Time

A half day

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$100 - $200

Introduction

A crosscut sled adds functionality to any table saw and makes delicate cuts safer. This simple design is easy to build and will serve you for years to come.

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Figure A: Crosscut Sled

Overall dimensions: 36-in. W x 24-in. D x 5-1/4-in. H.

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Cutting List

KEY	QTY.	DIMENSIONS	PART
A	1	36″ x 24″	Sled base
B	2	36″ x 3″ x 1-1/2″	Fence
C	2	36″ x 3″ x 1-1/2″	Bridge
D	2	8″ x 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″	Bridge cap

Tools Required

Dado blade
Drill driver
Table saw
Try square

Materials Required

3/4-in. Baltic Birch Plywood
3/4-in. MDF
36-in. T-track
18-in. T-track
Thick CA Glue

Watch How To Build a Table Saw Crosscut Sled

Project step-by-step (6)

Step 1

Install T-Tracks

Cut 3/4-in. dadoes in the medium density fiberboard (MDF) base 13 inches from both edges. Secure the T-tracks in the channels with 5/16-in. screws.

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Step 2

Attach Miter Sliders to the Sled

Miter sliders are come in a range of styles, even homemade strips of solid wood cut to fit the miter slot. I used solid steel miter sliders made by Incra ($28 each). They won’t bend, and a tab on their leading edge keeps the sled from tipping out of the miter slots.

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Step 3

Glue the Bridge to the Sled Base

Use thick CA glue with accelerator to attach the bridge to the sled base. It doesn’t have to be perfectly straight or square; it’s there simply to keep the two halves of the sled together.

Table Saw Crosscut Sled Fh22apr 617 52 009 Family Handyman

Step 4

Make the Kerf

With the blade completely elevated, run the sled through the saw until the blade is two inches away from the back edge.

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Step 5

Align the Fence to the Blade

With the sled still on the saw, place the try square against the blade to align the fence to the saw, then glue the fence to the base. I used slow CA glue to give me time to make minor adjustments. When the glue is dry, secure the bridge and fence with countersunk 1-1/4-in. screws driven from the bottom.

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Step 6

Attach the T-Track to the Fence

Cut the T-track to length and align it to the face of the fence. Attach the track with one-inch No. 6 wood screws.

Table Saw Crosscut Sled Fh22apr 617 52 015 Family Handyman

How To Build a Table Saw Crosscut Sled

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