A table saw sled is a great tool for making precise cuts in wood. It allows you to make cuts that are perfectly straight, and it can also help you make repeatable cuts with ease. It’s a great tool to have if you’re doing a lot of woodworking, and it’s not too difficult to make one yourself. Here’s how to make a table saw sled.
Gather Your Materials
The first step to making a table saw sled is to gather the materials you’ll need. This includes the base of the sled, which should be a piece of plywood that’s at least 3/4 inch thick. You’ll also need two pieces of wood for the runners, which should be slightly longer than the width of the base. You’ll need four pieces of wood for the fence, which should all be the same length.
You’ll also need two pieces of wood for the base of the runners, which should be the same length as the runners. Finally, you’ll need some screws, glue, and a drill. Once you have all the materials you need, you’ll be ready to start building your sled.
Build the Base
The first step in building your table saw sled is to build the base. To do this, you’ll need to drill four holes in the plywood, one at each corner. Then, you’ll need to attach the runners to the plywood using the screws and glue. Make sure that the screws are long enough to go through both the plywood and the runners.
Once the runners are attached, you’ll need to attach the fence to the runners. Again, use screws and glue to attach the fence to the runners. Make sure that the screws are long enough to go through both the runners and the fence.
Attach the Handle
The next step is to attach a handle to the sled. This will make it easier to move the sled around your table saw. To do this, you’ll need to drill two holes in the base of the sled, one on each side. Then, you’ll need to attach a handle to each hole using screws and glue.
Once the handle is attached, you’ll need to attach the runners to the base of the sled. Again, use screws and glue to attach the runners to the base. Make sure that the screws are long enough to go through both the base and the runners.
Set Up the Table Saw
Once your table saw sled is built, you’ll need to set it up on your table saw. To do this, you’ll need to attach the runners to the table saw using screws and glue. Make sure that the screws are long enough to go through both the table saw and the runners.
Once the sled is attached to the table saw, you’ll need to adjust the fence and the runners so that they are level and parallel. This will ensure that all of your cuts are perfectly straight and even. Once everything is adjusted, you’ll be ready to start using your table saw sled.
Using the Table Saw Sled
Now that your table saw sled is set up and ready to use, you can start making your cuts. Make sure to pay attention to the alignment of the fence and the runners when making your cuts. This will ensure that your cuts are perfectly straight and even.
Also, make sure to always use a push stick when making cuts with your table saw sled. This will help to keep your hands away from the blade, which will help to keep you safe. Once you’re done making your cuts, you’ll be able to enjoy the precision and accuracy of your table saw sled.
Conclusion
Making a table saw sled is a great way to make precise and repeatable cuts with your table saw. It’s not too difficult to make one yourself, and it will make it much easier to make accurate cuts. Just make sure to follow all of the steps outlined above, and you’ll have a great table saw sled in no time.