Shopsmith Forums

Does anyone on this forum use the sled? If so, how are the holes used during operation and is it a worthwhile addition to the Shopsmith? The photos are screen shots. The Shopsmith website doesn't show the face of the sled so it's difficult for me to know if these are predrilled during the manufacturing process or if the previous owner drilled the holes.

I don't own the Shopsmith cross cut sled but I do have the Incra 5000 Shopsmith edition cross cut sled. I do think a cross cut sled is a nice edition. My personal preference are the Incra one's that integrate gauges or allow you to use one of their excellent miter gauge so precise miters can be cut on the sled.

shoedo wrote:Does anyone on this forum use the sled? If so, how are the holes used during operation and is it a worthwhile addition to the Shopsmith? The photos are screen shots. The Shopsmith website doesn't show the face of the sled so it's difficult for me to know if these are predrilled during the manufacturing process or if the previous owner drilled the holes.

The holes come pre-drilled from SS. They are designed to set the fence a pre-determined angles.

To quote from the SS web page that lists the sled...

"The aluminum fence adjusts quickly for 90-degree, 45-degree, 36-degree, 30-degree and 22.5-degree angle cuts to make precise miters for four, five, six, or eight-sided projects."

I have never used mine for angle cuts but I use it all the time for 90 degree cuts and it works fantastically. I wouldn't be with out it.

F

I use one and like it, especially for large material. The holes, IIRC, are pre-drilled and are to set the sled for common angles. I've only used the T-slot version, and mine has the auxiliary table which I also like but I think it could have been sized better. The miter bar is somewhat longer than the one from a miter gauge so you can work with wide material. I got mine as part of a used Mark V, one of those things I probably would not have bought but I find I really like it.

Cons: You do lose a bit of capacity in thickness.
For large material it works best with an extra extension table. One on the right adjusted to support the sled (co-planar to the main table) and one on the left adjusted to be co-planar with the sled to support the cutoff.

- David

I agree with the above. Once you have the sled, you wish you got one sooner!

jsburger wrote: I have never used mine for angle cuts but I use it all the time for 90 degree cuts and it works fantastically. I wouldn't be with out it.

Ditto!

The sled is a great addition to the shopsmith table saw. Having that fence to clamp the workpiece to is really handy.

Make sure you get the small table that goes on the "off" side of the blade as well. You need to raise the surface the same amount on both sides of the blade.

edflorence wrote:

jsburger wrote: I have never used mine for angle cuts but I use it all the time for 90 degree cuts and it works fantastically. I wouldn't be with out it.

Ditto!

The sled is a great addition to the shopsmith table saw. Having that fence to clamp the workpiece to is really handy.

Make sure you get the small table that goes on the "off" side of the blade as well. You need to raise the surface the same amount on both sides of the blade.

I made one with a 1/2" piece of Baltic Birch plywood and two SS sliding T nuts and bolts.

The Cross Cut sled is an OKAY addition to the shop. I use mine but I built a larger one to better accommodate what has been my typical projects.

I'll post some pictures here later in the day.

I have a home-made one...made with 1/2 or 3/4 ply I think.

it does cut down on cut depth.

Do you think a 1/4 or even less like this would be enough support?

I understand for extended/unsupported work something solid is required, but for a sled that rests on the table and possibly the extension table as well-I dont feel like thickness is required.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/RevolutionPly- ... 8/50121135

b

bainin wrote:I have a home-made one...made with 1/2 or 3/4 ply I think.

it does cut down on cut depth.

Do you think a 1/4 or even less like this would be enough support?

I understand for extended/unsupported work something solid is required, but for a sled that rests on the table and possibly the extension table as well-I dont feel like thickness is required.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/RevolutionPly- ... 8/50121135

b

In my opinion, the sled needs to be more stout that I believe that would make it. I debated 1/4" baltic birch when I made mine (and the out feed table) but I choice 1/2" and I do not regret it. The Shopsmith sled is also 1/2".