Build a Better Router Sled/Flattening Jig

How to build a high quality router sled/flattening jig on a budget. Professional results, effortless operation, DIY pricing.
Here's the links to parts 2 and 3 of this build
PART 2 (Putting it to work) • Building a Better Rout...
PART 3 (Time for upgrades) • Making The Better Rout...
Here's links to my table builds where I put the router sled to use
• Epic Fail Becomes Art:...
• Building My First Epox...
Help support my channel by using these links to buy your rails! When using these links I will get a small commission.
Upper Rails
amzn.to/3mvYsCi
Lower Rails
amzn.to/43sr2Fb
Aluminum Angles
amzn.to/3UaEWsU

[@jimc4766]

Thank you for the quick reply. Looking forward to making one of these for myself!

[@greatlakeswoodworks5122]

Great idea and reasonably priced for the weekend warrior. Subscribed.

[@cowboy930]

I been wanting to build this flatting jig for ever finally now I am thank you for sharing the material and step by step guide I appreciate. Thank you

[@milehighhydroguy]

Excellent video, just what i was hoping to find! ordered the rails and bearings using your link, Thanks for posting all of this. Look forward to more from you!

[@Idealwoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching and good luck with your build!

[@christopherrau9793]

For an easy DIY jig, this is incredibly well done and looks fantastic. Buying the materials you listed now!

[@user-yy4xs7zd9f]

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[@vimesagainsthumanity]

I was building a shopping cart list on Amazon to build a very similar build. Now I've seen it in practice, im ordering the parts. Thanks man!

[@danmichalko2673]

EXCELLENT DESIGN! Great video and tutorial. No BS - you just moved through it. Thank you!

[@elguapo1507]

That's a fantastic build. Smoother than a smooth thing! 👍😁

[@nltalbottgmail]

Like your video and appreciate the links. Most cost effective build I have seen yet with smooth ball bearings.

[@thumbsup9208]

Just what I was looking for. Many thanks

[@chipsterb4946]

I didn’t understand where the bearings came from until I followed the link to the upper rails - the bearings are included. Slick setup!

[@robertling9872]

Beautiful, thanks for sharing.

[@eddieyoung8629]

I love this and i was blown away by hw simple it seems to build

[@craiglawrey7518]

Wow. Very well done and explained! Thank you for making the video.

[@medicineinpractice1475]

Awesome jig. Simple to make, although I found I had to make a couple of minor adjustments, and incredibly easy to use. I am using a 3” flattening bit with the renewable cutters, and I did find it best to take very small increments or the router wanted to run away, but overall fast, accurate and very easy. Thanks for an awesome video

[@richardhausman9004]

I was thinking the same way about using the rails like you but I really like how you setup for the router to mount using the Aluminum Angles then mounting plywood base plus the vacuum hose to help cutting down on the waste material. I also saw you have a craftsman radial arm saw I like to know how you did the adjustment for the platform so you get flat cuts if you could share it on KZbin it would be a great help to me thank you for sharing your idea for flat jig

[@svietaking6472]

Ok thank you for the clarification!

[@down2earth838]

I built same style never thought of adding vacuum. Great extra touch.

[@ArrowheadWoodCo]

Awesome video man, thanks for sharing! Gonna try this myself.

[@thebigksmoosey]

This is great! Thanks for the video!

[@grozenblat]

Just made this and it's fantastic. Thanks for the tutorial!!

[@rikmathias9415]

Going to follow your lead here, awesome DIY! Thank you!

[@cumminsdiesel7241]

Awesome build! Thank you very much!

[@Idealwoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching!

[@TheSharkShed]

This is amazing! Exactly what I need!

[@glennb3681]

Outstanding setup. I like the idea of a smooth movement and the added vac attachment is gold

[@user-yy4xs7zd9f]

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[@horizonseeker30]

Nice build. Thank you.

[@howardwilburn9066]

I used to have that same radial arm saw. I sure do miss it.

[@beatleleebailey]

That's awesome! Thanks for the share.

[@dutchtennhard2860]

That is beautiful done by hand

[@mpe777]

I was thinking along the same lines as you. Just got off Amazon looking at rails so kudos!!

[@roy.h.barrett]

Good Stuff man... Thanks for the content. I am looking to get into some large panel and slab work and this is fantastic.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching!

[@gusalvarez9992]

Thank you for the the straight forward information. I will be building one.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed. I actually made some upgrades to the sled that I’ve been enjoying. Here’s a link to that video of your interested. Thanks for watching! Making The Better Router Sled/Flattening Jig Even Better! Time For Some Upgrades! kzbin.info/www/bejne/porWpXecpbqIkKc

[@wseejattan]

Well done. Simple.

[@AhmoTarverdi-qs7cc]

I like how you set it up. Good job.

[@tiendong7912]

Thank You very much. It is perfect and big save. You did a great job.

[@nudger44]

Am just ordering the bit now to start building mine. Get rid of my old wooden one which I have had for ages. Great quality design. Keep up grt videos

[@jeffcarlsen2799]

Great project ! Just ordered the stuff last night. I’d been messing around with a sled made out of wood, and it’s ok for the project I was working on but I wanted something more versatile and precise. Glad I decided to check KZbin. Have you ever thought about doing a video on the making of your bench ? I think it would be a hit. Just a thought. Thanks!…yes I subscribed

[@fabfafa]

This is very good. Thanks from France 🇨🇵

[@robb4751]

This is so perfect. I've been looking for a way to build my own sled and this looks like the best set up.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching!

[@user-yy4xs7zd9f]

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[@GTWoodshop]

Cracking idea, well done, love it. 👍

[@frijoli9579]

Really nice build!

[@jeremiah6462]

Wow! Great video, great build!

[@fiveduckstudio]

Nice design! great work

[@aladidi]

amazing setup thank you

[@Idealwoodworks]

Glad you like it!

[@snoww2009]

At 6:00, the idea of adding a board to the bottom of the top rail is awesome.

[@LiveAndLearnWithMe]

it is rock solid with those rails

[@Idealwoodworks]

It’s a very solid setup. You do want to make sure not to apply downward pressure though. Just pull straight across.

[@williammckinney3362]

Really nicely done! Best I have seen on any video so far. Thank You.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching!

[@timstark3312]

I've made something similar with a salvaged bedrail, and the results have been pretty good so far. Thanks for this demo!

[@jay940]

that's a great idea!

[@user-yy4xs7zd9f]

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[@Jeffdoeswhat]

Nice. About to order this stuff to build one myself.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching!

[@tedthompson9379]

Great video, I hope you don't mind I built my sled based on your design, it work perfectly! I have completed my first two tables, with many more to come. Keep up the great videos.

[@bettybowland3755]

Great video! Thank you!

[@thomaskehoe1473]

Thank you very much I was debating over doing this myself to save a ton of money vs buying a large sled. Awesome video and thanks again.😀

[@loadstar]

this is awesome! i've had an idea percolating for a similar dual rail system but with a circular saw instead. now i see a version with multiple tool inserts! add some cleats to the rails and hang it on a wall for a panel cutter.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Hello, thanks for watching! I’ve had some of the same thoughts about using this for a circular saw!

[@MartyOfAllTrades]

Very nice build my good man.

[@philvale5724]

Hi 👋, Great looking slab leveller/ Router Sledge, I am hoping to build something very similar later in the year, Be safe keep up the great work, I look forward to your next tutorial, PHIL FROM THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOULIN FRANCE.

[@falgosh5956]

Fantastic Work, Sir 🌹🌹🌹

[@corneliucirciumariu]

Very pro very well engineered , nice job !!👍👍👍

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed!

[@PabloTazmania]

This its great and even you can do another mounter for a circular saw.

[@duallity2403]

This is a great sled. You should put the links for the rails in the description so everyone can see them.

[@str8chevys913]

If you scroll down to William Cox the link is there

[@Idealwoodworks]

I just added the links in the description. Thanks for watching and for the kind words!

[@bobboboff5326]

Какая разница? ВСЕ знают где их купить, но не у ВСЕХ есть на них деньги 👆

[@jdlambeth]

Bought components for this rig several years ago, been surfing videos on power hand planers, and came across a deluge of router sleds using these same rails. I'm always early...but this is the best video thus far. What makes it clutch is the frame stiffeners for the vertical axis wobble of the slide bearings, as well as the multi blocks instead of "straight" supports - those are what I've been hung up on. Glad I didn't rush into mutilating wood. This tidbit is the game changer I needed. Biting my tongue about the $200 statement.

[@user-yy4xs7zd9f]

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[@chrismorgan6898]

Great idea. Only one thing to add, some kind of stop to prevent wondering.

[@scottsmo7715]

Very nice!! Great job

[@noelstevens6190]

Liked and subscribed, looking forward to seeing more of your content.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thank you!

[@pastyman3247]

Now that's got to be the best home made router sledge I've seen to date. Simple and clean. It's K. I. S. S. all the way. Well done 👍👍👍👍👍

[@user-yy4xs7zd9f]

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[@Builder161]

Thank you for your video. I like your setup and have purchase the items needed to make my own. Happy woodworking.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Hey, thanks for watching. I made some upgrades to the sled that I’ve been enjoying. That video might be helpful before you build this. Here’s the link…. Making The Better Router Sled/Flattening Jig Even Better! Time For Some Upgrades! kzbin.info/www/bejne/porWpXecpbqIkKc

[@ethankopp9645]

The other sleds I have seen don't even come close to this one, going to build this for sure.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words! I also made some upgrades to this sled that have been working great for me. Here’s a link to that video if you’re interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/porWpXecpbqIkKc

[@andrewsv9729]

Nice Work!

[@user-eu2uy1ux5q]

Nice work, and thanks for the info

[@kevingaddis7276]

Very nice job.

[@keithsargent6963]

Best diy sled I’ve seen to date.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thank you for the kind words and thanks for watching!

[@adrianconduit9248]

I want to thank you for this clear and helpful video - as a result I have been able to purchase and recreate your build of the jig from Amazon parts as you suggest - thank you again!

[@Idealwoodworks]

Glad the video was helpful! Thanks for watching!!

[@stonee1968]

First of your videos I've seen, got me to subscribe! Good stuff.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thanks for the kind words and for subscribing! I’m new to KZbin, these are my first videos. It’s reassuring to get positive feedback like this!

[@kenluning909]

Nicely done.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thank you!

[@RebelBreed888]

This is by far the most professional looking DIY router sled I've seen. Currently building mine 😊 looks fantastic!

[@user-yy4xs7zd9f]

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[@charlesshober8840]

funny will not do much no height adjustment

[@RebelBreed888]

@@charlesshober8840 it did exactly what I needed it to do

[@user-eg9jt6rw6c]

@@charlesshober8840 cant you just use the plunger for depth?

[@metronyc2855]

Nice! I need to revisit mine as I did not think about the stiffeners. I made my carriage out of thick acyclic but will swap out the mounts with aluminum.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed!

[@jerjoslin]

nice sled!

[@AIActionFun]

ok, I am inspired now. Been wanting to do this project for a while and I just finished my router table build so perfect timing. Off to Amazon to order the rails, I have some projects that will need flattening. Thank you!

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thanks for watching! If you’re interested I made some upgrades to this sled that, as I’ve been using it have proven to be great! Here’s a link to that video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/porWpXecpbqIkKc

[@giovanniknockaert1353]

Nice option for me. Thnx

[@Rocket62AL]

Thanks for this. I built one last fall and the sled is too cumbersome. This one is fantastic. I’ll be using your design soon

[@Idealwoodworks]

Hello, thanks for watching! I made some upgrades to this sled that might interest you. Especially in regards to the dust collection. Here’s a link for the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/porWpXecpbqIkKc

[@AudreyRobinel]

Great build! As mentioned by others, adding a few steppers, a belt, and some cheap electronics could alow automation of this! Even at low speeds, as long as it is autonomous, it is nice! Another use,,without electronics, if you are able to lock one axis, that would make for a nice grooving tool. If you set a stop you could cut grooves, datos, rabbits, reliably!

[@Idealwoodworks]

The bearings actually have set screws on the side to lock them in place. So you could use it to cut dados and such. Thanks for watching!

[@Murpie2u]

Awesome!!!

[@disasterdogs]

wow. very nice

[@downeybill]

Up the video quality, your content deserves it. Keep up the good work.

[@CurtSchrage]

Very interesting! Nice idea!

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thanks for watching and the kind words!

[@damonkearney1906]

Beauty brother. Well done!

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thanks for the kind words and thank you for watching!

[@1micler]

Really helpful video

[@mitchellcarl7558]

I built a sled much like the one in this video. It works like a charm. The blocks get a bit dusty and increase the friction, so they have to be blown out occasionally. I also swipe a candle over the tops of the rails every now and then to keep them slick. I used 1/2" acrylic as the base for the router to help with visibility of the work piece.

[@LiveAndLearnWithMe]

how are those bearing doing with precision?

[@user-yy4xs7zd9f]

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[@brucelindberg2555]

I love it.

[@kevinfenn9672]

Thank for the video

[@dalanbronnenberg]

best one yet

[@johnmclain6535]

I've been dreading building one of these for 2yrs but as I start to build bigger and bigger live edge projects and the shop I have been using for flattening slabs both pre and post epoxy pour have become unreliable and cost prohibitive so....here we go. Bought the rails, flattening bit, and collet extender. Will build the router support once it all gets here. I just have to figure out how to make this removable from my workbench. Man...what have I gotten myself into!? Wish me luck!

[@danolson6770]

It’s me again. Wow, just wow.

[@dennisdownes9319]

Great video! DD

[@linsen8890]

I built a router sled using very similar linear rails, almost exactly like yours. I screwed my long rails to a couple of 2x4's that fit into the slots on my Bora Speedhorse sawhorses, so I can set up the sled in just a couple of minutes, then tear it down and store it away when I don't need it. I still need to work on the carriage for the router so that I can adjust the height of the router above the workpiece. I might use some of your ideas on that!

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@alanryan64]

great video - thanks

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@Brangustx]

real nice jig. I have the woodpeckers sled and I like very much but it has one flaw that your sled covers. Mine rides on the rails and is held down by gravity and sometimes going too fast can cause the router to "ride up", those rails of yours locks the jig down. Oh, and mine was pretty pricey. Still no regrets. Watching part 2

[@zulegnuzzu]

Top 🎉🎉 really brilliant work Well done 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@renatosantandrio]

Perfect

[@chupagoat69]

This is crazy. If I see that in someone's shop I would just assume is either a Rockler Jig or Woodpeckers jig depending on what color it was painted. Awesome work.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching!

[@RONNIEJNZN]

yeah, for $2700

[@falfield]

Very nice.