Crosscut Sled

[wdelliott]

Dusty:
What is the piece of wood on your way tubes? I can't tell what use you make of it?

[dusty]

Dusty:
What is the piece of wood on your way tubes? I can't tell what use you make of it?

That piece of wood across the way tubes is a 2nd generation of the aluminum bar pictured in the first attachment. I use it for one of two purposes.

Most frequent purpose: It helps to stabilize the main table when the extension table is not part of the Mark V setup. It compensates for the fact that the table tilt lock is not absolute. This is especially true if there is any weight on the table like when a floating table is attached to the right side.

Secondary purpose: It acts as a base for the table tilt micro adjust.

[ATTACH]12944[/ATTACH]
The adjuster in the 1st generation version. The wood in the question replaces the aluminum bar in the photo.

[ATTACH]12946[/ATTACH]
Reference to the blade

[ATTACH]12947[/ATTACH]
Close enough but

[ATTACH]12948[/ATTACH]
Right on.

[Ed in Tampa]

Dusty
I see it is the aux table. From the perspective in the picture in 68 it looks like it was a platform that was sitting on the way tubes and was cabable of holding the fence, and all the other objects in the picture.

It was just perspective.

In any case you sled looks great and I really like you outfeed table design.

As I said before you are the man when it comes to making SS accessories.

[dusty]

Dusty
I see it is the aux table. From the perspective in the picture in 68 it looks like it was a platform that was sitting on the way tubes and was cabable of holding the fence, and all the other objects in the picture.

It was just perspective.

In any case you sled looks great and I really like you outfeed table design.

As I said before you are the man when it comes to making SS accessories.

Thank you for the kind words. I do these things just to resolve issues that arise from time to time and (I hope) to make some of those frequent tasks a little more safe.

I am concerned about the safety issue regarding the blade coming through the fence where my hands are. I will resolve that before I use the sled again.

[mrhart]

And maybe give me your thoughts on that, I was interested in making a sled as well and I'm processing everything .
Thanks sir

[JPG]

And maybe give me your thoughts on that, I was interested in making a sled as well and I'm processing everything .
Thanks sir

FWIW The applachian sled has a 'doghouse' about 4" wide by the height of the fence and 5x3/4" deep.

[ATTACH]12949[/ATTACH]

Pix ala Reible!

[dusty]

I have a couple questions sir.

How did you determine the width of your sled? And why or what is the advantage of not having it centered on the SS table (noticed from the pic of being directly behind the sled)?

What would be the goods or bads of keeping the back vertical part of your sled higher like in the middle before you tappered it down, and putting in an oval hole on each side of the blade to grip with your hands to push and pull back? By grabbing the sled in that way you'd keep your fingers always away from the blade path and your grip would keep them up away from the table?
Anyone get that??

I will most certainly answer your questions but only after I apologize for having not responded without being asked twice.

Like so many things we build, the dimensions must meet the needs of the user as first priority. I sized this sled to fit onto the Mark V table in the configuration I most often use.

I typically use a floating table on each side of the main table. The right hand floater is snugged up tight against the main table while the floater on the left is position with a small gap through which I can reach to turn the Mark V on/off. The width became 36".

The depth of an ideal table for me would be 3" deeper than what I just built. The extra 3" would facilitate a 24" panel; in other words the sled would have a 25" field between the front and rear fences. The birch plywood that I had was left over from a previous project and the most I could get was 24" total depth (22" field).

As for the position of the hump on the front fence - your observation and recommendation re very astute. The hump would be better if centered!:o If I would take that fence off and turn it end-for-end the hump would be moved so as to be near centered on the blade. This was a screw up during assembly.

I see the value in your hand hole suggestion; however, it is not for me. I personal thing. I don't want my hands where quick removal might be hindered. I do believe that both the front and rear fences need to be higher (maybe an inch or two). It has also be asked if maybe the hump should not be duplicated in the rear (more strength where the blade cuts through).

I understand and support the idea of the dog house. I just don't care for it so I did not put one on this sled.

There is a slight modification in the works to deal with the safety issue. Verbal explanation may be difficult for me so when I finish I will append this thread with pictures to detail the modification. Yes - meat cutter protruding out the back is NO GOOD.

[mrhart]

[quote="dusty"]I will most certainly answer your questions but only after I apologize for having not responded without being asked twice.

Like so many things we build, the dimensions must meet the needs of the user as first priority. I sized this sled to fit onto the Mark V table in the configuration I most often use.

I typically use a floating table on each side of the main table. The right hand floater is snugged up tight against the main table while the floater on the left is position with a small gap through which I can reach to turn the Mark V on/off. The width became 36".

The depth of an ideal table for me would be 3" deeper than what I just built. The extra 3" would facilitate a 24" panel]
Thanks sir.
When I build one I will posta pic.

I ended up with a SS version in my original aquisition. I love using a sled, but it feels a little sloppy with only one runner underneith and not very 'beefy". I won't know if I like anything different unless I were to make one.

Next time I'll raise my hand.......it worked in 2nd grade

[dusty]

Thanks sir.
When I build one I will posta pic.

I ended up with a SS version in my original aquisition. I love using a sled, but it feels a little sloppy with only one runner underneith and not very 'beefy". I won't know if I like anything different unless I were to make one.

Next time I'll raise my hand.......it worked in 2nd grade

If you try to follow protocol here on this forum...well, I am just not sure what might happen.

If you have too much slop with the Shopsmith sled consider attaching a runner on the right hand under side that will act as a second miter bar.

[BigSky]

Dusty
If you are interested in building one of these for me, I would certainly be willing to pay for your time and all materials. If interested, drop me an email or PM.