Incra sleds for Shopsmith?

Create a review for a woodworking tool that you are familiar with (Shopsmith brand or Non-Shopsmith) or just post your opinion on a specific tool. Head to head comparisons welcome too.

Moderators: HopefulSSer, admin

Post Reply
polyted
Bronze Member
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2022 10:33 pm

Incra sleds for Shopsmith?

Post by polyted »

Has anyone tried to adapt the Incra line of sleds to use on the Shopsmith (Mark V), notably the 5000 and express versions?

Incra used to make Shopsmith versions of these sleds but no longer does. I'm wondering about whether to purchase one and try making it work on my Shopsmith. One issue with this is the miter slots don't match in size, but wondering whether anyone's tried and came up with a workaround.
User avatar
twistsol
Gold Member
Posts: 221
Joined: Mon Feb 22, 2016 9:35 pm
Location: Cottage Grove, MN
Contact:

Re: Incra sleds for Shopsmith?

Post by twistsol »

I had an Incra 5000 on my shopsmith and went the other way and moved it over to my cast iron saw. The only difference is the miter bar, and I had to replace the drop panel since mine was cut for the Shopsmith and needed a new one for my new saw.

The 5000 is a really awesome setup for mitering, or for me, cutting panels.
Thanks much,

Chris Phelps
Cheap tools are too expensive
2x Mark 5 520 and a 10ER
User avatar
algale
Platinum Member
Posts: 4793
Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2010 8:13 am

Re: Incra sleds for Shopsmith?

Post by algale »

I have a Shopsmith edition Incra 5000 that another forum member gifted to me.

The only solutions I can think of for the miter bar are (1) to try using the Shopsmith conical disc sander to sand the Incra bar to the correct width or (2) make a hardwood runner and put some 10-24 inserts in it to accept the machine screws that are used to attach the miter bar to to the sled.

Good luck, I really like mine (although it is big!).
Gale's Law: The bigger the woodworking project, the less the mistakes show in any photo taken far enough away to show the entire project!

User avatar
SkullsquadronX
Gold Member
Posts: 143
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2019 10:43 am
Location: Honesdale, Pennsylvania

Re: Incra sleds for Shopsmith?

Post by SkullsquadronX »

You can order a miter bar from Shopsmith and just swap the bars. Or you could watch eBay and pick up a use Shopsmith miter bar.

I have been thinking about getting one. I also been watching eBay & Facebook market place to see if somebody parting with of Shopsmith versions.
User avatar
algale
Platinum Member
Posts: 4793
Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2010 8:13 am

Re: Incra sleds for Shopsmith?

Post by algale »

My memory is that the miter bar on the Incra 5000 sled is quite a bit longer than any stock Shopsmith miter bar. It allows the big sled to engage the miter slot with the sled pulled all the way back to the edge of the table.
Gale's Law: The bigger the woodworking project, the less the mistakes show in any photo taken far enough away to show the entire project!

User avatar
twistsol
Gold Member
Posts: 221
Joined: Mon Feb 22, 2016 9:35 pm
Location: Cottage Grove, MN
Contact:

Re: Incra sleds for Shopsmith?

Post by twistsol »

algale wrote: Fri Jul 22, 2022 12:07 pm My memory is that the miter bar on the Incra 5000 sled is quite a bit longer than any stock Shopsmith miter bar. It allows the big sled to engage the miter slot with the sled pulled all the way back to the edge of the table.
The Incra 5000 miter bar is 25 1/2 inches whereas the ShopSmith miter bar is 16" You should be able to make a miter bar from hardwood or UHMW. I used the stuff at the link below for a number of jigs.

Rockler UHMW
https://www.rockler.com/uhmw-plastic-jig-stock

Amazon also has smaller/cheaper pieces that could be easily trimmed to fit.

https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Fixtur ... 0274&psc=1
Thanks much,

Chris Phelps
Cheap tools are too expensive
2x Mark 5 520 and a 10ER
User avatar
jsburger
Platinum Member
Posts: 6397
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2006 4:06 pm
Location: Hooper, UT

Re: Incra sleds for Shopsmith?

Post by jsburger »

twistsol wrote: Fri Jul 22, 2022 12:34 pm
algale wrote: Fri Jul 22, 2022 12:07 pm My memory is that the miter bar on the Incra 5000 sled is quite a bit longer than any stock Shopsmith miter bar. It allows the big sled to engage the miter slot with the sled pulled all the way back to the edge of the table.
The Incra 5000 miter bar is 25 1/2 inches whereas the ShopSmith miter bar is 16" You should be able to make a miter bar from hardwood or UHMW. I used the stuff at the link below for a number of jigs.

Rockler UHMW
https://www.rockler.com/uhmw-plastic-jig-stock

Amazon also has smaller/cheaper pieces that could be easily trimmed to fit.

https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Fixtur ... 0274&psc=1
Or, just use two SS miter bars. Cut a couple inches off of each one if required.
John & Mary Burger
Eagle's Lair Woodshop
Hooper, UT
User avatar
rlkeeney
Platinum Member
Posts: 715
Joined: Fri Nov 14, 2008 5:53 am
Location: Tallahassee FL
Contact:

Re: Incra sleds for Shopsmith?

Post by rlkeeney »

twistsol wrote: Fri Jul 22, 2022 12:34 pm
algale wrote: Fri Jul 22, 2022 12:07 pm My memory is that the miter bar on the Incra 5000 sled is quite a bit longer than any stock Shopsmith miter bar. It allows the big sled to engage the miter slot with the sled pulled all the way back to the edge of the table.
The Incra 5000 miter bar is 25 1/2 inches whereas the ShopSmith miter bar is 16" You should be able to make a miter bar from hardwood or UHMW. I used the stuff at the link below for a number of jigs.

Rockler UHMW
https://www.rockler.com/uhmw-plastic-jig-stock

Amazon also has smaller/cheaper pieces that could be easily trimmed to fit.

https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Fixtur ... 0274&psc=1
Cutting boards are cheaper: https://www.samsclub.com/p/bakers-chefs ... _product_1
--
Robert Keeney
Tallahassee Florida
#odinstoyfactory
Post Reply