past five years or so. Nice to get back to my shop, blow off the cobwebs’ and dust and produce something; anything? Making a living does get in the way of creativity and shop time. Made my first sled back in 1999. “As always, thanks’ for taking the time to make this video! And I support this site.” ~M~
fantastic. 1st time woodworker since high school roughly 60 yrs ago. I can't get enough of these instructional videos. I am presently working on building a shed which is testing me with 30 degree and 60 degree cuts using only a circular saw, table saw and a mitre saw. Could have used the sled to cut those angles right? I'll be a faithful viewer. regards Alfred rules
Mark I have to say you explained this Sled very well and I love the way you made it. I look forward to watching more videos from you. Thanks a million.
This is a really clear video. Thank you! I really appreciate the time spent to explain how you check for and adjust the accuracy, which is essential in a jig like this. I've watched a number of UA-cam videos on making a workshop jig and many don't address checking accuracy at all. Yours, for this jig, is the clearest explanation I've seen yet. Thanks for taking the time to explain it.
It's just a safety precaution. Having the workpiece between the blade and the fence could cause kickback. So it's a little safer to use a stopped fence as demo'd in the video.
Because with the stop clamped to the fence by the time the piece to be cut reaches the blade there will not be contact between it and the fence preventing binding.
Thank you for all the great woodworking videos you have shared with us. I had been using an old radial arm saw for my crosscuts but it's travel was too short for some cabinet work I was doing so I decided to make this sled pretty much as shown in the video. Once I set it up with the five cut method and started using it I was amazed at how much better my projects were fitting together. While I do check the calibration on the radial arm saw it will not cut as accurate as this sled. I used oak for the runners as that was the hardest wood I had. I made the sled in winter when the weather was dry and when summer came sure enough the runners swelled and the sled bound up. Using your marker method I was able to fix it quickly. I live in Florida where the humidity can change dramatically. I plan to experiment some different plastic materials to make runners in the future. I highly recommend the methods shown in this video to anyone planning to make a sled.
Actually, I think zardiw was correct in their initial thinking - this video seems to have the adjustment direction backwards - a very key aspect. If my calculations are correct, the left side of his fence must move forward - not backward. This small detail is hugely misleading, and actually sent me down a long and confusing path. A second opinion on this is William NG's video, which is inverse from this video. What also didn't help, is that the wrong was is more intuitive. Feel free to check this, or let me know if I'm missing something. Certainly, this would be worth editing the video if true. Thanks for your helpful videos.
It's also important to read a video's description. :) I recommend doing that before embarking on any build or at the very least, once you confront an issue. And especially on my videos, it behooves you to check out the post on my website for additional information, resources, and discussion.
Thanks for the great professional construction tips for a cross cut sled. Just when it seems all has been said about the topic, you have more depth to the subject in a clear, simple way. Much appreciated.
Earlier I thought the fence should be moved in the opposite way as in the video. But your video is correct. What was confusing was 'Front' and 'Back'....I had them reversed. Maybe better would be Away and Close, or Back and Fence side....At any rate...I've adjusted the fence.......and you are not gong to believe this, but I can post pictures if you want. After 5 cuts, the Away side is .759 ...and the Fence/Close side is also .759 .......Am going to phone the Pope at the Vatican and report a miracle....I even very lightly sanded the piece cut to make sure they were both smooth.......there is NO Difference in the measurements.....lol......z
I believe the geometry will show that if the cutoff is narrower at the front than the back the way he marked them that he should have moved the other side of the fence back.
Thank you from myself and the rest of the noobs out there for the comprehensive and clear video on how to fabricate, calibrate and use the cross cut sled. I am used to framing but am very interested in stepping up and into finish work fab and furniture so I'm doing some research to determine which skills to start polishing and which to start learning.
Only you, Marc, can make a 20 minute video about a cross-cut sled interesting. This video is quite aged so it's doubtful that you're even going to see this comment. I'll still post it though because I'm that good of a guy.
dude you rock!!!! I have learned more in two hours than I have in six woodworking classes!!! I was beginning to think I couldn't do this, but now I am gaining much more confidence! Thanks!!!!
Thanks for the info. I live in an apartment and build toy chest some for My grandchildren some for sale. After watching many videos I decide to build one like yours. My table saw is a folding craftsman and I built a sled 24 x 30 for cutting the Plywood panels following your directions. After tuning and building the sled I made the 5 cut check for square and got .005 it works great Thanks for your videos as inspiration. Also liked the Video about HVLP as this is how I finish Mine.
I was thinking as I watched the section on friction from the runners that, if you can afford it, steel or aluminum miter bars would work great. There are several companies that sell woodworking tools and parts and aluminum bars for miter track sliders. If you want to get adventurous you could contact a local steel supply and ask about small quantities of 3/4 x 3/8 flat bar. I'm not sure just how close to 3/4" their 3/4 inch flat bar might be.
best diy sled video, i like how you show an easy way to calibrate, rather then showing us how to screw things together like most people do in there video. Thanks
Gotta love the 5 cut squaring method. That could be a lesson video all in its self. I can honestly say I became a better and more accurate wood worker the second I was shown that trick.
This has been driving me INSANE for days: After doing the 5 cut test, his 5th cut is thinner at the front (he marked the front as farther away from his body) and wider at the back (closer to his body) and then says "since it was thinner at the front and thicker at the back I need to bring the left side of my fence towards me just a hair"... Shouldn't it be the opposite way????? I just built myself a table saw sled and am at this step and my 5th piece is narrower at the front (farthest away from me) and wider at the back. It seems i have to move the left side of my fence AWAY from me... shouldn't he have to do the same??? I'm soooo confused!!! Help!!!
Thanks for the video. I just used your 5-cut/micrometer method to calibrated my new sled fence. Ironically I was also off only 1.25 thousandths. I got lucky to be that accurate the first time. This is the second sled I've made and I couldn't agree more that there is no more useful jig a woodworker can make.
SisyphusTwo Yeah, I think we technically have, but it obviously wasn't binding. It is just such a massive cultural shift. 320 million people have grown up using a system that they are so familiar with, and billions of USD in consumer goods, road signage, etc would need to be changed. Truly adopting the metric system probably won't happen anytime soon here. We will both just have to continue with the conversions.
I grew up with metric but have worked with both imperial & metric in a professional capacity. The guys on site have always spoken in imperial - the guys in the design office have always spoken in metric. I prefer metric - but get that a 2x2 is easier to say than a 50x50. If I'm roughing it out I talk imperial, if I want accuracy I talk metric. Here in Canada they specify 22mm dia holes for 3/4" bolts - mental.
Love the 5 cut method. Being and X mechanical designer, I could chase after those last few thousands of inch for hours. Your .00125" per 20" length was remarkable or crazy good as you said!
"Here's an item you need and can make yourself when you first start woodworking." *uses thousands of dollars of specialized equipment to make said beginner item* 😜
The table saw and drill were fine to use, I was referring to the band saw, table planer and huge sanding table. Even using the exotic wood for the rails with really tight tolerance requirements was tough. I found another design that uses simple wood rails that just rest against the outer edge of the table sides instead of using the guides. Maybe not as precise, but easier and quicker to build. Don't get me wrong, this was an excellent video. The design just was not for everyone.
You are an excellent teacher. Thank you. I love how you show not just how easy it is, but all the things that can go wrong, how to avoid them and how to correct them. How to correct a screw hole that is less than a mm off is a sore spot for me... thanks for demonstrating that with calibrating the fence. I'm going to use that technique in many situations!!
Great instructional video Marc. I use a table saw and have always used the rail to measure and cut with. This sled looks like it will work a lot better. I am going to make me a sled and start using it. Thanks again for the video. Have a blessed and wonderful day.
Marc, you have an amazing way of explaining the what and the why, and along with the videos it makes for a brilliant learning experience. I'm building out my basement shop now and this is on my "must do" list. Thanks for doing what you do!
GREAT video. I watch all your latest stuff and when I watched this old one, you haven’t changed all that much. I really enjoy your instruction and appreciate you sharing things like this. This will be a new project for me. Thanks
@kennjak generally speaking, most folks do remove the blade guard. If you have a simple riving knife or splitter setup, you shouldn't need to remove it. But if you have a plastic guard and anti kickback pawls, you will need to remove the guard assembly.
Built this, and it works great. I always enjoy your vids. As a beginning woodworker, I appreciate the way you make what could be difficult concepts, easy to understand.
@whitedeer22 I would use a couple sheets of ply glued together. But 8/4 hardwood will work too. But wood tends to move over time so you may need to make an adjustment. That's why I prefer the plywood.
Just started watching your videos. I don't have any one to bounce ideas off, so I have been checking how others have been doing things. I am still setting up my shop. I like the way you have set up your shop.
I've Seen Many Sled Builds. This Is BY FAR The Best Of The Bunch. I Will Have To Say This Much, You Have "GRANDE-GONADS" As The Supreme King Of Woodcraft, To Tell Us That, That Childs Square Is The Largest Square You Have In The Shop. !!!!!!!!! ------- Especially Appreciated That You Demo'd Fine Tuning Of The Sled.
love this sled you built. Your inspired me to try one. It did take me three tries at adjustments, but it was truly worth the extra effort. Thank you Mark
Great Video. Informative without being boring or condescending and kept simple enough to make even a wood butcher like me think about having a go. Many thanks.
@IrishWoodDoctor The front fence helps hold the unit together and keep things rigid. So I definitely recommend using one. I don't feel there is really any need for a handle, unless you are using hold downs and clamp to secure your pieces. And you can make your sled as big as you want, but it becomes very difficult to handle the bigger it gets.
thanks. Been doing "projects" for the house for ever. Now getting ready to retire I'm looking to set up a legit woodworking shop in the garage to do some things I've always wanted to do. This was very informative and helpful. Been using the table saw for 35 years, never had a sled.....
Thank you for this video. I made my first cross cut sled this weekend following your instructions and it works a treat! I can't believe I was living with a mitre gauge for crosscutting.
very nice sir I live in Arizona and have always been into wood working and work in carpentry but watching your videos make me inspired to become a better wood worker
Another great video. And thanks for mentioning/suggesting William Ng. I love his mathematical approach to precision. Keep these videos coming please. The more I learn the more confident I get and the better quality products I am able to produce.
Hey thanks for the kind words. Unfortunately I don't have a whole lot of advice to give since those t-slots can be a real pain in the butt! If there is enough room there, I would probably try to create a runner that reflects the shape of the slot. Only problem is if you aren't careful during use, you might easily snap off part of the runner. I wonder if anyone makes metal versions of runners that would work?
I know this is ancient history to you but Thank You! for finally explaining this in a way my brain could comprehend. Using your instruction I was able to get my crosscut sled to .001 over 18 inches. Now I’m excited to build stuff with it Thanks again!
I'm a big fan of woodwork so I like watching woodwork in youtube though I don't have these tools now hoping someday I could apply all I learned from your channel. Thank you!
Marc, This is the best and easiest method I have seen for creating a crosscut sled. I have been needing a new one but dreading making one since getting them accurate in the past was such a chore. I know what I'm doing now this weekend. I have to say you've been killing it lately! Great stuff. Tim
OK, I made it through this time... I don't think mine will make the grade as yours does, but I'm inspired to keep trying. You are an impressive woodworker. Thanks for the instruction.
Great video! I made my sled a while ago- and incorporated a sliding stop block in the fence. I dialed the angle to be +-0.002 of a degree to 90. I'm glad I remember trig from high school
I built this sled , turned out great , used T track for my runners, took some sanding and fine tuning, but got it nice and smooth, adjusted it with the 1,2,3,4,5 method and got it to .002 of an inch over 6 feet ( wow ) thanks for the video
I only used that because it's what I had on-hand. A friend of mine gave me a bunch of scrap from a big job he did. It's not something I would normally seek out. So I would say you might just be better off with a double stack of baltic birch plywood. Two layers glued together should do the trick. Just be sure to clamp them down on a known flat surface to ensure the final assembly is flat enough for use as a fence.
Hi again, I did my crosscut sled with a formica counter top with the 5'' backing and it works great, 90 deg perfect cut. used a 2x4 at the end :) removed all even the riving knife, ibelieve the knife would be in the way, when I see a video with it on in a sled then I will figure if it's better but I'm happy with out it, thank you very much.
Please read the note in the description that explains an error I made in the video.
This is a great video and it will help me in my work. I have read your comment above explaining the mistake you made in the discussion. I am a little confused though. First, in your explanation I am not sure what is right and what is left. Second, I am not sure exactly what the mistake/error was. You made a correction using the feeler gauge and then measured the error in the fence. You calculate a 0.001" error! Was that right? The correction was to "push" that end back was that the "right end" or the "left end" ? Did you actually improve the fence placement in the video or not. Sorry I am confused here. I get your point that using the feeler gauge is one directional but I am not sure where your original discussion went wrong.
It's really easy to get confused there. That's why William has a plus and minus in his formula. Easy fix, though. :-) Thanks for this. You added a couple of touches I hadn't thought about. Thumbs up to crush a troll.
@@mikecurtin9831 I'm still confused too. If the back end of the test piece was wider than the front, that means that the left side of the fence would need to go forward. But Marc actually moved that side BACK and yet ended up with a more accurate cut. That's what I don't understand-because adjusting the fence in the wrong direction should have produced more error. So why wasn't that the result???
@@merchantbankers You are correct. He didn't show his proper correction in the video. Also, when you're using the feeler gauge, the further you can get it away from the saw blade (the longer the baseline), the more accurate it will be. The best explanation of the 5-cut method, and funny, to boot, is by William Ng himself. Look on UA-cam for the 5-cut method by William Ng. Using this method, you can get better than most machinist's accuracy quickly and easily.
After listening to old episodes of wood talk, the only error I see is all that stubble.
You do have to spend some time setting the saw up... blade, fence, etc. But once done, the saw is great. Fairly compact which is Nice ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxXh-4_3-ZT1fFWP91ZV7iVqzElr0lEb-a I did get an Incra Miter Gauge which takes some setup as well. The stock miter gauge can be adjusted in the miter slot with a little painter's tape... this tightens up the side to side play a lot.
Marc, I have learned more from you than David, Norm, Tommy, and all the rest put together! Your generousity is matched only by your talent to build and teach. Thanks for all you do for the woodworking world.
A 9 year old video and it's still the best crosscut sled video that I found, thank you!! Building one tonight!
Thanks Marc, I've been referring back to this video with every saw I build a sled for. This comment is 10 years later.... Just evidence of a great video! I first saw it maybe 7 years ago. Thanks again brother!
Hi , it sounds like you’re an experienced sled-maker that might be able to help a beginner like myself 😬. Instead of cutting the wood from underneath, the blade raises the board (to cut the kerf of the blade in the middle). I tried to add some weight, even clamping the board to the table saw and nothing worked. I tried to go slow but still didn’t work. Am I doing something wrong or do I need to change the blade the table saw came with? I’m using the Dewalt DW7485, so I’m assuming it’s powerful enough? Please help 😂
I really enjoy watching you at work. I am a retired college professor and have used woodworking to relax for many years. You have taught me many new methods to utilize in my woodworking. Thank you for being a good teacher.
John
This video is 9 years old but to me yet the best tutorial on the web. GREAT !
HI: I been looking at various videos to learn how to make this cross-cut shed, and by far you have the best instruction. Your detail, clarity and verbal speed is perfect. Thank you so much for taking the time for a well done professional training video. I will be looking forward in seen more videos.
I think you are a gifted teacher...clear and concise, to the point. Thank you sooooo much!
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. You have a well balanced personality which works wonderfully as a teacher. Not too fast, not too slow, not boring, not jumping all over the place. Well thought out. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
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I used your video to make a small cross cut sled (I do mostly scroll work and use only small pieces of wood). I used the 5-cut method for calibration and after 1 adjustment, the error was zero. Thanks for an extremely clear, concise, and helpful video.
This is by far the BEST tutorial Ive found on making a simple tablesaw crosscut sled! Especially the 5 cut method simplified.....Thank you soo much!
yep hes the best....
First time the 5 cut method was explained to me AND stuck. Great talk through.
Great explanation of the 5 cut method! I never wanted to use it because it seemed too complicated. Easy peasy now!
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Ted's is the biggest scam I've ever encountered, bar none. Don't.
Here in Australia, there is a saying, translated from a Work Wear advertisement from a few years ago.
And it is. "You do not have to tell me, I know boats"
Well, I did know boats, and now after watching your video, I now "Know them" even better.
Thanks mate.
For me, this is the BEST, most thoroughly explained, video tutorial on this subject!!
The video helped immensely! I spaced my rails by laying 4 strips of paper across the channel and pressing the rail into the track. I then cut off the strips of paper so they would not affect the plywood resting on the surface of the table saw. This guaranteed that after attaching the rails that I had space equal to the thickness of a piece of paper on the sides and bottom. The rails slide smoothly.
i noticed another benefit of the cutouts on the fences - they aid in keeping your hands clear of the blade. a very worthwhile feature!
I realize this video is 8 years old but you are such a fantastic teacher, I really appreciate William Ng's videos and he is such a genius woodworker but I had issues following his video when he was explaining his 5 cut method and that is probably just because of my limited brain capacity, the way you explained it really made sense to me, thank you yet again sir for teaching me something.
you are so perfect for tv is not even funny, your explanations are easy and clear, you are very knowledgeable, your voice is perfect and you seem to love teaching, you need your own tv show, let me make some calls for you, you are one of my favorites
I don't usually comment on videos but I want to say yours is the best and easiest to understand on building things. I am a bit of a greenhorn, in carpentry , but I built the sled using your video and some specs from a book, and your instruction made it so easy to follow. I made a few test cuts and they look perfect. I am now excited to try some projects knowing that my cuts will be square. Thanks for your video and the time you spend making them.
My husband is wanting to make one of these sleds. so yours is the one I have printed for him.
Just made a sled using his teaching. This guy is a great communicator/teacher. Not only can he teach but he can produce fantastic furniture pieces!
Honestly, this is one of the most informative and we'll explained videos I've seen. Thank you.
I like that Marc takes the time to explain why he is doing something, what materials he's using, etc. There are so many videos that gloss over details, I don't think intentionally, but because experienced woodworkers tend to forget to mention things they consider second nature. It's helpful to use newbie to hear details. I've written down all Marc's steps from this video and it makes constructing this thing a snap (so far).
great vid.. I did all the steps and worked great, I use it for shelves for cabinets, dovetail parts. so they got to be really squere.. but one thing I did find out, is that the wood runners expand with cold temperatures..I'm from oregon. and it gets cold. my sled got stuck and I had to sand the little wood runners..I did not wanted to remove them.but I realized the solution is using some aluminum runners that are sold in woodcrafters. they fit perfectly because they are ment. to be use for feather boards ands and jigs. I have a porter cable contractor table saw.. I just wanted to share this it might help when it gets cold..
Hi there. How did you fix the aluminium runners? Did you glue it then screw?
screw them upside-down into the plywood..has to be at least 1/2 inch so the screw doesn't go through.
yes what I did. I lined up the board. and I drew a line in the middle of the table saw grooves. and drilled 2 holes up and down insert crews. there's some aluminum runners that you have to insert through the groove.(screws not to tight because the board and runners lock.. you'll find out.) good luck
Kreg makes a jig fixture bar # KMS7303, its aluminum and is made to work in tracks
Hands down the best video I have ever watched on reasons for building and the actual build of a cross-cut sled. I feel confident that I can build one now, based on your great video! Thanks for sharing.
Awesome!
I will be building this very soon.
Great instructions & very nice delivered, very clear & simple.
Thanks so much!
This is an excellent tutorial describing the construction of a crosscut sled. The 5-cut method is thoroughly explained is great. The added bonus is is useful techniques on the use of the sled.
This wood used in runners is originally from Brazil, here called "Roxinho".
Greetings from Brazil.
I did some research on it. Apparently it's so common there that you guys use it for construction. Much like we use pine here is the USA. Pretty damn cool!
Followed your method for building a sled. Tried two other ways previously and struggled. Anyhow, first attempt I got the fence within 41 thou (4 times the error) and dialed it out with a 10 thou feeler gauge. Great tip! Now there's no measurable difference over a 14" 5 way cut.
Thanks! Great video. I appreciate very much your very patient, clear narrative.
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Thanks for your prompt reply. I must say I have enjoyed watching all your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us all. I find woodworkers and woodturners are renowned for the way they freely share their ideas. Keep up the great work.
Great video! That really helped to figure some things out like the aligning. Thanks man!
Thanks, been out of the loop of woodworking for the past five years or so. Nice to get back to my shop, blow off the cobwebs’ and dust and produce something; anything? Making a living does get in the way of creativity and shop time. Made my first sled back in 1999. “As always, thanks’ for taking the time to make this video! And I support this site.” ~M~
fantastic. 1st time woodworker since high school roughly 60 yrs ago. I can't get enough of these instructional videos. I am presently working on building a shed which is testing me with 30 degree and 60 degree cuts using only a circular saw, table saw and a mitre saw.
Could have used the sled to cut those angles right? I'll be a faithful viewer. regards Alfred rules
Mark I have to say you explained this Sled very well and I love the way you made it. I look forward to watching more videos from you. Thanks a million.
I'm going to stop my UA-cam search for how to build a sled. This was the second video I watched.This is a great tutorial. Wreggits.
This is a really clear video. Thank you! I really appreciate the time spent to explain how you check for and adjust the accuracy, which is essential in a jig like this. I've watched a number of UA-cam videos on making a workshop jig and many don't address checking accuracy at all. Yours, for this jig, is the clearest explanation I've seen yet. Thanks for taking the time to explain it.
Excellent video!! Im forsure gonna make one of these.. But why clamp the stop to the fence and add a inch?? Why not just use the fence?
It's just a safety precaution. Having the workpiece between the blade and the fence could cause kickback. So it's a little safer to use a stopped fence as demo'd in the video.
Because with the stop clamped to the fence by the time the piece to be cut reaches the blade there will not be contact between it and the fence preventing binding.
Thank you for all the great woodworking videos you have shared with us. I had been using an old radial arm saw for my crosscuts but it's travel was too short for some cabinet work I was doing so I decided to make this sled pretty much as shown in the video. Once I set it up with the five cut method and started using it I was amazed at how much better my projects were fitting together. While I do check the calibration on the radial arm saw it will not cut as accurate as this sled. I used oak for the runners as that was the hardest wood I had. I made the sled in winter when the weather was dry and when summer came sure enough the runners swelled and the sled bound up. Using your marker method I was able to fix it quickly. I live in Florida where the humidity can change dramatically. I plan to experiment some different plastic materials to make runners in the future. I highly recommend the methods shown in this video to anyone planning to make a sled.
Actually, I think zardiw was correct in their initial thinking - this video seems to have the adjustment direction backwards - a very key aspect. If my calculations are correct, the left side of his fence must move forward - not backward. This small detail is hugely misleading, and actually sent me down a long and confusing path. A second opinion on this is William NG's video, which is inverse from this video. What also didn't help, is that the wrong was is more intuitive. Feel free to check this, or let me know if I'm missing something. Certainly, this would be worth editing the video if true. Thanks for your helpful videos.
It's also important to read a video's description. :) I recommend doing that before embarking on any build or at the very least, once you confront an issue. And especially on my videos, it behooves you to check out the post on my website for additional information, resources, and discussion.
Thanks for the tip. Of course, I missed it. Cheers!
Hey Mark, 6 years later my crosscut sled is still going strong making perfect 90 degree cuts! Thank you!
And character limit preventing me from closing with a thank you. I appreciate the kind words.
The five cut method that you demonstrated has been a real eye opener for me. Thank you very muchly.
Made a new sled using Williams five cut calibrating system and ended up with .00037 to square -- way beyond what I was hoping for.
lead me lord
There is a new master to follow
Thanks for the great professional construction tips for a cross cut sled. Just when it seems all has been said about the topic, you have more depth to the subject in a clear, simple way. Much appreciated.
Earlier I thought the fence should be moved in the opposite way as in the video. But your video is correct. What was confusing was 'Front' and 'Back'....I had them reversed. Maybe better would be Away and Close, or Back and Fence side....At any rate...I've adjusted the fence.......and you are not gong to believe this, but I can post pictures if you want. After 5 cuts, the Away side is .759 ...and the Fence/Close side is also .759 .......Am going to phone the Pope at the Vatican and report a miracle....I even very lightly sanded the piece cut to make sure they were both smooth.......there is NO Difference in the measurements.....lol......z
I believe the geometry will show that if the cutoff is narrower at the front than the back the way he marked them that he should have moved the other side of the fence back.
Thank you from myself and the rest of the noobs out there for the comprehensive and clear video on how to fabricate, calibrate and use the cross cut sled. I am used to framing but am very interested in stepping up and into finish work fab and furniture so I'm doing some research to determine which skills to start polishing and which to start learning.
Only you, Marc, can make a 20 minute video about a cross-cut sled interesting. This video is quite aged so it's doubtful that you're even going to see this comment. I'll still post it though because I'm that good of a guy.
And I'll answer, because I'm that good of a guy! :) Thanks for watching, man.
HA! This made me laugh.
dude you rock!!!! I have learned more in two hours than I have in six woodworking classes!!! I was beginning to think I couldn't do this, but now I am gaining much more confidence! Thanks!!!!
Thanks for the info. I live in an apartment and build toy chest some for My grandchildren some for sale. After watching many videos I decide to build one like yours. My table saw is a folding craftsman and I built a sled 24 x 30 for cutting the Plywood panels following your directions. After tuning and building the sled I made the 5 cut check for square and got .005 it works great Thanks for your videos as inspiration. Also liked the Video about HVLP as this is how I finish Mine.
What are your feelings about using aluminum for the track?
I was thinking as I watched the section on friction from the runners that, if you can afford it, steel or aluminum miter bars would work great. There are several companies that sell woodworking tools and parts and aluminum bars for miter track sliders. If you want to get adventurous you could contact a local steel supply and ask about small quantities of 3/4 x 3/8 flat bar. I'm not sure just how close to 3/4" their 3/4 inch flat bar might be.
best diy sled video, i like how you show an easy way to calibrate, rather then showing us how to screw things together like most people do in there video.
Thanks
Curious - Why not Teflon plastic for the runners given the concerns related to humidity?
Ooops, I didn't read the written stuff either! e.g. "UHMW runners are awesome"
Gooey Tarballs l
Gotta love the 5 cut squaring method. That could be a lesson video all in its self. I can honestly say I became a better and more accurate wood worker the second I was shown that trick.
This has been driving me INSANE for days: After doing the 5 cut test, his 5th cut is thinner at the front (he marked the front as farther away from his body) and wider at the back (closer to his body) and then says "since it was thinner at the front and thicker at the back I need to bring the left side of my fence towards me just a hair"... Shouldn't it be the opposite way????? I just built myself a table saw sled and am at this step and my 5th piece is narrower at the front (farthest away from me) and wider at the back. It seems i have to move the left side of my fence AWAY from me... shouldn't he have to do the same??? I'm soooo confused!!! Help!!!
+Joe Grosso Hey Joe. The correction was posted in the description. :)
+The Wood Whisperer Thanks Marc
+The Wood Whisperer OMG i'm so stupid. Thanks for letting me know. i should have read the description.. didn't think to do that.
+Joe Grosso mines is the same so do I move the right side of fence or the left standing in front of sled
I'm at this part as well with my sled. I was on my way to get a feeler guage and thought the same thing. Lol
Thanks for the video. I just used your 5-cut/micrometer method to calibrated my new sled fence. Ironically I was also off only 1.25 thousandths. I got lucky to be that accurate the first time. This is the second sled I've made and I couldn't agree more that there is no more useful jig a woodworker can make.
This video won you a top lawyer as a subscriber. I just wish you Americans go metric !!
I wish one of my videos would just win me a top lawyer! You guys are expensive! :)
SisyphusTwo Yeah, I think we technically have, but it obviously wasn't binding. It is just such a massive cultural shift. 320 million people have grown up using a system that they are so familiar with, and billions of USD in consumer goods, road signage, etc would need to be changed. Truly adopting the metric system probably won't happen anytime soon here. We will both just have to continue with the conversions.
I grew up with metric but have worked with both imperial & metric in a professional capacity. The guys on site have always spoken in imperial - the guys in the design office have always spoken in metric. I prefer metric - but get that a 2x2 is easier to say than a 50x50. If I'm roughing it out I talk imperial, if I want accuracy I talk metric. Here in Canada they specify 22mm dia holes for 3/4" bolts - mental.
3/4" is 19mm (or near enough).
The Top Lawyer gives you Top Marks! Toodaloo!
Dude...I know you made this 9 years ago...but that was a great instructional video. THANKS!!
God bless metric system :)) Anyway good!
Love the 5 cut method. Being and X mechanical designer, I could chase after those last few thousands of inch for hours. Your .00125" per 20" length was remarkable or crazy good as you said!
"Here's an item you need and can make yourself when you first start woodworking." *uses thousands of dollars of specialized equipment to make said beginner item* 😜
Agreed. The equipment he used to make it was unrealistic for most people to own so he should have restricted himself to more basic tools.
@@DYI he used a table saw,not much point making a sled if you dont have one
The table saw and drill were fine to use, I was referring to the band saw, table planer and huge sanding table. Even using the exotic wood for the rails with really tight tolerance requirements was tough. I found another design that uses simple wood rails that just rest against the outer edge of the table sides instead of using the guides. Maybe not as precise, but easier and quicker to build. Don't get me wrong, this was an excellent video. The design just was not for everyone.
@@DYI i know what youre saying but novices like us just have to adapt,i dont have an electric plane but iv various sanders and a straight edge
You are an excellent teacher. Thank you. I love how you show not just how easy it is, but all the things that can go wrong, how to avoid them and how to correct them. How to correct a screw hole that is less than a mm off is a sore spot for me... thanks for demonstrating that with calibrating the fence. I'm going to use that technique in many situations!!
It is very important in a tutorial to be able to explain the process clear and to the point and you have done so perfectly.
thank you
Great instructional video Marc. I use a table saw and have always used the rail to measure and cut with. This sled looks like it will work a lot better. I am going to make me a sled and start using it. Thanks again for the video. Have a blessed and wonderful day.
Marc, you have an amazing way of explaining the what and the why, and along with the videos it makes for a brilliant learning experience. I'm building out my basement shop now and this is on my "must do" list. Thanks for doing what you do!
GREAT video. I watch all your latest stuff and when I watched this old one, you haven’t changed all that much. I really enjoy your instruction and appreciate you sharing things like this. This will be a new project for me. Thanks
Great explanation! I’ve seen lots of woodworkers using the sled and always wondered why. Now for me to get on to making one!
@kennjak generally speaking, most folks do remove the blade guard. If you have a simple riving knife or splitter setup, you shouldn't need to remove it. But if you have a plastic guard and anti kickback pawls, you will need to remove the guard assembly.
Built this, and it works great. I always enjoy your vids. As a beginning woodworker, I appreciate the way you make what could be difficult concepts, easy to understand.
@whitedeer22 I would use a couple sheets of ply glued together. But 8/4 hardwood will work too. But wood tends to move over time so you may need to make an adjustment. That's why I prefer the plywood.
Just started watching your videos. I don't have any one to bounce ideas off, so I have been checking how others have been doing things. I am still setting up my shop. I like the way you have set up your shop.
I've Seen Many Sled Builds.
This Is BY FAR The Best Of The Bunch.
I Will Have To Say This Much, You Have "GRANDE-GONADS"
As The Supreme King Of Woodcraft, To Tell Us That, That
Childs Square Is The Largest Square You Have In The Shop. !!!!!!!!!
------- Especially Appreciated That You Demo'd Fine Tuning Of The Sled.
your explanation of the cuts to make the cross cut perfect was done well.
One of the best tutorials I have seen. Thanks Marc.
Definitely a good idea. I usually just use clamps and that works quite well but I can see the value in a built-in clamping system.
love this sled you built. Your inspired me to try one. It did take me three tries at adjustments, but it was truly worth the extra effort. Thank you Mark
Great Video. Informative without being boring or condescending and kept simple enough to make even a wood butcher like me think about having a go. Many thanks.
@IrishWoodDoctor The front fence helps hold the unit together and keep things rigid. So I definitely recommend using one. I don't feel there is really any need for a handle, unless you are using hold downs and clamp to secure your pieces. And you can make your sled as big as you want, but it becomes very difficult to handle the bigger it gets.
This video is so well made, logical and clear that even...I.....understand how to make this unit.
Well done. subscribed.
I thought I was losing my mind until I read the mistake you mentioned in your description. Thank you for clearing that up. Great video!
thanks. Been doing "projects" for the house for ever. Now getting ready to retire I'm looking to set up a legit woodworking shop in the garage to do some things I've always wanted to do. This was very informative and helpful. Been using the table saw for 35 years, never had a sled.....
yes not only safe and accurate but well built and good looking cross cut sled! nice work
I have heard of the five cut method, but never heard an explanation, thanks very much for the tutorial.
Thank you for this video. I made my first cross cut sled this weekend following your instructions and it works a treat! I can't believe I was living with a mitre gauge for crosscutting.
very nice sir I live in Arizona and have always been into wood working and work in carpentry but watching your videos make me inspired to become a better wood worker
Very Impressive! Don't need to go elsewhere....
Excellent Job in presenting going into every detail & tricks of the trade with actual examples.
Jim
Another great video. And thanks for mentioning/suggesting William Ng. I love his mathematical approach to precision. Keep these videos coming please. The more I learn the more confident I get and the better quality products I am able to produce.
Best sled video ever! I've watched so many, and yours is the cream of the crop! Thank you! I now feel so much more confident to make my new sled!
Hey thanks for the kind words. Unfortunately I don't have a whole lot of advice to give since those t-slots can be a real pain in the butt! If there is enough room there, I would probably try to create a runner that reflects the shape of the slot. Only problem is if you aren't careful during use, you might easily snap off part of the runner. I wonder if anyone makes metal versions of runners that would work?
I know this is ancient history to you but Thank You! for finally explaining this in a way my brain could comprehend. Using your instruction I was able to get my crosscut sled to .001 over 18 inches.
Now I’m excited to build stuff with it
Thanks again!
I'm a big fan of woodwork so I like watching woodwork in youtube though I don't have these tools now hoping someday I could apply all I learned from your channel. Thank you!
This really is the best tutorial on tablesaw crosscut sleds! Thank you!
Marc,
This is the best and easiest method I have seen for creating a crosscut sled. I have been needing a new one but dreading making one since getting them accurate in the past was such a chore. I know what I'm doing now this weekend.
I have to say you've been killing it lately! Great stuff.
Tim
OK, I made it through this time... I don't think mine will make the grade as yours does, but I'm inspired to keep trying. You are an impressive woodworker. Thanks for the instruction.
Great video! I made my sled a while ago- and incorporated a sliding stop block in the fence. I dialed the angle to be +-0.002 of a degree to 90. I'm glad I remember trig from high school
I built this sled , turned out great , used T track for my runners, took some sanding and fine tuning, but got it nice and smooth, adjusted it with the 1,2,3,4,5 method and got it to .002 of an inch over 6 feet ( wow ) thanks for the video
Really easy simple to follow, definitely the best video on building a crosscut sled (I've watched so many!) Great simple explanation.
I only used that because it's what I had on-hand. A friend of mine gave me a bunch of scrap from a big job he did. It's not something I would normally seek out. So I would say you might just be better off with a double stack of baltic birch plywood. Two layers glued together should do the trick. Just be sure to clamp them down on a known flat surface to ensure the final assembly is flat enough for use as a fence.
Hi again, I did my crosscut sled with a formica counter top with the 5'' backing and it works great, 90 deg perfect cut. used a 2x4 at the end :) removed all even the riving knife, ibelieve the knife would be in the way, when I see a video with it on in a sled then I will figure if it's better but I'm happy with out it, thank you very much.
love the extra detail on how to use it more effectively! Especially the little pieces that go flying from a miter saw cut. Thanks for sharing!