Crosscut sled opinions

Mark · 2003-12-14T17:16:29+00:00

Greetings and Happy Holidays to All, I would like to start making a crosscut sled for my Unisaw and would like opinions from those who have made their own. Yes, I did Google and found 1090 entries. After looking through a lot of them (a group of Google hits = a gaggle?) I have some good ideas. I'm still debating on the runner material. Since I'm a diemaker, I have access to a machine shop and a lot of metal. I guess I could make the runners from steel or aluminum, since where I live we do have humidity swings. That would also let me put discs into the ends so it won't lift, something I didn't think of before I gaggled. As for size, I plan on a medium size due to the work I plan on using it for. If it works out, I can always make another size later. Anyone make one with a feature they are really proud of and would like to share with the rest of the class??? BTW, I already watched part of the video at It would be great if someone knows of a link to an online plan to download. Thanks as always, Mark

Dec 14, 2003 20 Replies

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I am not an expert in crosscut sleds but, I have made three. The first and second using 3/4" maple/birch plywood and hard maple fences. The first one lasted not more than a few days and the second lasted about two months, it warps/twisted and finally falls apart after I dropped it.

I made the third one yesterday from the Dec. 2003 issue of Popular Woodworking's Jigs & Shop Tips. (Still available in bookstores or newsstands). What make this one outstanding is, it is adjustable and can handle panels up to 24" wide and 36" long. I will make another smaller one from the materials left over. This time the fence will be in the back rather than in the front and will replace the UHMW miter bar or slide beneath with Lee Valley's miter slide.