Build a Better Router Sled/Flattening Jig

[@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 👆

[@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!

[@danolson6770]

It’s me again. Wow, just wow.

[@RebelBreed888]

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

[@미소하우징]

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[@charlesshober8840]

funny will not do much no height adjustment

[@RebelBreed888]

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

[@JeffDraksler]

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

[@danmichalko2673]

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

[@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!

[@미소하우징]

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[@snowwny]

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

[@chrismorgan6898]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@미소하우징]

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[@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.

[@DailyOpinionsUSA]

how are those bearing doing with precision?

[@미소하우징]

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[@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

[@andreww6738]

This is perfect! I ordered these rails and blocks from Amazon and was very pleasantly surprised at the quick delivery and price here in Canada. The quality is great. I know this isn't about Amazon, but the price is awesome. I have seen the exact same setup for way over 1000k and the setup time was maybe an hour of time. Thank you for showing this in great detail.👍👍👍

[@미소하우징]

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[@down2earth838]

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

[@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

[@glennb3681]

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

[@미소하우징]

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[@mpe777]

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

[@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

[@wesshelton29]

I used the same materials and the same set up. It works perfectly. I added a stop on each end of the upper rails so that it was impossible for the router bit to accidentally run into the lower rail.

[@Idealwoodworks]

I actually thought of that and add those also in between making the first and second video. Thanks for watching!!

[@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!

[@adgieem1]

A suggestion. When adding the dust coupling to your sled. Bend half of the tabs to land UNDER the ply and other half to land on top. This sandwich’s the coupling to the sled and makes a better connection.

[@antibureaucrat]

great - I saw those rails on Amazon and was thinking along your lines - now I don't have to think about it any more, just do it ! THANKS

[@Idealwoodworks]

Hey, thanks for watching. If you’re going to build a sled you should watch my video about some upgrades I made to the sled. Particularly the dust collection. It’s much more enjoyable to use now. Here’s a link to that video. Making The Better Router Sled/Flattening Jig Even Better! Time For Some Upgrades! kzbin.info/www/bejne/porWpXecpbqIkKc

[@howardwilburn9066]

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

[@fabfafa]

This is very good. Thanks from France 🇨🇵

[@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!!

[@amazinga.f.artwork9047]

I put clamps 🗜️ on mine at both ends so I don’t accidentally pull the carriage off. I also just use a Bosch router table plate and a collet extension. I bolt the bearings to the router plate. I also use one of those like replaceable bit cutters. Good video. The rails have worked slick for me for the last couple years.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thanks for watching! I also clamp my to the bench. That would be a disaster if it fell off during use!!

[@amazinga.f.artwork9047]

@@Idealwoodworks yes it would. Another thing , after some time I blow them out and use some wd 40 very lightly on the little balls in the blocks. Paste wax helps on the rails too. I do a lot of resin, and it likes to stick to every thing. I did have one bolt back out on a block once. I used some blue lock tite on the bolts , and It’s been great since then.

[@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!

[@미소하우징]

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[@TheJMBon]

Fantastic setup...even more so if you have a 30x40 shop.

[@JohnRichardson-x2t]

Really nice option for a shop sled.

[@LucidGeometry]

The aluminum bracket side pieces with the element. I was missing to both lower the carriage and add stiffness. Thank you for that.

[@DailyOpinionsUSA]

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.

[@reconmotorsports]

Nice build. Next step is to add a couple stepper motors, a simple arduino controller, and some limiters on each axis (none of which is expensive), and automate the process of flattening slabs. You get it started with the depth and speed you want, and let automation finish the work while you do other things.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Sounds like a great idea! I'll keep it in mind for the future. Thanks for watching!

[@monarchco]

you can't just add stepper motors. You'd need to add lead screws or a rack and pinon design. That's at least doubling the weight of the existing setup, significantly adding to cost, etc.

[@JordanHaisley]

@@monarchco for a flattening jig a belt driven setup would be fine. Not super complicated

[@monarchco]

@@JordanHaisley you can't just throw a belt between some slick bars and expect it to work. You have to have some method of geared or tracked drive. I don't think you people understand how cnc machines work.

[@JordanHaisley]

@@monarchco lol, it really doesn’t take much a belt, stepper, with a gt2 drive gear, a couple of idlers, and a clamp block on the carriage.

[@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.😀

[@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!

[@eddieyoung8629]

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

[@roberthamm9304]

It’s a nice build. You might want to add some rail stops to prevent the router carriage from sliding off of the rails.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Hello, thanks for watching! I actually thought about that in between making the first and second videos. I didn’t want the router bit to be able to hit the rails. I’m working on another video right now, making some upgrades to this sled. Should be posted in the near future

[@greatlakeswoodworks5122]

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

[@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 👍👍👍👍👍

[@미소하우징]

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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

[@carlroberts2029]

Nice build. Easy to make and gets the job done. You could add a door sweep/ brush to sled and more dust would get caught up by vac.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thanks for watching!!

[@carlroberts2029]

Which guide rails did you buy on Amazon?

[@carlroberts2029]

Found the rails. I didn’t look close enough at posting.

[@AhmoTarverdi-qs7cc]

I like how you set it up. Good job.

[@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

[@svietaking6472]

Thank you for this great idea! Can you explain importance of sbr20 and sbr16 . Is there a reason you used both ?

[@Idealwoodworks]

Hi, thanks for watching! The upper rails are a bit heavier so they are less likely to deflect.

[@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.

[@downeybill]

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

[@knotrite896]

I made one like this this weekend and it came out great!!! For around $300 or so I mean I went to Home-depot and spent $7 ish for 4 screws 6 lock washers and 4 nuts. Still cheaper than these others out there. So happy with it!!! Thanks for the vid!!

[@미소하우징]

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[@scottedlin5125]

Thanks for an easy to assemble sled.

[@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

[@cityfiedredneck6841]

I think if I were to build one of these, I would mount the side linear rails on adjustable wood sides. Most of the time what you have there would work just fine. But when/if you need to flatten a thicker slab, you'll have a bunch of work to do to make it happen and then revert it back.

[@미소하우징]

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[@cityfiedredneck6841]

@chrisrolofson4193 My "vision" would be difficult to explain. (Imagine an 8" strip of ply with slots mounted on its edge.) However, I went back and looked at yours again. I didn't notice if you attached the small blocks to the plywood. If not, it would be easy enough to raise the whole thing with additional blocks.

[@PabloTazmania]

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

[@RichardBarlow-p3g]

Just built one based on this design & it's amazingly good

[@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.

[@rickyucuis1882]

I like this. I want to see if I can move the long rails to the sides, just under the table top, so it can still be used as a work bench and out feed table.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Hello, thanks for watching! I just clamp mine to the bench. When I’m not using it I remove it and store it on a shelf.

[@dutchtennhard2860]

That is beautiful done by hand

[@gavinfeargrieve4874]

Great looking DIY jig

[@kencross25]

Highly informative and enjoyable video. Crazy thing is I'm designing, right now, a Router Slab Flatting Sled for myself. My question is why you didn't use the same size diameter Slide Rails both Vertical and Horizontal Rails? You used SBR16-2000mm, 0.63 diameter Rail Set for the Vertical rails and the SBR20-1500mm, 0.8 diameter Slide Rail for the Horizontal. My thinking is that the SBR16- 0.63 diameter Linear Slide Rails should be stout and ridge enough to handle the weight and movement (vibrations) of the router sled as it traverses on both axes. I found both a local source for acrylic with very reasonable prices and Baltic Brich 4 x 8' sheets for only $20 more and White Melamine MDF4'x 8' sheets were $10 more than comparable sized furniture grade 4'x 8' plywood. I'm opting to go with acrylic and White Melamine MDF instead. I would appreciate input from you or any of your followers of this subject.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Hello, thanks for watching! I used the SBR20 rails for the upper rails that the carriage rides on. They are a little bit heavier so they are less likely to deflect. The SBR16 rails are supported by the work bench so they are plenty strong.

[@robertling9872]

Beautiful, thanks for sharing.

[@hjazkiz]

Hope to see you stay with this platform. We need some new blood. Very Good

[@Idealwoodworks]

Thanks for the kind words! I’m working on my next project. Hoping to have the video out in the near future

[@grozenblat]

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

[@EricBalcon]

Wow, that's exactly what I am looking for. This is simple and effective. Not practical if you want to place it on your main work bench because of space limitations but for sure this type of jig is totally effective. It's not easy to find those long sled, your link shows that they are not available anymore.

[@johncgibson4720]

This video helped me come up with using Legos' long bricks as my Dremel sled, glued on, and using Lego bricks as railing ,and flatten my drone's old helicopter blades that wouldn't fit into recent hardware released by new big companies.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Nice! MacGyver would be proud! Thanks for watching!!

[@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!

[@zulegnuzzu]

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

[@mheermance]

Add some stepper motors and drive belts and you have the beginning of a light duty CNC.

[@christopherrau9793]

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

[@미소하우징]

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[@colinbateman8233]

I like it I think I’d add some kitty hair sweeps around the ply you’ll collect more dust

[@SRR-hh5yj]

Nicely done. I've purchased the materials and set op the sled worked well but there are a couple of catches with the bearing blocks. The blocks do not match the width of the rail base so you can not attach the upper rail with 4 screws, the spacing of the holes in the blocks are not consistent so the over sized holes are a must, and lastly twice I've had the bearings fall out of the bearing block. First time the bearings were laying in the bottom of the box when I opened it. Amazon had replacement rails and blocks to me in 3 days. Second time I found 2 bearings on the table when I disassembled it after my first flattening project. Still trying to decide on how to proceed, get it replaced again. or ship it all back and go a different direction.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Hello, thanks for watching! My upper blocks also attach with only 2 screws each, hasn’t been a problem. Sounds like you’re having terrible luck with the bearings. I haven’t had any issues with mine except they get dust in them and need to be blown out with the air compressor once in awhile. Hopefully they can send you some good ones!

[@falgosh5956]

Fantastic Work, Sir 🌹🌹🌹

[@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

[@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

[@JohnWaclawski]

How did you determine where the screw holes were to go for the bearings? Really love the way you did yours. Mine will very much mimic your design. Thanks!!

[@Idealwoodworks]

Hey thanks for watching! I measured the dimensions on the bearing at transferred them to the aluminum. Be sure to oversized the holes a bit.

[@debandmike3380]

every KZbinr has their own version but I like the use of your aluminum angle stock. Also others have used a straight round stock for the top rail with an undermount bearing but I prefer the rigidity of the rails you have. and I think plywood for the base is perfectly fine others are getting too cute with the acrylic so they can as they say see through it but why would you need to see through it.

[@davidmerrihew-w3e]

I just built on much like what you have done. I did make an alteration hat I think is important. I added stops at the end of each rail to prevent the possibility of the components from traveling beyond the ends of the rails. The idea of running router sliding off in either direction of travel is frighting. Either damage to the work, the router or the operator could be catastrophic. I used 1/4x20x1-1/4 boots 1 inch from each end.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Hello, thanks for watching. That’s a great idea! You definitely don’t want to run the carriage of the end! For me… when I clamp my setup the the workbench the C-clamps block the carriage for running off the end.

[@bradleyshook8779]

I like the added dust collection. You might try adding wallpaper brushes to each side of the sled so it creates a sort of box improving the clearing of the shavings.

[@leonlowenstadter9223]

Both a very smart and low-price idea! Thanks for sharing it!

[@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!

[@tonzellia]

Very nice build, Thanks for sharing it.

[@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!

[@Idealwoodworks]

The aluminum angles I used where 1/16” thick. They drilled east with a drill press. I’d suggest oversizing the holes. The holes in the bearing don’t seam to be perfect so oversized holes will make alignment easier.

[@discerningx3375]

Rigidity is super important. I opted to use all aluminum and phenolic. Get a couple of cheap dust brushes and create a dust barrier.

[@jeremiah6462]

Wow! Great video, great build!

[@Jeffdoeswhat]

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

[@Idealwoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching!

[@marksjunction69]

Great job!!!!

[@svietaking6472]

Ok thank you for the clarification!

[@wseejattan]

Well done. Simple.

[@jacekhubert100]

Is good to add more grease in bearing

[@Idealwoodworks]

Hello, thanks for watching. I spray my with dry lube. My thoughts is that would be less likely to build up dust

[@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!

[@semosancus5506]

Nice build. Would be great if you showed the final product in action at the beginning. Then I know where we are headed with the build.

[@thumbsup9208]

Just what I was looking for. Many thanks

[@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

[@rikmathias9415]

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

[@FidelSamulvich]

Not too complicated but the rails not too easy available .Thank you

[@Idealwoodworks]

I left links to the rails in the description. They are available on Amazon in many different sizes. Thanks for watching!

[@FidelSamulvich]

Thank you a lot . But I cannot reserve my two packets already ordered 2 month ago . It look so logistic relation are broken down with China sorry to tell. Anyway thank you for attention .

[@FidelSamulvich]

@@Idealwoodworks it is wise to give link with no precondition of demand

[@FidelSamulvich]

@@Idealwoodworks genies of Latvian country invent tax for china items . And the cost of it can be the same as new rocket to the Mars . i believe so it was been need of them to produce such tings before the invention but it is not.

[@elguapo1507]

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

[@fiveduckstudio]

Nice design! great work

[@fredbecker607]

First video i have seen where someone is using the old craftsman radial arm saw. Still have one in the shop.

[@berniramirez2125]

Que bello trabajo muy profesional y muy bien explicado felicitaciones maestro.

[@미소하우징]

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[@SusieC-hk5yb]

I don't have all the tools to build that. Come build mine for me??? Lol. It looks amazing.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching and the kind words!

[@KennethLee-l6j]

Terrific & creative build! Would you please specify the size screw and/or bolt that you used to attach the track & aluminum plate to the slides? Thanks

[@Idealwoodworks]

Hello, thanks for watching! I took a bearing block with me to the hardware store to figure out what fit. The bolts are metric. If memory serves they might be M6??

[@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!

[@hopeforamerica1714]

Thank you. I'm a newbie and trying to figure it all out. Can you comment on the holes you've put on one side of your table top? I'm assuming those are to plug dowel pieces in to keep the slab/board from moving around? Can you tell me what size holes and what you use to plug those? Thank you.

[@Idealwoodworks]

Hello, thanks for watching! The holes in the bench are called dog holes. They don’t really play a role in flattening slabs. They are 3/4” or 19mm holes. You can buy many different hold down clamps and stop blocks. It’s useful for holding material for things like sanding, cabinet face frame assembly, etc.

[@hopeforamerica1714]

@@Idealwoodworks Thank you for clarifying!

[@TheSharkShed]

This is amazing! Exactly what I need!