Checking the available miter sleds and...

pinkiewerewolf · Post by **pinkiewerewolf** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 6:42 pm

I have some questions.
On the Mark V I take it that the sled should go to the right of the blade if a compound miter is executed or is a compound miter not possible with a sled?

I'm having difficulties deciding between the Shopsmith sled, the Jointech SmartMiter, and the incra sleds.

I will NEED to cut miters and sometimes this will be on longer/wider boards and I'd like to get the most out of my Mark V instead of buying a miter saw, and I can't afford or store a RAS right now.
I might need to cut compound miters, and I'd just as soon use the sled than do it by hand if that is possible and because of the reasons I mentioned in the previous sentence.

I think the smart miter is out of the running since it has to be mounted on the left side of the blade. (I just got off the phone with a Jointech rep.)
The decision would lay between the Incras and the Shopsmith.
Has anyone used their Shopsmith cross-cut sled for miters or compound miters? Nick's video that accompanies the cross-cut sled is excellent except that he doesn't use it in a miter operation during the video. Shopsmith says that it can cut miters and I'm wondering how well it handles those cuts.
I'd appreciate any knowledge the users of the SS sled or any of the Incra miter sleds give me some areas to consider?
Thanks,
John

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 7:40 pm

Hi Pinkie,
Check out post 9 of this thread: https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=2505&highlight=sled
I think there is no problem cutting compound miters. Both the Incra and the SS sleds allow for miter cuts, and with the table tilted, compounds, too, are possible, as long as the board is knot too long...

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 8:00 pm

I have done simple miters with both the Shopsmith and Incra sleds. Both seem adequate. The Incra offers more exact angles. I am yet to do compound with either so cannot comment but suspect the incra once again will offer more exacting compact miters. 364 - 1/2 degree stops is awsome. I do like my 5000 fjimp

pinkiewerewolf · Post by **pinkiewerewolf** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 9:16 pm

Thanks guys.
Tim I did see that thread and it is very helpful, it confirmed that the Incra miter 5000 does mount on the right side. In fact if I read it correctly it is somewhat exchangeable with the left, except for the scale being in reverse if you have the incorrect scale/side.

Jim, you have both systems and I was wondering if you would see any merit in starting out with the SS sled and adding the Incra later. The SS is more affordable, even when customizing it in a manner like Nick demonstrated.

The one thing I'm certain of is the fact that I need a sled to increase ease of use and accuracy of my cuts. My left arm is a bit buggered and doesn't have the strength or dexterity necessary to control larger pieces.
Projects are piling up and I need to make a lightning strike over the school's winter break.
Thanks again,
John

reible · Post by **reible** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 10:50 pm

I just finished posting a review of the Appalachia sled in the review area. This might also be an option depending on what you are trying to do. I had already purchased the shopsmith system many many years ago and then added the incra miter express not all that long ago however I'm getting much more use out of this system.

ed

jimthej · Post by **jimthej** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:19 am

Anything longer than about 4 ft. is not gonna happen on a Shopsmith. For anything longer get a miter saw. Even a cheapie will work better.

pinkiewerewolf wrote:Thanks guys.
Tim I did see that thread and it is very helpful, it confirmed that the Incra miter 5000 does mount on the right side. In fact if I read it correctly it is somewhat exchangeable with the left, except for the scale being in reverse if you have the incorrect scale/side.

Jim, you have both systems and I was wondering if you would see any merit in starting out with the SS sled and adding the Incra later. The SS is more affordable, even when customizing it in a manner like Nick demonstrated.

The one thing I'm certain of is the fact that I need a sled to increase ease of use and accuracy of my cuts. My left arm is a bit buggered and doesn't have the strength or dexterity necessary to control larger pieces.
Projects are piling up and I need to make a lightning strike over the school's winter break.
Thanks again,
John

pinkiewerewolf · Post by **pinkiewerewolf** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 2:46 am

Ed, that is a super write-up on the sled with some great photos attached. It is a very well thought out sled...and beefy.

Thanks for another choice. LOL

Jim, 4' board? I cut stuff three times that long without a sled at this time since I arrange the 520 and my shorty to the same heights but the SS miter gage and extension aren't stable enough with 8-12 ft 12"x2" true size poplar for accurate cuts. I end up sanding the cuts with the disk or cutting them proud and into their end lengths, only to have to make another cut for accuracy. I'd like to use a main sled on the 520 and incorporate a "sled" for the shorty so that longer pieces will have sled action on both ends. I can make the sled for the shorty but I'd like to purchase the sled for the 520 table.
For miters I just move the shorty into place along the angle. (like a roller stand, except with more functions)

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 3:29 am

jimthej wrote:Anything longer than about 4 ft. is not gonna happen on a Shopsmith. For anything longer get a miter saw. Even a cheapie will work better.

I agree to a point. Anything longer than about 4' is not going to happen on a simple Mark V. Add a sled to the configuration and the available length increases dramatically.

By all means, a miter saw is great....if you have room for one.

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 4:46 pm

John,

I purchased the Shopsmith sled first. It still gets more use than the Incra 5000. It all depends on the accuracy required. The shopsmith sled is quicker and easier to set up for most that I do is fine. However if I need a high degree of accurcy the 500 is the first choice.

So yes the shopsmith first and the 5000 later is an economical way to start. fjimp

pinkiewerewolf · Post by **pinkiewerewolf** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:02 pm

Jim, thanks!
I am going to go that route and start with the SS sled. It may end up being all that I need and if not, now is the time to find out with the Holiday Sale.

I think I'll get the necessary parts to incorporate the improvements that Nick demonstrated.
Even if I am having a difficult time understanding the use of the combination square ruler in setting up the scale.
I watched the video three times last night and still couldn't figure it out.
You can lead the horse to water...

Thanks again everyone, I appreciate the information.

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Checking the available miter sleds and...

Checking the available miter sleds and...

Miter Sled