Tablesaw Crosscut Sled Featuring Microjig Matchfit Dovetail System
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ต.ค. 2024
- My Microjig Matchfit dovetail inspired crosscut sled was a project a long time in the design and making. I knew I wanted a good sled, but debated just exactly what all I wanted it to include. After making my drill press table using the Microjig Matchfit system, I knew this was the best option.
After spending hours jotting down features I knew needed to be included, this what I came up with. What do you think?
Jig update video 1 - • Microjig sled update a...
Jig update video 2 - • Microjig Matchfit Insp...
#microjig #matchfit #christcrosscrafts
Tools & Materials
*MicroJIg clamps www.woodworkin...
*Klingspor Dovetail Bit www.woodworkin...
*T-nuts www.woodworkin...
*Rectangular nuts www.woodworkin...
*Grr Ripper www.woodworkin...
*Stop collar www.woodworkin...
*Kreg Fixture Bar www.woodworkin...
*Hinge bit www.woodworkin...
*Countersink Bit www.woodworkin...
*CA Accelerator www.woodworkin...
*CA Glue www.woodworkin...
*Lamilube www.woodworkin...
*Crosscut Blade www.woodworkin...
*Combo Blade www.woodworkin...
*Incra Square www.woodworkin...
*Dust Remote www.woodworkin...
*Positioning Squares www.amazon.com...
*1/4-20 truss head screws www.amazon.com...
This is way better than all the sleds I saw on YT. I say it's the best. I'm gonna try and make one for my DIY projects.
Thank you for the kind words. I'm not sure it's the best, but it is certainly the best for me. Everyone has different needs and this fits mine. Many have said it's too big, but for cutting cabinet parts, or larger sheet goods to length, it's perfect.
Also, I use it to cut small stuff and have no issues.
OMG! I broke out laughing at your hold down getting permanently encased. I totally feel ya bro. 👍
I included it because stuff like this happens to all of us. It actually worked out and I love the fact I never have to look for a clamp for that side. I could cut the fence or enlarge the groove to remove it, but so far have had no need to.
Beautiful sled, the cutout curve is elegant, and your tolerances are remarkable. Well done sir
@@TosaNewsense thank you so much for the kind words and for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Thanks for taking the time to share. Very creative. Appreciated.
Thank you for the comments. I hope it inspires your own creativity.
Even though it's an Aircraft Carrier-sized sled. the number of innovations and features make it well worth the effort. Congratulations!
Thank you. lol. It is quite large. I've actually found I like the larger surface to house off cuts when batch cutting or cutting several pieces simultaneously. Every time I get ready to make a smaller one, I use it instead and decide to hold off.
That out take at the end with the clamp deserves a thumbs up
Thanks. I figured I'd leave it. We all make little mistakes along the way.
Great job. Your videos among others are the reason I have fully invested in the Matchfit/MicroJig product line. Keep making content about this stuff. 👍
Thank you. They do make a great product.
One of the most versatile cross cuts sleds I have seen. Subscribed to see some more of your work. Cheers.
Thanks for watching. I am working on an update video to this showcasing all the jigs an fixtures I've made. Maybe about a month away from completing it. I didn't realize I had so many jigs.
You did it right. Nice job. You hit it out of the park with this build.
Thank you. I just thought about all the things I needed/wanted in a sled & it worked out. Matchfit is a great system.
i just watched the yt video, and i am sure glad i held off making my table saw sled. i ordered the matchfit clamps, etc from amazon. thanks for a great example.
I'm happy to help. Check out my two update videos where I cover some of my jigs I've made for the sled.
As a fellow Matchfit Dovetail Clamp Cross Cut Sled builder, I admired your work and some of your struggles. I used the two cut method of doing 1/4 deep preliminary slots before using the dovetail bit and that made the stress on the dovetail bit a lot less. Those runners are going to be worth the effort. But I find my heart racing from listening to the background music.
Sometimes when I'm editing I let the music speak to me. Often times it's upbeat, sometimes more somber.
This is the most beautiful and efficient table slaw sled I’ve seen!!! Incredible work!
Thank you. It's months of planning coming to fruition. I'm working on an update video showing more jigs I use with it.
Thanks. This is great. As you probably mentioned, using the Matchfit clamps simplified the squaring process immensely. No more ruining the predrilled holes in the squaring process. Just make the adjustment, clamp & retest for square. Thanks again.
Thanks for watching. They do make it easy.
I bet I have watched a hundred of these "ultimate" crosscut sled videos. Sir, your's is best. I was looking around at these sled videos for the 20th time to find t-track layout ideas for spacing and number of tracks when TH-cam magically brought me to you. After watching your video I decided to spend my pennies on a Matchfit Dovetail Bit and a clamp or two... seems to be a wiser purchase. Thank you! Liked, Subscribed, and Notified.
Thank you. I too wanted a good sled but didn't like the t-track option. I tested the microjig system on my drill press table and knew that was my solution.
You won't be disappointed. I use my sled all the time and love it.
Great looking crosscut sled. Mad flexibility~! Love the outtake too~! Just change the phrase "made a mistake" to "incorporated a feature" and there ya go~! 😀
I usually turn my mistakes into a "feature" for sure. I have a lot of features.
Love it! Can’t wait to build mine. May incorporate lots of your ideas.
Thank you. Check out the follow up videos where I showcase many of the jigs I've made to work with the sled. That might inspire your own ideas to make the sled even more powerful for you.
@@ChristcrossCrafts I did, it’s great!! Thanks for taking the time to show us!!
The best I’ve ever seen , ever
Thank you for your kind words. I just made a list of everything I liked about previous sleds and everything I wanted to be able to do with it. I ruined several napkins laying it all out, lol.
Banging sled and very entertaining build video.
Thank you and thanks for watching.
Chris, great job. I love the versatility of the sled using the Microfit system. If I may make a suggestion. Insert a stop on your out feed table to stop your sled from going too far so that the blade is kept inside the box on your side. That way it’s one less thing to worry about. After all your fingers are worth the five seconds it would take to install a proper stop. Best regards, Richard
Great idea. I have large channels cut into the outfeed table, so that would be an easy solution to put a couple strips in there.
It's there, a great and great idea, I would do it too without a doub..
Great video. Love that clamping system. Very versatile and cheaper than t-track plus no long screws to trim off.
Yes, it is a fantastic alternative that I have found to be invaluable in my shop.
Dude !!!!!....KILLER video and ideas !!!!
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. Woodworking is a community of ideas and we all should be sharing what we know and have learned so others can gain knowledge of the craft.
Excellent work!
Thank you. If you liked this one, you should check out my two jig videos where I show some of the jigs I made for it.
I figured out how to free your clamp and to access the chanels blocked by the front fence. Just enlarge a few inches of the channel near the front fence (⅜ or ½ inch router bit) enough to get the microjig clamp in and out. I did it on my sled and it works great. The dovetail track stays intact near the business end of the sled.
I love it. Fantastic idea. After using it, I've sort of grown to like it in there. It's always handy to pull in when I need it, but being able to take it in and out whenever would be better. Thank you!
@@ChristcrossCrafts Enlarging the Back few inches with a straight router bit to allowing the clamp to have an insertion/ release area is what i did about four years ago. also added the 45 degree slot on both sides of the kerf, this really allows any extremely short pieces to be held safely and securely. LOVE MY MATCH FIT SLED !
@@terrysknary im working on a few jig designs now. A spline jig, adjustable shim jig that will double as a small tapering jig, a combo tall fence/spacer block extended cuts, and a couple more.
This is brilliant Michael. I made the same mistake, but you get the save!
I was kindof wondering about access to those slots until I saw this part of the video. Sounds like having some enlarged sections would make sense to allow you to put clamps in and out. Maybe you could have a whole section that screws in so that you could remove it for access to all of those "fence parallel" slots.
Looks like a winner to me.
Thank you for the kind words and for watching.
Nice, very nice. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for watching and the kind words.
Great setup. After purchasing MicroJig's Gripper I am looking at the MicroJig Matchfit system. As far as your mistake goes I think I would chisel the slot wider towards the far end of the table next to the front support to provide an out for the clamp and do that on all the dovetail slots that are trapped by the front support so you can use your MicroJig clamps on those slots.
I've left my locked clamp in and am actually glad it's there. I've made slots in the back fence to allow fixture pieces to pass through (this can be seen in microjig sled update videos).
I haven't needed to allow for clamps to be used in the front to back slots, but do use fixture hardware (the reason for making the slots). T-bolts can come in from the side the make the turn at any intersection. I've made wooden clamps for my cnc and they work great in conjunction with the t-bolts if needed.
My updates video is 2 parts and covers all the jigs ive made for the sled since I made it a couple years ago. They may be worth watching to give you some ideas.
Great implementation of the match fit system. The design of the miter attachment so you can cut longer pieces and use vertical clamps is clever. Just subscribed!
Thanks for watching & kind words. It's a jig made out of necessity . I have a 2 part video showing several more jigs ive made for the sled since the build.
@@ChristcrossCrafts watching those now, terrific! Really enjoy your instructional style and the camera clamp is genius!
I agree with you, it is one of the best I have ever seen as well. Great job!!! It does seem a little large and difficult to handle. But still a great job.
Thank you for watching. Funny, I originally was going to go smaller, but because my saw only has a 32" capacity between the blade and fence, I went larger to help accommodate those panel sizes that couldn't be used with a fence installed. That has saved me several times. I've added the Katz Moses stop to it and use it nearly every day.
I actually used it to cut 6x6 parts the other day with no issues. It makes a nice table to place the cutoff and finished pieces without getting in the way - all on one platform. I have the runners and bottom of the sled super slick, so it slides quite easily for that size piece.
@@ChristcrossCrafts Man, no apologies please, you have the mind of an engineer and this is a great piece of work for you to be proud of. The miter options you presented are a twist that adds remarkable versatility. Truly an excellent job.
@@mor8266 Thank you again. I've actually added a couple new jigs to the system. An additional angle (22.5°) and a spline jig with more ideas yet to build.
@@ChristcrossCrafts Thanks, I will check them out
excellent design. the different zero clearance blade inserts is a great idea.
Thanks! I was planning on making a replaceable insert for the fence too, but held off. Maybe an upgrade for later.
This is an amazing idea. Thanks
Thank you. It has served me very well and made a world of difference in my shop and workflow.
Just when I thought someone made the ultimate sled you came up with this. Totally genius my friend. I just picked up a matchfit system and was going to make their little sled, but this is the mac daddy. I will be doing this one - thank you for sharing your sled!
I'm glad it inspired you. It keeps on impressing me with what all I can do with it.
Hello my friend! Great job this one. Really, this Microjig Matchfit system surprises me for its versatility and the freedom it provides to add almost any jig or accessory that we need, this is fantastic because a crosscut sled becomes more useful and not simply a crosscut sled. I'm really looking forward to building one like this, but small for my Dewalt 745.
I appreciate you watching. Yes, microjig has changed my shop and the way I think about jig setup. Now, I think, how can I use matchfit to do this.
Thank you! good projects
Great permanent clamp fixture😂 good sled btw, thanks
If it works, it works
that is an amazing and very versatile sled . once i get the dove tail router bit i will be making one myself .
Thank you.. Definitely use their bit. The radius makes all the difference. Just be sure not to cut slots where the runners will be. I almost did.
Neat idea and I think I'll use some of your design features in my new sled. One reason for keeping a workbench flat is to make flat glue-ups. Before I routinely clamped to the bench I made some wavy assemblies with my own wide variety of small clamp designs. Please ell us how you decided to store your jig when it isn't in use.
My original plan was to mount it under my saw, but when I decided to make it deeper, it wouldn't fit. I ended up drilling some holes on the end and hanging it on the wall near a corner that isn't utilized. This ensures it stays flat. Since it's so long, it's easy to hang on tall hooks.
Awesome sled. If I may suggest to address the safety issue and since you have an outfeed table, I would simply put a stop on the outfeed table. In a way that the sled cannot be pushed far enough to expose the blade. The stop can be a simple clamp with a piece of wood or a retractable bench dog.
Funny thing... I've used it dozens of times and never even come close to coming out of the back. In the video the blade was at full height and I was focused on getting the shot and not the blade...lol
I considered making a tail that drags and catches the edge of my saw, but a stop on the outfeed is a good idea.
I just ordered the matchfit system and was planning on using William Ng's method when building my sled. Your setup is very helpful. Looks like you can make the adjustments without having to drill first and then lock it down after you've got it dialed in. Great!
I did put one screw in to act as my pivot point. Once the 5 cuts were done, it was easy adjustment and locking it in.
Great sled, fully loaded with all the options!
Thank you. I've added a couple more things since this. I've found this to be invaluable for many things.
great work, best sled i saw so far.
Thank you for watching and the kind words. Inspiration from a napkin drawing and a list of things I wanted to use it for. I have a follow up video coming up with other jigs added to it.
Looking good. Just finished up my work assembly table using their bit. I also am building a modified version of their ultimate cross cut sled. Only major addition is I'm going with plywood back fence like you along with not gluing and using the 5 cut method and adding in a Kreg track at the top with the flip fence. Fence face has one DT groove too. Waiting on my router lift for the table to complete the build. I like their products and customer service is awesome as is the tech support.
I thought about the Kreg flip stop and planned on using it in my initial plans, but would have had to make my fence shorter. I believe that stop (and the kreg fence) is 3". I wanted a little more clearance.
Really nice sled. Had a quick thought. If you cut a dovetail or 2 at a 45 to the vertical you may be able to slide in a clamp closer to the blade for better clamping. If I try it I'll message you back.
Good thought. Actually, the grooves running side to side allow for full travel and clamping ability.
I'd love to see your solution though!
My first thought was wow that's way too big but after watching the build i changed my mind. So versatile and looks so much fun to use. I'm going to build one too but i am going to use my Katz Moses end stops I've just bought.
I love mine and for all the people who told me it's too big... I say make yours your way. I've been woodworking a long time and a small sled always seems to be just too small & you have to build one bigger.
I don't have that issue. I've cut tons of small parts on this too. I also cut cabinet parts so it's perfect... for me.
Thanks for watching & I hope you like yours as much as I do mine.
Awesome Build..super versatile, i need one.
Build it y friend.
LMBO......LOVE THE HONESTY !!!
Gotta be real... we all make mistakes
@@ChristcrossCrafts ...and how refreshing when so many don't. Thank you sir...
@@craigrmay7935 I always strive to be real and not edit out the bad stuff or mistakes. I posted a video a couple of years ago where I installed a huge ceiling mounted storage shelf above my garage door. Got it all mounted and the door hit by an inch. I left it in and fixed it. Since then, I show them all.
Great ideas, which I'm going to use when I build my sled. Thanks.
Glad you found some inspiration. Thanks for watching.
Hi Chris. I just finished up my first version of a MicroJig sled, but after watching your video I can see a Rev. 2.0 in my near future! I'd given thought to how to make a replaceable insert for different blades (or to replace a worn insert), but didn't really come up with anything. I like your solution and will definitely incorporate it at some point.
Thank you! It took me a while to find just the right screws to use, but they worked really well. T-nuts with the spur points hold well. I also made sure my insert material would be easy to find in the future. Just in case, I bought an extra sheet and marked it, so I wouldn't use it elsewhere - lol.
This is a brilliant system. You did a great job on both the build and the video!
Thank you for watching. It has been a huge help in my shop.
I'm a little late in discovering your channel, but this is an amazing sled! I might have to give this a go!
Thank you for watching. This sled has been a huge asset. Im working on an update video discussing uses and additional jigs ive made for it.
@@ChristcrossCrafts awesome! I can't wait to see it
Great job man, I’m gonna give this method a try and add some Dovetail slots into my new sled.
They work amazing and are so versatile.
Brother... I am just completely in love with that thing... Matchfit hardware is a luxury expense right now but once quarantine is over and I'm back at work I'm surely gonna "Git-R-Done" ! .... Health and much blessings to you and the family... SUBSCRIBED !
Thank you. I looked at so many options and chose the Matchfit because of the versatility. My drill press table video should have come first, but when I release that you absolutely see how awesome the system is.
@@ChristcrossCrafts .... very much looking forward to that !
A reference, this the future!
It's also an evolution of my past.
Un excelente labor gracias por compartir su conocimiento.
gracias
Really awesome. Now you got new subscriber.
Welcome aboard! Thank you very much.
I love it. To make it lighter, what if in the center of most of the grid squares, you used a large hole saw to cut out circular voids. I'd like to hear of any negatives, before I do it to mine. Thoughts?
The concern I'd have is it weakening the platform, allowing warping. This size of sled can easily warp with all of the slots. I did cut away some of the back area to reduce weight, which helped.
That's part of the reason I used the luminum runners to help keep it flat.
.0004 > Aircraft Engine part quality accuracy > Damn!!
Have a smaller saw... Will do a scaled down version.
Really enjoying your videos!
Yeah, I sort of stumbled into that luck. I'm sure it's moved some by now, but still cuts extremely square.
Most excellent.
Thank you!
Hi Nice job on the video…! Sled is absolutely beautiful…! Nice to see somebody without so much ego they can’t admit that they make a couple of screw ups like the rest of us… LOL
You got one more new sub!
Thank you very much. I've always tried to show my mistakes. It shows I'm normal. It also shows ways to think about the situation and fix mistakes... sometimes. In this case, the clamp became a featured part of my "intentional" design.
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I like what you have done. Your video and workmanship are well executed. I wonder what you will do in making a picture frame that is longer than the distance to the back fence. The right side looks good. On the left, however, the fence limits the length.
Thank you for the kind words. My jigs allow for the excess to be off the sled on either side. That was part of the reason for cutting the curved section on the left back.
It serves as weight reduction and function for long stock.
Hey Chris I really love the style of your videos! Love the narration and angles!!
Thank you. I struggle sometimes finding the right shot. I often miss it and think of a better angle after the fact. I'm a woodworker and moving my camera (phone) around is sometimes neglected so I can keep working.
Great job brother! I really like the match fit system. I feel your pain on the mistake, the biggest problem is that you can’t put any more clamps in those slots either. My only suggestion is to take a chisel and relieve the dovetail on the slots as close to the front fence as possible so you can slip clamps in and out. Nice sled !
I have the side grooves for anything that might be required on the right or left side. The left side part has some access since the back fence isn't very long. I've already come to love having it there. It's one clamp I can guarantee I won't have tied up on other projects so it's always there when I need it.
This is fantastic! The Cadillac of sleds. What's the overall width and depth of the sled? And would you change those dimensions if you had to do it again? Excellent work, thanks for sharing it with us all!
Thank you for watching and the kind words. Originally, I wished I made it a little smaller but I'm glad I didn't. I love the larger table, even cutting smaller parts. It allows a space for items before and after they are cut. The overall dimensions (28"deep x 48" wide) are great for panels and parts of about any size. I have 12" to the right of the blade and can cut panels 26" wide. I recently had a job where I needed to cut 36" & 48" pieces and my fence is only 32" on my saw. I was able to use the sled to get it done.
I've made several jigs for it that makes me use it more and more. This system makes it easy to adapt to new jigs and fixtures.
Could you clarify the depth of your inserts? In one comment I believe you said 1/4” MDF and another says 3/8” BB. I’m planning my build and think that the insert has to be as thick as the dovetail depth, so 1/4 thick ply or MDF would be too thin. An excellent well thought out project. Thanks for sharing your skills with us all!
You are correct... I did say both. My original plan was to use 1/4" but then realizes 3/8 would be better. Both because it's the same depth for the slots and it adds a little needed thickness to add stability once cut through.
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. I do love my sled.
If you haven't seen pt 1 & 2 of the jig videos I made for the sled, you definitely want to watch those. Lots of ideas.
@@ChristcrossCrafts Yes, I’ve watched all three parts likely a dozen times each! MJ should be putting you on their staff! I want to try to make the homemade dovetail hardware like you have after my sled build if I can figure it out. Thanks again.
I've watched this three times already...and I've been in the business over 35 years. Shit is Pimptific!!! LOL! I'm gonna steal about 70% of this design for mine. Thanks bro!!
Thank you for watching. I'm glad it was of some help. I've been doing this since the late 80's and this sled is the culmination of every hodge-podge sled and jig I've ever made rolled into one. You should have seen the napkin with all my notes, lol.
I do have an update video coming out soon showcasing most of the jigs I've made for the sled. I just finished filming it and will be editing it this week or next. That one will be worth watching as well. I will cover one or two changes I'd make (or tweak) on my sled if I did it again.
Thanks again!
Great video…one question, how did you cut the dovetails vertically in your triangle that hold down the picture frames while cutting?
It can either be cut using a hand router and guides, router table and a jig, or on a cnc. I played around with my cnc on this one.
Did I miss something? How are you going to use the grooves that run between the front and rear fence? I would think you would have to widen out the dovetail at one end to allow to insert the clamp.
I have other methods. See the other videos on this sled. For instance, clamping stock at the fence, my clamps straddle the fence from the back.
If you get tired of breathing smoke, replacing router bits and cleaning out sawdust that clogs everything up and screws up the uniformity of your dovetail slots, pre-cut the slots with a spiral downcut bit that is narrower than the narrowest part of your dovetail bit before you try to route out the dovetail slots. You don't want to try to cut dovetail slots in one pass, and since the nature of the dovetail precludes one from making several progressively deeper passes, you have to cut out the meat of the slot with a straight bit first. It may seem like a lot of extra effort, but when you're routing 100 linear feet of dovetail slots it's a lot FASTER and produces much better results, AND it's cheaper than burning up three dovetail bits and having to replace the batteries in the smoke detector.
If I cut them on the cnc or use a hand router, I do a clear cut every time. If I'm making short runs on the router table, I dont. The double setup is a pain, and I'm lazy that way.
Watched again. Just about to start on the sled. I have one question, though. How do you get clamps into the dovetail groves that run front to back between the two fences? Other than removing a fence, I don't see how to do that.
The one groove has the "locked in" clamp. The others, I don't. I have routed a notch in the back fence to allow hardware to pass through. I have had no need for clamps thus far, but if I did, I'd likely widen the groove at the back fence so the clamps could be dropped in.
There is room to the left of the back fence for a clamp which I have used a lot. I also use T-bolts, which can slide in from the side, then turn at any intersection and change direction if I need something long for holding down jigs.
I actually cover this topic on my update video. I've gotten lots of questions regarding this and some of my other jigs. It's a 2-part video, so feel free to check it out on my channel.
Nice job!
Thanks for watching and the kind words.
Nice job
Thank you. I love my sled and it's helped out a ton.
Nice idea, but I don't get how the microjig clamps can go into the grooves front to back. The fences seem to block access there. Maybe I'm not seeing how you solved this.
The clamps themselves don't go front to back where the fences are, but the hardware and other fixture pieces do. The spacing is such that hardware can enter from the side and turn at any intersection to be placed in any groove.
Thats how I mounted my miter jig. I brought the bolts in from the side and turned them in a front to back slot.
Good job
Thank you,
Awesome!
Thank you! It's a great system.
Fantastic. Just an interest in the combination table saw/router table. Any make/model recommendations?
There are several options. SawStop makes the best saw on the market and they offer a router table set up like mine, but theirs is on the right side of the saw. SawStop is expensive, but they have the safety feature that will shut the saw down if your finger touches the blade.
Beyond that, Jet, and Powermatic both offer really well-built saws. On the cheaper side, Rigid is an option. Any of these saws will work with Benchdog router tables, which is what I have.
Awesome sled, coming to the Microjig party late. Do you sell plans for this sled? I’m interested if so.
Thanks for watching. Never too late! I don't have plans. MJ has some for their variations and jigs. Mine was drawn up on a napkin then to paper with all my needs and wishes.
@@ChristcrossCrafts love it bro! Keep up the inspirations!
Suggestion why don’t you route out the existing dovetail slots at the front with a 5” by 1/2” slot just behind the forward fence than you could use the line running with the blade. It would give a spot for them to to pop in and out of.
I considered that a while back and have relented to do that should I need a clamp. I actually thought about that as a way of removing the one I locked in...
Love the look of this and it's inspired me to go down the Microjig route. What at the overall dimensions of your sled?
Thank you. Mine is larger than most will need. IT's 28" front to back and 40" wide. I get a lot of people saying I should cut notches in the far fence to allow clamps in. I can straddle the fence from the outside with a clamp and hold parts.
@@ChristcrossCrafts thank you for the info, much appreciated.
I wondered about using magnets to hold down the interchangeable zero clearance insert down, that way it could be changed in a few seconds for different blades. What do you think?
Possibly, but I'd be concerned if it caught, the blade would have more than enough force to make it pop out. @@pauljenkins3077
@@ChristcrossCrafts ah that's a good point!
Excellent sled. I'll be making one of these soon. It's crazy to me how little content there is on youtube using this system. Anyways, great video. You got a new sub from me. God bless!
Thank you. My drill press table using the same system is awesome (vid coming soon).
@@ChristcrossCrafts looking forward to it.
Did you use 3/4" ply to start? The microjig site says the dovetail projects about 3/8" up and it looks like that goes very nearly halfway through the stock. Just wanted to confirm if that's been thick enough to maintain rigidity. Given all the jigs you built for it since, I'd assume yes?
Yes, I used 3/4 baltic Birch. I wanted rigidity and the layers help. That's the other reason I cut away some on the left and made both fences full width.
Great video! This project is going on my to-do list! Question: do you mind sharing details of your router table attachment? I have a dedicated router table and hate how much space it takes up in my small workshop. Thanks!
Thanks for watching. I've had it for years. It's a bench dog left wing router table. There are a couple manufacturers that make them.
Great video with lots of creativity and versatility, thanks a lot for the inspiration and the time you put on making. Wishing you the best for this new year.
I have a question. You mentioned you used T-track bolts for some knobs. What size of T-track bolts fit on the dovetail slots? I see there are more things available for the T-track systems than for the dovetail system so the idea of using both on this sled is really good. I bought my first table saw a few weeks ago and I'm looking for making jigs and sleds for it, yours definitely is the best one I have seen. Thanks a lot!
Thank you for watching. I just jotted down all the features I wanted & spent time figuring out how I could incorporate it.
Standard T-bolts with the elongated head work, but not with excess tension. T-bolts have a flat head (not tapered like the dovetail hardware) so too much tension can damage the dovetail if not careful.
I made some hardwood dovetail pieces and bought some longer bolts and knobs from my local hardware store. The longer bolts also fit the knobs & threaded fixture pieces from Microjig so I can still incorporate them.
IF you allow me, I would like to give you an idea for this, build a male dovetail in a solid wood strip, cut to the desired sizes and adapt the T-bolt, so we have the male dovetails with standard T-bolt.
Amazing job. Maybe I missed it, but how would do let’s say a long 45° cut on a board of 6” or taller?
Anything taller then the blade height would not be able to be performed without using a different style jig, There are ways to do it but it will vary based on the board length.
Is the base made from 3/4 inch ply? It looks a little thicker.
It is 3/4 baltic birch.
Love the sled! How do you get the zero clearance insert out? It seems to go the length of the sled - under the glued in front fence and screwed in back fence.
It slides slightly under the main fence and butts into the glued one. Since I used spur t nuts to fasten it, it pops right off.
What router table do you have? I like that set up adjacent to you're table saw
This is an old bench dog left extension table. I bought in 2004. Sawstop makes a similar one. I'm not sure if bench dog is still available.
Great design. It has been a joy to build this in the shop over the weekend. The sled is all done and ready to go but I have one question for you. How tall did you make the front fence? I was assuming 4 inches tall with dovetail slots on the front at 1 inch and 3 inches. On the back would be in the middle at 2 inches. Can you please share your measurements? Another follower added. Thanks for sharing ....
Thank you for watching and the kind words. You nailed it. The back fence (used to square everything) is indeed 4" with a dovetail at 1" from the top & bottom.
I made it double thickness and added a dovetail on top (centered) for my stop, and 2" on center for the back side. I don't have much of a use for the back dovetail other than holding parts, but added it just in case.
Congrats on getting yours done. Stay tuned... I have an update to this im working on with new jigs and add-ons... all for the sled.
Thanks for the video. I already have a micro-jig workbench for my clamps I also made a mini one on 2" spacing. I do a lot of jewelry boxes that are small 4" did not give me the versatility I needed for spacing clamps. I am puzzled though on the vertical dovetails. With the back and the front fence permanently mounted how can you insert anything in the vertical dovetail tracks. The horizontal is good?
Thanks for watching!! The clamps can't be used in the front to back slots, but the hardware can.
It will easily slide in from the side and make the turn at any intersection. You can then make fixtures, additional jigs, or wooden clamps/stops as needed. Ive made several clamps, stops, etc.
My miter gauge actually uses hardware slid in and turned.
@@ChristcrossCrafts Thanks I will try that when I am out in the shop in a few minutes. I am in the process of figuring out my sled now and was going to start working on it today.
@@rblues4u Sounds good. Keep in mind you could always make modified spacing. On mine, I believe I used 3" side-to-side and 4" front to back. I did have to adjust a couple slots to get outside the screw locations from the track I used. Sometimes you simply adapt to what you need.
Love it! I have debating making a Microjig sled. This is the best one I have seen yet. How or where do you store it? How deep is it? Thanks
Thanks for watching & the kind words. It has been a shop game changer. I drilled holes in the end and hang it up on the wall. It's about 28" deep. I can crosscut a 26" panel.
Cut the last match foot slot that is up against the front fence so you can just lift it straight up, you won’t be using your clamp in that position anyway. I am using your design to build my own cross cut sled and to prevent the blade from ever protruding through the rear of the sled add a stop to your runners so the sled can only push to the center of the blade.
I looked at adding stops, to prevent how far the sled slides. The issue, I ran into is sometimes you need the blade fully up and also clearing the apex of the raised blade at the fence. That pushes the blade pretty far back. The box helps keep me safe during repetitive cuts.
I've done squaring on a sled I made. This required that I move the fence to perform the squaring. Is this what you did? You kind of gloss over it, and I want to make sure I am doing the right thing.
I do move the fence but only pivot it. I came in 1" from the right edge and installed a screw. That became my pivot. I used the fence or the kerf and a framing square to get close, then ran a screw in the other end of the fence.
I then did the 5 cut method (a few times) to find square. Making the needed adjustments after each test. If you Google William ing 5 cut method, there are videos on it.
Don't use the free calculators available through other folks because they all miss a key factor in the process.
@@ChristcrossCrafts do you have plans for this build?
@@RedcarWW I don't. I drew it up on a napkin and wrote down all my ideas based on previous sleds I've built that I liked and didn't like.
Great sled champion, I may have missed it but do you have plans for this jig?
Thank you. I do not have plans. I jotted down all the things i wanted and made them fit the space.
Quick question. On the dovetail slots that run from the front to back, how are you able to slide in a clamp when the fence and front rail are on? Do the clamps enter the dovetail track at any 4-way dovetail intersection? I would have thought they needed to be slid in at the start of the track.
Thanks for watching. I usually slide the clamps in from the side. I did accidentally lock one in a front to back groove on the right side when attaching my fence.
The left side of the back fence doesn't need to extend that far over if you feel you need front to back clamps. You could also make dados deep enough to slide the fixture pieces in and out as well. Ive used this thing a great deal and have not had a need to do either. I hope this helps.
I am working on an update video with about 6 or 8 additional jigs ive made for it. Coming soon.
With a fence at the front and back of your sled, how do you put a hold down in the dovetail slots running parallel to the blade?
I don't. I haven't needed to. I was prepared to groove a section out if I needed, but have not needed to. Hardware slides in (see my follow-up jig video) so I can easily use that if needed. The clamps will come in from the operator side of the main fence and straddle it, allowing the clamp to hold parts down to the sled next to the fence.
How did you permanently fix the fence after squareing from the initial blade cut?
I used clamps to hold it and ran more screws to lock it in
Great sled!! How do you use the matchfit clamps in the grooves that are parallel to the blade? Looks like you might have to cut away the top portion of the groove on the far side of the led, just enough to get the clamp in and out
Thank you for watching. Other than the one I accidentally locked in there on the right side, I have not had to. I can use the one I locked in on the right and Im able to get one on the left at about 12". I mostly come in from the side to do most of my holding.
If I do need a clamp from the back I could trim the back fence some on each side of center, which would possibly be a change I'd make if I remade it. I also considered adding a 45° dovetail for that purpose but have not needed to.
Between the hardware and jigs I'm covered. Keep an eye out for a future video showcasing some of the jigs ive made for it and my take on it over the last year. It shod be ready in a month or so.
Aren’t all of the north-south slots basically useless? Asking to learn, I love the idea though, honestly.
I have since cut slots in the back fence to allow for hardware fixtures to slide through. Clamping can occur from a number of places.
Awesome
Thank you! I love it.
Fantastic sled Chris. I noticed you made a dovetail slot in the top of your back fence. Does Matchfit have a stop block accessory that can be used in that slot? Congratulations on a great project.
Thank you for the compliment. They don't make a stop block. I used their hardware and made one, but ended up buying a Katz Moses stop block and love it.
I made that groove knowing it would have uses, and it does.
Since the dovetail clamps slide in from the ends of the slots, it seems like you have 5 slots that can’t be used. I’m referring to the ones starting from the right side. You have the fence covering one end (of the slots), and the cross brace covering the other end. I don’t see how you can slide clamps into those slots.
Check out my update videos on this sled to see how I use the slots. I have notches cut for fixture pieces to slied in from the outfeed side. The Matchfit clamps can straddle the fence from outside the fence to hold parts next to the fence.
I can slide clamps in from either side should I need to. I've used this for a couple of years with no issues or modification needs.
I have a question about functionality of your sled. How do you access the groves routed out with dovetail bit that are perpendicular to the far fence with the dovetail clamp? I see how you access the ones that are further over than the length of the far fence or access the ones parallel to fence, but the ones that are perpendicular I don’t see how you are able to use them because the fence on each end. Did I miss something that allows you to put the dovetail clamps in those grooves? I was looking at your sled compare to Micojig’s Ultimate Table Saw Sled. The far side fence on theirs is much shorter and doesn’t go over any groves that’s how they cover address access issue.
Thanks. Good sled
Thanks for watching. I made mine significantly larger than the the one MJ did. I do a lot of wider parts so this gets used for about everything.
Other than the one clamp I accidentally locked in there, I don't have access for clamps front to back. I honestly haven't needed them. I had decided if I did,, I'd cut part of the fence away. The intersections do allow for T bolts to slide in from the side then turn. That is how I've made a few hold downs and my miter jig (shown in the video).
I've used it for a year now and thought about cutting slots in the fence for the MJ fixture hardware to slide in, but again, haven't needed to.
An update video is coming soon, where I show all the jigs and fixture pieces I've made for it.
@@ChristcrossCrafts Please let me know when that video is out. I am looking to make a new cross sled. Following your and MJ ideas. I'm looking to learn what you like about the sled and what you would change. This plan seems like a great way to use one sled with different blades and different angles. How do you like changing the throat for different blades?
@@mattspeer6198 click the subscribe and bell. It should be ready and posted in about a month
How do u get the clamps to go in with both fences blocking each end ? The clamps have to slide in from the ends do u remove the fence to get ur clamps in ?
One clamp got accidentally locked in but I haven't had to bring clamps in. They straddle the main fence and can clamp from behind. I also use fixture pieces or clamps from the side if need be.
No issues.