Table Saw Sled

Cross-Cut Sled Usage on a Table Saw

A cross-cut sled is a jig for a table saw, significantly improving the accuracy and safety of cross-cutting operations. It provides a stable platform for the work piece and ensures cuts are square to the blade. Asmbly has several cross cut sleds available near the miter saw, the largest is 18"X36"

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preparation:
   1. Ensure the table saw power switch is off.
   2. Clean the table saw surface and the runners of the cross-cut sled to ensure smooth operation.
   3. Inspect the cross-cut sled for any damage or loose parts. Verify the fence(s) are securely attached and square to the blade.
   4. Adjust the blade height to slightly above the thickness of your work piece.
   5. Position your dust collection system appropriately.

1. Work piece Placement and Securing:
   1. Place the work piece on the sled's base, ensuring it is flat and stable.
   2. Position the work piece against the fence of the cross-cut sled. The fence acts as a consistent reference point for your cuts.
   3. If making multiple cuts of the same length, ensure the work piece is firmly against the fence for each cut.
   4. For added stability or when cutting smaller pieces, you can use clamps to secure the work piece to the sled's base or against the fence. Ensure the clamps do not interfere with the blade's path. clamps will set off the saw stop.

1. Making the Cut:
   1. Hold the work piece firmly to the base and fence.
   2. Ensure your hands are clear of the blade's path. Remember the blade will pass through the back of the fence. Use push sticks or blocks if necessary, especially for smaller pieces.
   3. Turn on the table saw.
   4. Slowly and steadily push the cross-cut sled from one of both sides. Never push from the middle as the blade will pass through the back of the sled and could cut you.
   5. Allow the blade to completely pass through the workpiece before stopping the sled.
   6. Once the cut is complete, turn off the table saw and wait for the blade to stop spinning completely before removing the workpiece and the sled.

1. Repeat Cuts (Optional):
   1. For making multiple pieces of the same length, you can use a stop block clamped to the fence or the built in T track. Position the stop block at the desired distance from the blade.
   2. Place each subsequent workpiece against the stop block and the fence before making the cut. This ensures consistent lengths.

Safety Precautions

• Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection when operating a table saw.
• Never reach over or around a spinning blade.
• Keep your hands a safe distance from the blade at all times. Use push sticks or blocks when necessary.
• Ensure the workpiece is securely held against the fence and/or clamped to the sled.
• Do not force the sled through the cut. Maintain a steady and controlled feed rate.
• Allow the blade to come to a complete stop before removing the workpiece or the sled.
• Turn off the table saw when making adjustments or changing blades.
• Regularly inspect your cross-cut sled for wear and tear and ensure it is in good working order.

Troubleshooting

• Binding: If the sled binds in the miter slot, ensure the runners are the correct thickness and are clean. Alert the stewards by filing a problem report.
• Inaccurate Cuts: Verify that the fence(s) are perfectly square to the blade. An out-of-square fence will result in inaccurate cross-cuts. Alert the stewards of a misaligned sled by filing a problem report.
• Tear-out: Place sacrificial backing board between the fence and your work piece to support the wood fibers as the blade exits the back side of the workplace.

See Also

• All Things Wood (for general woodworking information and other tools)
• Sawstop ICS Table Saw