Hi, I'm a novice wood worker and I'm self taught. I absolutely love this sled but I'm not skilled enough to create this sled even if I were to buy the plans😞. Would you consider building this and shipping it to me?
Love this sled! Will start building it first thing in the a.m. On top of that, after watching your video, I am a smarter woodworking hack. Not smart....just smarter. Exceptional presentation. Great stuff. Thank you.
I built the sled and it works really well. It adds a huge safety factor when using the saw. I drilled a hole in the block on the back of the closer fence to accommodate the vacuum cleaner attachment and solved a huge dust issue. I used a sacrificial fence for dado cuts taking care not to cut into the main fence and losing the register marks. I keep it well waxed. BRILLIANT design...thanks .
My name is Angel I started to view your woodwork projects they are so nicely organized and well done I myself like woodworking but of all the family time that you have with your family that really touch my heart and soul thank you for your art
James, I just want to say that as a fellow girl-dad, I really admire how your kids hang out in the shop and help you with projects. Mine are a little bit too young for that right now, but they like doing the "hanging out" part. Also, this sled is awesome. I might make an attempt at it at some point when I feel confident.
European reply: I learned the Aha moment by a passionate simple math teacher. Though it's the passion of that teacher that made that moment. Taking your hat off is simply appropriate. In any case, whether it be math, or woodworking, or anything else: that persons passion empowers other people. Nice video.
james ........ after watching many many youtube "greatest cross cut sled of all time" videos, i purchased your plan for as i refer to it "the goldilocks sled". in my humble opinion it does what a cross cut sled "should" do, not everything "possible". thanks much for a great video and a great set of plans.
I purchased your plans for this today and I have to say they are very good and easy to read. I purchased a set for the same thing from a National woodworking supplier that most of us buy from and they were so confusing and I am a retired Commercial Contractor of 40 years, threw them away and got yours. Thanks for sharing good knowledge and common sense work value.
I've been planning a new sled and just when I heard, "dado'ed the sled", I said A-ha! REPLACEABLECLEARANCEINSERTS That was the best idea I've been missing, Thanks!
I had to stop the video to get out the popcorn and drinks I was so thoroughly entertained. One of the best and informative video's I've seen. Kudo's to you and your family my friend.
Great sled, well explained and easy to follow. Built the sled and it is true and wonderful to use. I made two changes. I used adjustable miter tracks that were top mounted to allow precision adjustments if necessary and I left a 1/4” gap at the end of the T-tracks so the clamps can be completely removed for some types of projects. Thanks again, really love your channel!,
Been watching a bunch of kumiko TH-cam videos...this lead to watching a bunch of table saw sled construction videos. This guy is the best teacher, with the least ego in his voice. His sled is the most expensive in materials, the most versatile, and the most exciting one I’ve seen. Never built a table saw sled. Making accurate cuts on table saws has always been a challenge for me...probably mostly because my saws aren’t shop grade(expensive, ginormous, and super heavy), and I haven’t built enough jigs for table saws(a sled is a super jig). Thanks James, been a house carpenter for 26 years, cheers.
I've seen a few of your videos now. gotta say you're a lucky guy to have your kids spending so much time in the shop with you, not just to hang with your kids but to impart the knowledge and skills you've acquired...it's like the epitome of parenting. also doesn't hurt to groom them into taking over the family business ;)
This is how I started out. I have a vivid memory of being about five years old (1953?). My retired grandfather had a small shop in his basement outfitted with some Delta-Milwaukee Homecraft brand tools that included a drill press, a band saw, and a small table saw with a 4-inch jointer on the side. I still have his drill press and use it frequently. Using mostly 1/2- and 1/4-inch pine, he made napkin holders, salt boxes, spoon trays and such. At Christmas he would produce a number of small sleighs that you could put a candle and some greenery on. I worked in the hand-sanding department on the production line. He sold his items at a local gift shop to make a bit of walking around money. But I digress. My best memory of my childhood is my grandfather taking the wheel/blade covers off of the band saw and having me clean the sawdust out of the tool with a small paint brush. I've worked wood all my life and am always upgrading my shop and believe that he pointed me in the right direction in life. Oh, about the Delta-Milwaukee Homecraft brand, it has been interesting to see how the companies have bought and sold each other over the years and how the brands have changed in quality. In the '70s I had a Black and Decker Super Sawcat circular saw with an electric brake. It lasted more than 25 years with daily construction use. Now when I see the Black and Decker name I think of toasters and homeowner-quality tools. In the '50s, my father had a military surplus DeWalt radial arm saw in the basement. It was a Navy gray and was a beast. My mother said the lights would dim in the whole neighborhood when he would push the ON button. She said said she held our first aid kit in her hands whenever he used the thing, said the whine of the motor was blood curdling. DeWalt has had an interesting progression of owners (read Wikipedia) since 1923 and is indicative of the frequent changes of ownership of these tool companies. I didn't mean to write a book here, but just to say that I think it is wonderful that you have apprentices/helpers in the shop. Thanks for a great video.
@@panamafred1 My dad had an old Craftsman table saw he bought in '62. I retired it this year for a Bosch portable. I feel much safer now, and the breakers aren't tripping. :-)
@@garyhome7101 I hate retiring old tools, but it is usually for the best if I buy good quality. I do a bit of metalwork too, and just bought a Milwaukee metal cutting circular saw. Should have bought it fifty years ago! My Bosch contractor's table saw is going strong after gee, perhaps nearly twenty years now. Remember to count your fingers before and after using the table saw! :-O
I’m very happy to find this video on your ultimate sled. A few years ago I started building your extreme miter station but due to unforeseen family circumstances had to stop 3/4 way through construction. Now, with more time on my hands I decided to finish it but wanted to construct the many drawers with box joint corners. After cruising TH-cam for a workable jig, I found yours. As usual you made the build using simple explanations for each step - like you did with the miter station. I’ve ordered the plans and I’m beginning my own sled to make the drawer box cuts. Thank you so very much for those instructions. I hope to provide you with a finished version before spring.
Its late mom said its bed time. But i just learned a TWO AWESOME TRICKS from you. The 1 thru 5 square cut method and the dead on 45° trick. I have fought it for 40 years. Oh by the way i just subscribed and am looking to MUCH more. Thanks for your time.
James you’re amazing buddy. I’m learning math along with Woodworking and ENJOYING IT! You should bring this video to teachers so they can show their students that geometry and math DO have practical applications outside the classroom.
Retired....just got a table saw....THANK YOU!! Great video and great explanation of the 'why' you do what you do. Will buy these plans. Guess I better check to see if there are any updates to your sled since this is an older video. Thank you sir.... you are a MASTER!!
One important item I did not notice being covered in the video is that the fence must be straight with zero bow. This can be achieved by clamping the fence to a known straight edge while squaring and adding screws up through the sled into the fence at quarter points. Very good video and it gave me some good ideas to improve mine. I love playing with the five cut method.
What a wonderful video. I've had a table saw for ages and have heard of crosscut sleds but never saw a use for them till recently. I'm retired now so have more time for fine woodworking with more detail and refined features, like picture frames. I've seen several instructions for making a crosscut sled, but I like this one the best. Thanks for a very good video.
I watched all your videos . I luv you and your daughters share the wood working experience. I'am retired US ARMY soldier with 20 years active duty . Now I am enjoying my woodworking hobby. I currently lived in Tacoma, Washington. God Bless take care of those finger. Lol
Without any doubt the absolute best crosscut sled and cross cut sled build on youtube. Congrats. I will be purchasing the plans and building one. Only one possible safety improvement on your "death block", fit a stop on your outfield table. Mine is a 1/2 inch diameter bolt with the thread cut off and a large round rubber bumper fitted. It is positioned so that the saw blade is into your death block to the max depth for any piece you are going to need to cut without it coming through the back of the block. Your dado will also need its own hole due to differing diameter. It can be stored on a rare earth magnet under the edge of the table saw top so it is always at hand. I've seen too many of those Safety blocks with saw kerf slots cut all the way through. All the best.
I think you are much better than my math professor, you explain very clearly and simply. You always make good videos. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
I just stumbled upon your channel, I must say that I do love how you explain and narrate your videos (it is crystal clear). Good to see everyone helping out, I have never seen a video like that before.
Your videos encourage me to do higher quality work. Example: T-tracks and the associated clamps etc. The more wood work I do, the more I want to spend a little more money to do things right. Thanks for the inspiration.
James, James, James. You are DA MAN! Always and forever!!!! I made two of your mini cross-cut sleds, one for 90 degree cuts and another for 45 degree cuts. It was not a month and I had "ruined" the 90-degree dude to make a dado sled out of it. I laughed when I watched this video. This is THE BEST sled available on TH-cam. Buying your plans and making it as soon as I get over this stinking COVID-19 junk. Been sick for two weeks so I am about 80%. Thanks my friend.
Your channel is the best. I can't tell you how much I learn every time I watch one of your videos. Your channel and one other, are my 2 go to channels. When I'm about to build anything from wood, I check your channel and my other go to before I start. And I always find useful into. So my point is to say, thank you so much, for what you and your crew (daughter's) do!! Great channel.
This has to be the go to woodworking channel on you tube, so much detail. None of that fast forwarding and tada the project is done. Looking forward to your next video.
Lol. I just learned something new... "The Slap & Spread" technique of glue application. Haha. I always love your content James. A big thank you to you & your family.
You are so interesting to learn from. Thanks showing us these great techniques. I watched a different YT on how to square the front guide on the sled and wasn't really feeling like I understood it. I will watch this again before I build my sled.
This is the best sled i've seen yet - love the dado option! I wish I could just buy one from you and then true it to my saw so I can spend my time making projects instead of jigs all the time... But now I gotta make this thing - love it!
Awesome sled, James. Very informative video. After watching, I actually used the 5 cut method to square up the fence on my old radial arm saw. ( I didn't want to reset the 90 degree stop which is a pain) The method worked perfect and resetting the fence was relatively easy. I do not move the RAS out of the 90 degree position but rather use jigs and fixtures to make perfect miter cuts. Thanks again for all your informative videos.
I've watched a bunch of videos on the crosscut sled and 5 cut method including William Ng's. You did a great job of explaining the steps, so much so that even a mathematically challenged person such as myself can understand it. Thanks for posting.
Amazing, discovered your channel while trying to figure out how to make an entry level table saw sled. Love your sled, and someday I hope to have a table saw worthy of such a sled.
It is so cute seeing the girls working in the shop, takes me back to when my one grand daughter was younger and she'd "come help Papa work"!! Her and I would spend our days doing all sorts of things!! We'd paint things together or even pick up branches that fell of the tree in our front yard (that she called "Antlers" at the time...she was only 6 years old then)!! One other time I was pulling nails out of some lumber I was "reclaiming" and she insisted on "helping me" (at around 8 years old) and she would help "hold wood" as I would saw it at times (though I seldom ever actually let her hold it, but she thought she was "helping"!)!!!! I know she just got such a "kick" out of wearing my old googles or safety glasses, and she LOVED to wear my old work gloves!! BUT at least today as a teenager she isn't afraid to "get her hands dirty" and try to do things on her own!! Which I feel she gets from all those days in her childhood "helping Papa"!!! Makes me proud to see a young lady who isn't afraid to use tools is my point and I am so glad I had those times with her, to share making things with her!! God I miss those days, and I had a lot of fun showing her how to build stuff, as she was around when I was working on my shed that is NOW my workshop and she was there watching me (and helping me) build my desk and a few other projects around my home too!!!
wow; I've watched at least a dozen videos on crosscut sleds, including a couple with removable inserts, but this is the most well-thought out design yet. And as I've commented before, you explain things incredibly clearly. Thanks for all the quality content!
Great tip on making the miter guide! Also a great explanation of the 5-cut method. There is one slight error on adjusting the fence. Instead of dividing by the length of the fence, you should measure the length to the pivot screw since that is the point that stays in place. In your case, the dimensions are close so your method is pretty accurate but it might have been even more perfect. It would make more difference if the screw was not near the end of the fence. Subscribed. Thanks.
I purchased the plans and just finished making the sled. It is the best sled ever!! The only addition I am working on is adding dust collection to it using plexiglass. Thanks again James!!
That is great I just ordered the 1st large machine for my new shop. A Jet II table saw w/50” rip capacity. This sled is going to be my first project. Thanks for putting all the hardware links. Keep on doing what you love, you and your girls are great at it !!!
Watched the video twice, purchased the plans and built the sled a year ago. This is an excellent sled. I've used the hold-down clamps on several projects requiring small parts. And just received a free update to the plans this morning via e-mail with download link. Thanks for the well thought out projects and well made videos. Always good, useful information, James.
Excellent Plans and demo. My only suggestion is that if the bolts do not come through the track at the top. Drill a hole in the bottom of the sled to accommodate the bolt tops to drop them through the bottom if you need to remove the hold downs and bolts
Made this sled last week and really like it. One interesting thing about using replaceable inserts is that you can use it to effectively be a multi-purpose jig. I put a box joint finger on one of my inserts and can reuse the rest of the sled. This means I don't have to create / store two separate jigs for this. Pretty cool. Curious to see what other inserts we can come up with. Cheers!
James, when you installed the runners you drilled and tapped them, you then ran the screws into them from underneath. The holding power by doing this will be minimal at best. If you would have brought the screw through the plywood and then into the runner the holding power would be greatly increased.
Thought the same. When watching my first thought was "oh, that's a good idea, drill all the way through and tap the metal so you can countersink the wood on the top side and drive a machine screw down. But yeah, those screws are basically doing very little to hold the metal to the wood.
@@mj.sorrondeguiThere are a couple of reasons. First, aluminum has far more strength to hold machine threaded screws than plywood does. Second, wood expands and contracts, meaning those screws could come loose over time. In either case, it's probably a good idea to wick thin CA glue into the wood to prevent too much compression.
James, At 76 I have witnessed a lot. Each time I watch this video I am impressed and inspired. Plans purchased, design size mods for my table saw in process. I can't wait to start making sawdust. Thank you!
Excellent video. The best I have seen on the subject. Clear, precise, great video work, not a word wasted. You are a great teacher, made all the more enjoyable because there is no music! So thanks!
Nice project! I really like the removable inserts. I do see a couple of problems, though. One is the extra thickness of the base. This really limits the depth of the dado cuts you can make. It seems to me that the insert (and the entire second layer) could be much thinner without compromising anything. The other problem is that once you make a dado cut, the fence no longer has a zero clearance slot to back up the workpiece for normal cuts, which can lead to chipping on the trailing edge. I don't have a suggestion to fix this, but some sort of removable insert for the fence would probably be needed. Maybe your next design iteration could address this issue.
I saw you demonstrate the 5 cut method some time ago but foolishly failed to note where I’d seen it. This morning this episode was presented as a suggested video and I rediscovered your great tutorial. Good job and very helpful. Steve (Judy’s husband)😀
Built this pretty much the same as the video. Only change I made in the process was to route the top pieces for the T track BEFORE gluing them to the base. This way I didn't have to remove the fences to route out the channels for the T-Track. Appreciated the math to get the fence square. First time it ever made sense to me!!!
Awesome video. It would be good to separate out the "perfect 45deg" triangle and "how to make tenons quickly." This is great information hidden in this video. Keep up the good work!
I spent the last two days making this after buying your plans. It is simply amazing. I used my carpenter square to set the back fence initially and after all was done, following the 5-cut method, my adjustment came out to be 0.0013 inches. That was plenty good enough for the work I do (and the smallest blade on my feeler gauge was 0.001"). Thanks for this video and all the great work you've done.
HOLY STINK’N COW THAT WAS TERRIFIC!! Thank you for taking the time to share your MUCH appreciated and intelligent insight!! I would like to both purchase your plans for this sled plus donate some money to your family but I don’t do social media and prefer to avoid having to agree to Patreon’s “cookie policy.” That said thanks in advance for your patience in getting back to me on how I go about getting you a check that you may cash then send me the above plans. On a side note, I have two daughters that love to help in my shop for decades and I LOVE seeing you with your girlies! Blessings, Lou
I'm in the process of making an outfeed table for my Delta contractors saw. I noticed your slots in your outfeed are wider than your table saw's slots. This got me thinking as I was wondering how to precisely line up (width and parallel) the outfeed slots with my table saw. After seeing your table, maybe I don't need precise slots, but rather just relief slots. Comments? btw, Really like the sled with the changeable inserts.
Hi James. i don't often question your methods but i did have a question when you attached the miter bars. being as wood doesn't hold machine threads real well, why did you not choose to counter sink on top and screw into the miter bar? As always its great watching you and the kiddos build amazing things. stay safe.'
I didn't see him specifically do this, but if you wick thin CA glue into the wood threads, then re-tap them, you get some pretty solid threads. When I flew R/C years ago, this is how I'd finish the threaded wood blocks for the wing hold-down bolts, and they endure some pretty wild G's. I never had one fail.
Why do I have the feeling your daughter was in charge of warning labels :) On a more serious note. I have seen a lot of instructions on the 5 cut method, but yours was by far the most in depth I have seen to date.
I’ve enjoyed making this. Had to do a few tweaks, as I have a Makita table saw with ½ in mitre track, so I bought 12mm aluminium bars instead of the standard mitre track, and then as one who uses a 7mm grooving blade vs a dado stack I found I had to replicate the zero clearance replaceable plates on both sides of the blade. This also lets me have plates for bevel cuts. Very satisfying build. Thank you
Dead sexy sled James!!! It was a blast chatting with you on live chat the other night!! So awesome your family is involved with you during Woodworking and filming!!! Peanut butter and jealous buddy! -Brian
Hi Brian! Awesome chatting with you as well, thank you very much! I've been checking out your channel, and I have subscribed. I'm looking forward to watching all of your CNC videos. I want to get one of those for myself someday soon. ~James
Subscribed! I like how you clearly explain each step and take time to show it in the video. I especially enjoyed seeing your little helper. Very happy to see that there will be some girl power in the future of woodworking!
Nice! Only issue is were a dado knocks out the zero clearance were the blade exits the cut. Perhaps, when using a dado, add a sacrificial board to the rear fence.
All the information was presented logically and clearly. Well done! I built a cross-cut sled several months ago...it will be replaced with one like yours. Your 'assistant' did great as well :)
Couple things James....1. I like that you finally spoke on cam it really adds to your presence (IMHO). 2. Murder, death, kill on the block of the sled...did you pull that from the awesome movie Demolition Man??
Hi, thank you very much! I really need to get a proper camera and portable microphone so that I can speak on camera. Of course that was from Demolition Man! 10 points for recognizing that.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE - SUBSCRIBE! It really helps us out.
Thank You ~James
qy
Búinn ;)
Done, Greetings from germany :)
Done!!!
Hi, I'm a novice wood worker and I'm self taught. I absolutely love this sled but I'm not skilled enough to create this sled even if I were to buy the plans😞. Would you consider building this and shipping it to me?
Five years later, and this is still one of the best table saw sled designs out there.
Thank you. You’re very kind.
I still use it almost every day.
Love this sled! Will start building it first thing in the a.m. On top of that, after watching your video, I am a smarter woodworking hack. Not smart....just smarter. Exceptional presentation. Great stuff. Thank you.
I built the sled and it works really well. It adds a huge safety factor when using the saw. I drilled a hole in the block on the back of the closer fence to accommodate the vacuum cleaner attachment and solved a huge dust issue. I used a sacrificial fence for dado cuts taking care not to cut into the main fence and losing the register marks. I keep it well waxed. BRILLIANT design...thanks .
My name is Angel I started to view your woodwork projects they are so nicely organized and well done I myself like woodworking but of all the family time that you have with your family that really touch my heart and soul thank you for your art
James, I just want to say that as a fellow girl-dad, I really admire how your kids hang out in the shop and help you with projects. Mine are a little bit too young for that right now, but they like doing the "hanging out" part. Also, this sled is awesome. I might make an attempt at it at some point when I feel confident.
You must be a shop teacher. Your explanations are just on point. Thanks for your lesson.
I really enjoyed the precision adjustment of the fence with 5-cut method.
Making your 45 degree jig is the best I have ever seen. Can't mess with world of math and that was perfect solution. Thank you for sharing
The "A-ha moment" of using 2 feeler gauges together to get your exact distance (@26:00) was brilliant.
Great video, thank you!
European reply: I learned the Aha moment by a passionate simple math teacher. Though it's the passion of that teacher that made that moment. Taking your hat off is simply appropriate. In any case, whether it be math, or woodworking, or anything else: that persons passion empowers other people. Nice video.
EXACTLY why I paused to comment here!
Will have to dig out my old feeler gauges from the automotive repair days :-)
@@mcswain69 LOL Right? Who uses feeler gauges these days.
james ........ after watching many many youtube "greatest cross cut sled of all time" videos, i purchased your plan for as i refer to it "the goldilocks sled". in my humble opinion it does what a cross cut sled "should" do, not everything "possible". thanks much for a great video and a great set of plans.
Thank you!
Definitely one of the better Woodworking channels on TH-cam
Hi David! That's very kind, thank you.
Thank you James, I've used this video several times to refresh my memory. It works flawlessly.
Your 45-deg method is killer James, you sir, continue to rock it!
Haha, thanks Tyson! I hope to see you again at the next meet-up. :-)
I purchased your plans for this today and I have to say they are very good and easy to read. I purchased a set for the same thing from a National woodworking supplier that most of us buy from and they were so confusing and I am a retired Commercial Contractor of 40 years, threw them away and got yours. Thanks for sharing good knowledge and common sense work value.
I've been planning a new sled and just when I heard, "dado'ed the sled", I said A-ha!
REPLACEABLECLEARANCEINSERTS
That was the best idea I've been missing,
Thanks!
I had to stop the video to get out the popcorn and drinks I was so thoroughly entertained. One of the best and informative video's I've seen. Kudo's to you and your family my friend.
Great sled, well explained and easy to follow. Built the sled and it is true and wonderful to use. I made two changes. I used adjustable miter tracks that were top mounted to allow precision adjustments if necessary and I left a 1/4” gap at the end of the T-tracks so the clamps can be completely removed for some types of projects. Thanks again, really love your channel!,
Been watching a bunch of kumiko TH-cam videos...this lead to watching a bunch of table saw sled construction videos. This guy is the best teacher, with the least ego in his voice. His sled is the most expensive in materials, the most versatile, and the most exciting one I’ve seen. Never built a table saw sled. Making accurate cuts on table saws has always been a challenge for me...probably mostly because my saws aren’t shop grade(expensive, ginormous, and super heavy), and I haven’t built enough jigs for table saws(a sled is a super jig). Thanks James, been a house carpenter for 26 years, cheers.
I've seen a few of your videos now. gotta say you're a lucky guy to have your kids spending so much time in the shop with you, not just to hang with your kids but to impart the knowledge and skills you've acquired...it's like the epitome of parenting. also doesn't hurt to groom them into taking over the family business ;)
Thank you very much! I am blessed to have them with me all the time.
This is how I started out. I have a vivid memory of being about five years old (1953?). My retired grandfather had a small shop in his basement outfitted with some Delta-Milwaukee Homecraft brand tools that included a drill press, a band saw, and a small table saw with a 4-inch jointer on the side. I still have his drill press and use it frequently. Using mostly 1/2- and 1/4-inch pine, he made napkin holders, salt boxes, spoon trays and such. At Christmas he would produce a number of small sleighs that you could put a candle and some greenery on. I worked in the hand-sanding department on the production line. He sold his items at a local gift shop to make a bit of walking around money. But I digress. My best memory of my childhood is my grandfather taking the wheel/blade covers off of the band saw and having me clean the sawdust out of the tool with a small paint brush. I've worked wood all my life and am always upgrading my shop and believe that he pointed me in the right direction in life.
Oh, about the Delta-Milwaukee Homecraft brand, it has been interesting to see how the companies have bought and sold each other over the years and how the brands have changed in quality. In the '70s I had a Black and Decker Super Sawcat circular saw with an electric brake. It lasted more than 25 years with daily construction use. Now when I see the Black and Decker name I think of toasters and homeowner-quality tools. In the '50s, my father had a military surplus DeWalt radial arm saw in the basement. It was a Navy gray and was a beast. My mother said the lights would dim in the whole neighborhood when he would push the ON button. She said said she held our first aid kit in her hands whenever he used the thing, said the whine of the motor was blood curdling. DeWalt has had an interesting progression of owners (read Wikipedia) since 1923 and is indicative of the frequent changes of ownership of these tool companies.
I didn't mean to write a book here, but just to say that I think it is wonderful that you have apprentices/helpers in the shop. Thanks for a great video.
@@panamafred1 My dad had an old Craftsman table saw he bought in '62. I retired it this year for a Bosch portable. I feel much safer now, and the breakers aren't tripping. :-)
@@garyhome7101 I hate retiring old tools, but it is usually for the best if I buy good quality. I do a bit of metalwork too, and just bought a Milwaukee metal cutting circular saw. Should have bought it fifty years ago! My Bosch contractor's table saw is going strong after gee, perhaps nearly twenty years now. Remember to count your fingers before and after using the table saw! :-O
I’m very happy to find this video on your ultimate sled. A few years ago I started building your extreme miter station but due to unforeseen family circumstances had to stop 3/4 way through construction. Now, with more time on my hands I decided to finish it but wanted to construct the many drawers with box joint corners. After cruising TH-cam for a workable jig, I found yours. As usual you made the build using simple explanations for each step - like you did with the miter station. I’ve ordered the plans and I’m beginning my own sled to make the drawer box cuts. Thank you so very much for those instructions. I hope to provide you with a finished version before spring.
That’s wonderful. I’m very glad it is helpful.
Well this changes my plans for tomorrow big time. I like how this dude cites the folks who gave him ideas. Class act.
Its late mom said its bed time. But i just learned a TWO AWESOME TRICKS from you. The 1 thru 5 square cut method and the dead on 45° trick. I have fought it for 40 years. Oh by the way i just subscribed and am looking to MUCH more. Thanks for your time.
James you’re amazing buddy.
I’m learning math along with Woodworking and ENJOYING IT!
You should bring this video to teachers so they can show their students that geometry and math DO have practical applications outside the classroom.
Hi John! You’re very kind. Thank you!
Retired....just got a table saw....THANK YOU!! Great video and great explanation of the 'why' you do what you do. Will buy these plans. Guess I better check to see if there are any updates to your sled since this is an older video. Thank you sir.... you are a MASTER!!
also....danger Will Robinson....great memories!!!!!
Hi! No updates. I still use the identical sled every day.
Thanks for watching.
One important item I did not notice being covered in the video is that the fence must be straight with zero bow. This can be achieved by clamping the fence to a known straight edge while squaring and adding screws up through the sled into the fence at quarter points. Very good video and it gave me some good ideas to improve mine. I love playing with the five cut method.
What a wonderful video. I've had a table saw for ages and have heard of crosscut sleds but never saw a use for them till recently. I'm retired now so have more time for fine woodworking with more detail and refined features, like picture frames. I've seen several instructions for making a crosscut sled, but I like this one the best. Thanks for a very good video.
By Far the BEST well thought out sled I have ever seen right down to the 45* block GREAT Job And Thanks You for sharing it with us!
Hi John. Thank you!
I watched all your videos . I luv you and your daughters share the wood working experience. I'am retired US ARMY soldier with 20 years active duty . Now I am enjoying my woodworking hobby. I currently lived in Tacoma, Washington. God Bless take care of those finger. Lol
Without any doubt the absolute best crosscut sled and cross cut sled build on youtube. Congrats. I will be purchasing the plans and building one.
Only one possible safety improvement on your "death block", fit a stop on your outfield table. Mine is a 1/2 inch diameter bolt with the thread cut off and a large round rubber bumper fitted. It is positioned so that the saw blade is into your death block to the max depth for any piece you are going to need to cut without it coming through the back of the block. Your dado will also need its own hole due to differing diameter. It can be stored on a rare earth magnet under the edge of the table saw top so it is always at hand. I've seen too many of those Safety blocks with saw kerf slots cut all the way through. All the best.
Thank you! A stop on the back would be a great idea.
I think you are much better than my math professor, you explain very clearly and simply. You always make good videos. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
I just stumbled upon your channel, I must say that I do love how you explain and narrate your videos (it is crystal clear). Good to see everyone helping out, I have never seen a video like that before.
Thank you very much!
Your videos encourage me to do higher quality work. Example: T-tracks and the associated clamps etc. The more wood work I do, the more I want to spend a little more money to do things right. Thanks for the inspiration.
Best explanation of the 5 cut fence set up method ever. Thanks for the details.
Hi Dave, thank you! That is tough to explain, I was hoping it was clear.
James, James, James. You are DA MAN! Always and forever!!!!
I made two of your mini cross-cut sleds, one for 90 degree cuts and another for 45 degree cuts. It was not a month and I had "ruined" the 90-degree dude to make a dado sled out of it. I laughed when I watched this video.
This is THE BEST sled available on TH-cam. Buying your plans and making it as soon as I get over this stinking COVID-19 junk. Been sick for two weeks so I am about 80%.
Thanks my friend.
Thank you. And I wish you a quick recovery to full health!!! ❤️
As always a very good video! 44 minutes went by in a flash! And I love the way you and your daughter are in perfect sync when you are working.
Thank you very much!
Love that you have your little girl helping you. That's beautiful!!
Love the 5-cut and Geometric 45-45-90 systems, I'll have to remember those for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Some folks are great woodworkers. Some are great videographers. You are both. Keep up the good work and thanks!!
A very thorough and clearly explained cross cut sled. I love the zero clearance inserts. Thank you Bill
Hi Bill! Thank you very much!
I followed along at home and after 3 adjustments got to 0.00011” per inch of error. Wow! Thanks a hundredth thousandth!
Just enjoyed almost 44 minutes of your video and I don't even own a table saw. Gotta love the craftsman!
Your channel is the best. I can't tell you how much I learn every time I watch one of your videos. Your channel and one other, are my 2 go to channels. When I'm about to build anything from wood, I check your channel and my other go to before I start. And I always find useful into. So my point is to say, thank you so much, for what you and your crew (daughter's) do!! Great channel.
Hi Brent, thank you very much. That’s very kind of you to say.
This has to be the go to woodworking channel on you tube, so much detail. None of that fast forwarding and tada the project is done. Looking forward to your next video.
Hi William! That is so kind of you to say. Thank you very much!
~James
Lol. I just learned something new... "The Slap & Spread" technique of glue application. Haha. I always love your content James. A big thank you to you & your family.
Beautiful sled, I particularly liked the reference to demolition man on your safety block!!! Nice touch
I think this may be the best most common sense sledgehammer I've seen to date. Thank you!
Best video I've seen for making a sled. I'm a newbie and this video was just perfect.
You are so interesting to learn from. Thanks showing us these great techniques. I watched a different YT on how to square the front guide on the sled and wasn't really feeling like I understood it. I will watch this again before I build my sled.
Thank you. You are very kind!
This is the best sled i've seen yet - love the dado option! I wish I could just buy one from you and then true it to my saw so I can spend my time making projects instead of jigs all the time... But now I gotta make this thing - love it!
Thank you!
When have you NOT brought home a new tool and NOT "tweeked" it? This thing out-classes my pos.
Wicked! I love the ideas here. Removable ZCIs and the 45deg mitre, picture frame jig is genius. Awesome, thanks.
That's a phenomenal sled!! That 45 degree block is money!!!!!!! Talk about a perfect 45
Hi Josh! Thank you very much!
Congrats. You are the guru of cross cut sleds. Best I have ever viewed and really impressed with the video.
Awesome sled, James. Very informative video. After watching, I actually used the 5 cut method to square up the fence on my old radial arm saw. ( I didn't want to reset the 90 degree stop which is a pain) The method worked perfect and resetting the fence was relatively easy. I do not move the RAS out of the 90 degree position but rather use jigs and fixtures to make perfect miter cuts. Thanks again for all your informative videos.
I've watched a bunch of videos on the crosscut sled and 5 cut method including William Ng's. You did a great job of explaining the steps, so much so that even a mathematically challenged person such as myself can understand it. Thanks for posting.
Amazing, discovered your channel while trying to figure out how to make an entry level table saw sled. Love your sled, and someday I hope to have a table saw worthy of such a sled.
Hi Eric. Thank you!
It is so cute seeing the girls working in the shop, takes me back to when my one grand daughter was younger and she'd "come help Papa work"!! Her and I would spend our days doing all sorts of things!! We'd paint things together or even pick up branches that fell of the tree in our front yard (that she called "Antlers" at the time...she was only 6 years old then)!! One other time I was pulling nails out of some lumber I was "reclaiming" and she insisted on "helping me" (at around 8 years old) and she would help "hold wood" as I would saw it at times (though I seldom ever actually let her hold it, but she thought she was "helping"!)!!!! I know she just got such a "kick" out of wearing my old googles or safety glasses, and she LOVED to wear my old work gloves!! BUT at least today as a teenager she isn't afraid to "get her hands dirty" and try to do things on her own!! Which I feel she gets from all those days in her childhood "helping Papa"!!! Makes me proud to see a young lady who isn't afraid to use tools is my point and I am so glad I had those times with her, to share making things with her!! God I miss those days, and I had a lot of fun showing her how to build stuff, as she was around when I was working on my shed that is NOW my workshop and she was there watching me (and helping me) build my desk and a few other projects around my home too!!!
wow; I've watched at least a dozen videos on crosscut sleds, including a couple with removable inserts, but this is the most well-thought out design yet. And as I've commented before, you explain things incredibly clearly. Thanks for all the quality content!
Hi Brian. Thank you very much!
I like that you and your daughter are working together on projects. I also like the concept of a replaceable insert.
Great tip on making the miter guide!
Also a great explanation of the 5-cut method. There is one slight error on adjusting the fence. Instead of dividing by the length of the fence, you should measure the length to the pivot screw since that is the point that stays in place. In your case, the dimensions are close so your method is pretty accurate but it might have been even more perfect. It would make more difference if the screw was not near the end of the fence.
Subscribed. Thanks.
Actually, James mentioned that in the video. Take a closer look. You will see he did indeed measure from screw to screw.
I purchased the plans and just finished making the sled. It is the best sled ever!! The only addition I am working on is adding dust collection to it using plexiglass. Thanks again James!!
That is great I just ordered the 1st large machine for my new shop. A Jet II table saw w/50” rip capacity. This sled is going to be my first project.
Thanks for putting all the hardware links. Keep on doing what you love, you and your girls are great at it !!!
Watched the video twice, purchased the plans and built the sled a year ago. This is an excellent sled. I've used the hold-down clamps on several projects requiring small parts. And just received a free update to the plans this morning via e-mail with download link. Thanks for the well thought out projects and well made videos. Always good, useful information, James.
I'm old enough to remember watching "Lost in Space" and hearing the robot say "Danger Will Robinson"!
Haha. Me too!
Yeah! When he pulled that sheet back toward himself with that blade running.
Excellent Plans and demo. My only suggestion is that if the bolts do not come through the track at the top. Drill a hole in the bottom of the sled to accommodate the bolt tops to drop them through the bottom if you need to remove the hold downs and bolts
This is the perfect crosscut sled! I am going to have to try my hand at this...gulp. Phenomenal video James.
Haha, Thank you very much Adrian!
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This is one of the best videos I have ever watched on youtube. I appreciate your work here!
Made this sled last week and really like it. One interesting thing about using replaceable inserts is that you can use it to effectively be a multi-purpose jig. I put a box joint finger on one of my inserts and can reuse the rest of the sled. This means I don't have to create / store two separate jigs for this. Pretty cool. Curious to see what other inserts we can come up with. Cheers!
I am new to having a table saw and want to get a sled, can you point me to what this one is?
BRILLIANTLY PRECISE BEST I'VE EVER SEEN IN 79 YEARS WELL PRESENTED . THANKS TONY T
James, when you installed the runners you drilled and tapped them, you then ran the screws into them from underneath. The holding power by doing this will be minimal at best. If you would have brought the screw through the plywood and then into the runner the holding power would be greatly increased.
Thought the same. When watching my first thought was "oh, that's a good idea, drill all the way through and tap the metal so you can countersink the wood on the top side and drive a machine screw down. But yeah, those screws are basically doing very little to hold the metal to the wood.
I thought maybe he'd use rivets.
Can you please explain why this is? Why is the holding power low and why would it be better to screw from the plywood side? Thanks.
@@mj.sorrondeguiThere are a couple of reasons. First, aluminum has far more strength to hold machine threaded screws than plywood does. Second, wood expands and contracts, meaning those screws could come loose over time. In either case, it's probably a good idea to wick thin CA glue into the wood to prevent too much compression.
James, At 76 I have witnessed a lot. Each time I watch this video I am impressed and inspired. Plans purchased, design size mods for my table saw in process. I can't wait to start making sawdust. Thank you!
Great job as always but that 45/45/90 method is incredible. And that frame you made at the end speaks for itself as to the accuracy of the method.
Thank you very much!
Excellent video. The best I have seen on the subject. Clear, precise, great video work, not a word wasted. You are a great teacher, made all the more enjoyable because there is no music! So thanks!
Thank you Victor!
Nice project! I really like the removable inserts. I do see a couple of problems, though. One is the extra thickness of the base. This really limits the depth of the dado cuts you can make. It seems to me that the insert (and the entire second layer) could be much thinner without compromising anything. The other problem is that once you make a dado cut, the fence no longer has a zero clearance slot to back up the workpiece for normal cuts, which can lead to chipping on the trailing edge. I don't have a suggestion to fix this, but some sort of removable insert for the fence would probably be needed. Maybe your next design iteration could address this issue.
Had the same thought about zero clearance on the fence. Think flipping the sled 180 degrees and using the other fence for dados would work?
I saw you demonstrate the 5 cut method some time ago but foolishly failed to note where I’d seen it. This morning this episode was presented as a suggested video and I rediscovered your great tutorial. Good job and very helpful. Steve (Judy’s husband)😀
Excellent video and explanations James. I am a subscriber and I thoroughly enjoy all your videos. Well done!!!
Hi Steve. Thank you very much and thank you for subscribing.
Built this pretty much the same as the video. Only change I made in the process was to route the top pieces for the T track BEFORE gluing them to the base. This way I didn't have to remove the fences to route out the channels for the T-Track. Appreciated the math to get the fence square. First time it ever made sense to me!!!
Awesome video. It would be good to separate out the "perfect 45deg" triangle and "how to make tenons quickly." This is great information hidden in this video. Keep up the good work!
I spent the last two days making this after buying your plans. It is simply amazing. I used my carpenter square to set the back fence initially and after all was done, following the 5-cut method, my adjustment came out to be 0.0013 inches. That was plenty good enough for the work I do (and the smallest blade on my feeler gauge was 0.001").
Thanks for this video and all the great work you've done.
That's fantastic. If I ever acquire a table saw, that is the sled I'll build for it!!
Okay, I'm gonna hold you to it. Haha. Thanks for watching!
~James
HOLY STINK’N COW THAT WAS TERRIFIC!! Thank you for taking the time to share your MUCH appreciated and intelligent insight!! I would like to both purchase your plans for this sled plus donate some money to your family but I don’t do social media and prefer to avoid having to agree to Patreon’s “cookie policy.” That said thanks in advance for your patience in getting back to me on how I go about getting you a check that you may cash then send me the above plans. On a side note, I have two daughters that love to help in my shop for decades and I LOVE seeing you with your girlies! Blessings, Lou
Hi Lou!! Thank you so much for such a wonderful and kind comment!!
James
I'm in the process of making an outfeed table for my Delta contractors saw. I noticed your slots in your outfeed are wider than your table saw's slots. This got me thinking as I was wondering how to precisely line up (width and parallel) the outfeed slots with my table saw. After seeing your table, maybe I don't need precise slots, but rather just relief slots. Comments? btw, Really like the sled with the changeable inserts.
Yes, really all you need are relief slots. Just something that won't interfere with the miter bar when the sled pushes past the end of the table saw.
More than the idea of this jig, I think what we need more than this is that other hand helping out in every process. Hope everyone gets that hand :)
Hi James. i don't often question your methods but i did have a question when you attached the miter bars. being as wood doesn't hold machine threads real well, why did you not choose to counter sink on top and screw into the miter bar? As always its great watching you and the kiddos build amazing things. stay safe.'
my thoughts exactly
I didn't see him specifically do this, but if you wick thin CA glue into the wood threads, then re-tap them, you get some pretty solid threads. When I flew R/C years ago, this is how I'd finish the threaded wood blocks for the wing hold-down bolts, and they endure some pretty wild G's. I never had one fail.
This was the single best method of squaring a sled I've ever seen. THANK YOU!
Why do I have the feeling your daughter was in charge of warning labels :)
On a more serious note. I have seen a lot of instructions on the 5 cut method, but yours was by far the most in depth I have seen to date.
Thanks, on a lot of other channels they talked about the five cuts method without explaining it, you did!
Brilliant - This sled replaces 3 or 4 sleds in my shop!
I’ve enjoyed making this. Had to do a few tweaks, as I have a Makita table saw with ½ in mitre track, so I bought 12mm aluminium bars instead of the standard mitre track, and then as one who uses a 7mm grooving blade vs a dado stack I found I had to replicate the zero clearance replaceable plates on both sides of the blade. This also lets me have plates for bevel cuts. Very satisfying build. Thank you
Dead sexy sled James!!! It was a blast chatting with you on live chat the other night!! So awesome your family is involved with you during Woodworking and filming!!! Peanut butter and jealous buddy! -Brian
Hi Brian! Awesome chatting with you as well, thank you very much! I've been checking out your channel, and I have subscribed. I'm looking forward to watching all of your CNC videos. I want to get one of those for myself someday soon.
~James
Subscribed! I like how you clearly explain each step and take time to show it in the video. I especially enjoyed seeing your little helper. Very happy to see that there will be some girl power in the future of woodworking!
Nice! Only issue is were a dado knocks out the zero clearance were the blade exits the cut. Perhaps, when using a dado, add a sacrificial board to the rear fence.
Brilliant idea!
I learned a great deal from this video. Thank you for sharing.
PEZ4949 how would you attach the sacrificial fence to guarantee it does not change the sleds accuracy?
All the information was presented logically and clearly. Well done! I built a cross-cut sled several months ago...it will be replaced with one like yours. Your 'assistant' did great as well :)
This was extremely well detailed.
Hi Nick! Thank you very much!
Nice job. Definitely like the 45 degree calculation technique.
By far the best wood working video I have seen, and i have seen plenty
You are very kind. Thank you.
what would you say about using 1/4" ply for the second base layer, to obtain a little deeper possible cut?
By far the best explanation of the 5-Cut Method I have seen. Begins at 19:37. Followed it and it worked like a charm. Thank you James!!!
Couple things James....1. I like that you finally spoke on cam it really adds to your presence (IMHO). 2. Murder, death, kill on the block of the sled...did you pull that from the awesome movie Demolition Man??
Hi, thank you very much! I really need to get a proper camera and portable microphone so that I can speak on camera. Of course that was from Demolition Man! 10 points for recognizing that.
Just make sure you remember how to use the three seashells.
James Foskey Thank you for the attitude readjustment, info assimilated. Be well!
Nice work. You are not only passionate about your work, but also gracious as well sharing your thoughts and ideas to the world.
Thank you!