Crafted Elements Router Sled - Wood Slab Flattening Mill - Assembly & Use Instructions

Buy Your Own Crafted Elements Router Sled - Wood Slab Flattening Mill At craftedelements.com/collectio...
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In this video we look at the complete Crafted Elements router sled solution. This kit is perfect for small wood shops and garage woodworking warriors that have limited space. If you don't have the space or money to buy a large CNC machine ($10K+) or industrial planer ($70K+) then a router based slab levelling jig is a great solution.
Our router sled is built with industrial grade 20mm components commonly used in CNC machines, large 3D printers and industrial automation. We precision cut and machine 1/2" thick acrylic components for the cross rail brackets and router mount to create a durable, cost effective solution that is going to save you time, money and boost shop efficiency.
Save shop space with the easy to attach and detach linear rails. Once the initial assembly is completed, the router carriage (sub-assembly) and rails can be setup and ready to go on your existing flat and straight workbench within 2 minutes.
The Crafted Elements Router Sled / Wood Planer Jig comes with everything you need except the router, slab flattening bit, plywood rail risers, workbench. and workbench mounting screws. Use any compatible full sized router with a range of commonly available spoil board (slab flattening) bits. The router base plate features pre-drilled holes for most commonly used routers, making assembly that much quicker.
A variety of upgrades are available. The router sled comes standard with either 48" or 72" long linear rails and 40" cross bars. Need more length? Add 4' or 6' extension rails for as long as your workbench can support. Need greater slab levelling width? Replace the standard 40" cross bars with 48" or 60" long versions. Plus, an optional dust collection shroud and 2.5" boot is available to help catch some of the dust created by slab milling.

[@Solarneutrinostar]

I got mine and haven’t assembled it yet but the parts are legit. Strong and sturdy. Thank you for making it happen.

[@Astro_Ophiuchus]

I just received my Crafted Elements Router Sled late this afternoon (05/16/2024) and I am going to put it together this weekend. I can’t wait to start using it. Thank you guys at Crafted Elements for putting together this video. It’s incredibly helpful.

[@CraftedElements]

We're excited for you! Thanks for your order.

[@scotlawrence3231]

I assembled my Crafted Elements Router Sled today following your instructions. Thanks so much for making this video as it made the assembly so much easier than it would have been otherwise. I was very impressed with the weight and quality of the components, and I am looking forward to using sled on a project in the near future. So glad I found Crafted Elements! Updated: I finally had a chance to use my router sled to flatten an end-grain cutting board, and I wanted to report that it worked beautifully. I referred back to this video on how to make adjustments, so thanks again for making such a detailed "how to" video. I am super impressed with the quality and design of the sled as well as the results I can achieve.

[@CraftedElements]

Awesome to hear. Thanks for your business and testimonial!

[@danielmoroz5970]

I have been dealing with Crafted Elements, for just over two years. Their customer service has been top notch. They are a prime example of a well-run business. They really do care about "us" the customers. I have only been working with wood/epoxy, for a few years, and the crew at Crafted Elements have always been there for support when I have needed it.👍

[@stevenwaibel6856]

Great video my friend! Answered a few of my questions. Easy to understand and to the point!

[@edfarrell6330]

Just bought mine today. Pretty stoked to flatten a 10 ft table I’ve been working on

[@stephenreamer4323]

Good idea/method. I added a dial indicator with long travel with a max indicator that I use to mark high spots to to start with.

[@jamesstoffel6835]

Great idea / Build. Thank you for posting this how-to video. Now on to see what slabs I have in my backyard!

[@CraftedElements]

No problem at all!

[@danielmoroz5970]

I received my new Crafted Elements Router Sled a few days ago (April 5/24). I assembled all the pieces on April 7/24, and followed Shawn's video while assembling. It couldn't have been any easier. Now I just need to pour a project and let it cure before I can use my new toy. Thank you to the whole team at Crafted Elements, for ensuring that ALL the components were included and packaged so well, as to avoid any damage during shipping.

[@CraftedElements]

Thanks for the kind words and comments Daniel!

[@danielmoroz5970]

It was easy to leave a good review. I was genuinely impressed with how well packaged it was, to ensure there wouldn't be any problems. This week, I'll mount my new 3½hp Makita plunge router, on to the Acrylic base. Then I'll be ready for when the weather gets warmer and I can put it to work.

[@TheBobford71]

Will definitely be purchasing one of these very soon. Great video by the way. Lots of helpful tips.

[@CraftedElements]

Thanks for saying so Bob

[@joshuabray37]

Nice! That looks very beefy/high quality. I’ve seen some on other KZbin videos that looked like DIY versions, but none like this. This looks great!

[@CraftedElements]

Thanks for saying so!

[@kensutton174]

Great idea!! Always designing different and new products!!

[@CraftedElements]

We try!

[@carlosaugustosoutopimentel6779]

Parabéns o projeto ficou show de bola 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@stanleylee1974]

Thanks - very helpful.

[@bigfishbunny77]

Very nice. Thank you for making this.

[@CraftedElements]

You are welcome!

[@jeffhudson4817]

Can’t wait until I get mine so I can get it together and start using it. Game changer for a small working area like my garage. Stay safe brother…..

[@CraftedElements]

Awesome sauce! Thanks

[@ronniekotler9265]

Excellent video, I’ll be buying one in the next few months.

[@CraftedElements]

Great! Thanks Ronnie.

[@briancigrand8235]

REALLY GOOD instructions!

[@CraftedElements]

Thanks for saying so Brian! We put a lot of effort into covering all bases. Seems like it worked because no one emails with questions or problems (unless the didn't watch the video!)

[@darrinhaskell6068]

Awesome informative video!

[@andy2253]

Collet extensions may introduce runout. Just cut a sheet of MDF to support the wood that is being planed. Or 2 sheets if necessary

[@edfarrell6330]

Just got mine. Will be flattening a ten foot slab soon. Hope it works as smooth as what you just did.

[@CraftedElements]

Thanks for your purchase Ed! Enjoy it.

[@diegojines-us9pc]

do they make a handle to save you arms and back?

[@mikefitzpatrick5209]

Great video

[@kellygordon103]

FYI, you shouldn't be running a 2.5" bit at full router speed. Youll actually get better cut quality running around 12K rpm.

[@CraftedElements]

Thanks Kelly!

[@satxsatxsatx]

The same point was made by the guy over at Two Moose who said his CNC routers and spindles can run at 20,000 RPM+ but he usually operates between 12,000 and 14,000

[@patricksoileau2033]

Negative, any bit that size will destroy the collet always always follow manufacturer speed

[@danielmoroz5970]

This is great info, thank you for saying so. I have never used my router for this type of work. I appreciate when people like yourself, comment so that others can learn. Thanks again!

[@cherylmoller4766]

Good video !

[@CraftedElements]

Thanks Cheryl.

[@jacobswedberg1402]

I see youve done your own pretty niice

[@SuckItYouTube19]

You could also use a longer bolt to attach the router plate and put spacers to achieve the same effect with less material. And if you use thumb screw nuts, it is even tool less adjustment.

[@satxsatxsatx]

How about adapting the router mount So it could be used by a rotary sander?

[@morokeiboethia6749]

Is it possible to make a XYZ router sled from linear rail or aluminum extrusion track rail (where Z is the vertical plane and XY are the horizontal planes) where you can move your router to whatever height (Z) then lock that height in place?

[@fluterampal]

hi would you know the play of the bearings? what is the runoff? Will it sag ever so slightly in the middle?

[@satxsatxsatx]

The big picture to, the concept of slab leveling is simple, obvious. Even at risk of overstating, you made a lot of finer points which I hadn't considered. Thanks You started out by saying perhaps the floor isn't level and or the table isn't level Which means the long bars may be parallel horizontally but in a plane vertically. IOW, twisted So I was expecting you to place a carpenter's level across each end of long bars to make sure they really were on the same level If not, a solution would be leveling screws on each corner of the table to overcome the twist provided by the table and/or by the floor.

[@particleconfig.8935]

Leveling screws, I'll take that.

[@UFOHUNTERS2]

nice done,, what side of screws it needs.. ?

[@stephenharrison4640]

Shame the epoxy top to the bench didn’t work out quite as well as you’d hoped. It’s genius. Being flat to within the curvature of the Earth is probably accurate enough😂 I ordered your slab-flattening kit. Thank you.

[@CraftedElements]

Haha! Yes I had high hopes for it. Thank you for your order.

[@mp6814]

Thanks or the video. This is an excellent design, I like it. One suggestion, or request - how hard would it be to add a quick and easy way to lock the position o the router sled on the main rails, as well as the router mount on the cross members? It would allow or a stable movement during planing. Thnaks.

[@CraftedElements]

We are working on a bearing-brake option for these sleds, that will allow this.

[@paramtrx9558]

Thx! I wanted to know if you could join these rails. Keep up the good work!

[@CraftedElements]

Yes, you definitely can join rails to extend length.

[@cal3201]

Very nice video! Have you considered selling the acrylic parts by themselves? Working with CNCs I have every other part here so I would love to purchase just the acrylic pieces.

[@CraftedElements]

We do actually sell them already -> craftedelements.com/products/router-sled-hardware-kit-only

[@particleconfig.8935]

with these enlarger extension my new 40 V Makita router get insanely more firbrational, so I'd say this is a potential pitfal to enlargening.

[@andy2253]

Don’t use extensions!! Just raise the material being planed with a sheet or sheets of MDF

[@chrisl7621]

I only have some smaller projects (approx 24” wide) currently lined up. Would it be ok to buy longer crossbars and leave them overhanging 12-24” per side so that I don’t have to cut them down, leaving me the option to do wider pieces in the future? Or do you sell extra crossbars separately?

[@CraftedElements]

Yes Chris, you can most definitely do this, the cross bars will just overhang your table / sides. Not an issue at all. We do sell extra cross bars separately as well.

[@chrisl7621]

@@CraftedElements thanks for the quick response. Just ordered mine!

[@markcanady5737]

Shawn looking at your 72x40 sled kit. Could I get the 60'' crossbars instead of the 40'' that comes with the kit? I know the price point would change but I wouldn't need the 40'' crossbars. Cool product for sure! Thanks!!

[@CraftedElements]

That was the original intent, but packaging the manufacturing worked out that the 40" bars are prepacked and sealed with the rails. So right now, no there is no way to split those out.... Metal lightsaber battle?

[@markcanady5737]

@@CraftedElements 🤣That's funny! Looks like I'll being getting the 40'' sabers. I'll hit you up by weeks end, The force is strong!!

[@markheringshausen6336]

Great router sled! Exactly what I'm looking for. Quick question, any chance this can be adapted to a 4" duct collection? Thanks, look forward to your reply.

[@CraftedElements]

Yes you would just need a 2.5" to 3 or 4" adapter. You couldnt connect 4" directly to the plate as it would take up too much space and make it unstable (to large of a hole in the width of the plate)

[@markheringshausen6336]

Thanks, the response is much appreciated! I will be placing an order soon.@@CraftedElements

[@majdijibali6089]

Excellent demonstration would have been nice if you mentioned that size of Acrylic

[@CraftedElements]

The acrylic is 1/2" thick.

[@danielmoroz5970]

@@CraftedElements I believe that you did state the thickness of the Acrylic.

[@CraftedElements]

@@danielmoroz5970I likely did, but people frequently ask questions that are answered in our videos. It par for the course.

[@tuiharvey2624]

Do you need to put all screws for the router? I have put in 3 of the 4 screws only because the 4 screws is over half of the ready made sled so couldn’t drill another hole. It seems to be stable but thought I better ask first. I am in New Zealand and my router is a Makita M3600B.

[@CraftedElements]

If its mounted and stable enough 3 screws are sufficient. The router in question (M3600B) isn't listed on our compatibility guide for the pre-drilled holes. It's good that it lined up 3 of the 4 even without being listed as compatible.

[@tuiharvey2624]

@@CraftedElements thanks for that tomorrow I will be able to use it. Thanks again love all your products just wish you were closer as I have to get a few things because the postage is about $60 every time I order.

[@sostyk1]

I bought only the bearings, used regular pipe, it was much cheaper and works the same.

[@TailEndCustoms]

Looks great. That extension scares me lol. I’d rather bring the work up.

[@CraftedElements]

Yeah the extension is long for sure, and a spinning blade that far off, you have to wonder about the torque effects at that length.

[@TailEndCustoms]

@@CraftedElements yeah I would be worried about potential wobble as well especially with a bit that’s not the same 1/2” diameter.

[@CraftedElements]

@@TailEndCustoms Well the general idea is that all spoil board and slab levelling bits are 1/2" diameter shafts. So there wouldn't be an application where you would put the 1/4" diameter bit in the 1/2" collet extension. However, yes, in the end you have a large 1.5-2.5" spinning bit 2-3" from the bottom of the router base plate.

[@satxsatxsatx]

You mentioned to keep the DOC, depth of cut, to about 1/8 in Max I didn't hear you mention anything about step over

[@VincentLeali]

I'm concerned about the cross rails flexing. How rigid are they? Thanks

[@CraftedElements]

As far as deflection, our bars are made of 20mm solid steel. As long as you are pushing and pulling the sled, and not applying downward pressure as you go, deflection is not an issue. We have sold over 1000 router sleds at this point so I can safely say none have been returned for any deflection issue.

[@brianlee6428]

Question. Is it required for all router you have to remove the handles? I have a DeWalt 621 that the speed is on the handles.

[@CraftedElements]

Not necessarily, it depends on how the physical router will line up with the plate and if it will be in the way of the bearings. I havent had any reports of issues with mounting dewalt routers yet.

[@brianlee6428]

Hi I want to buy your router sled but don't want to buy another router. Love your videos.

[@diegojines-us9pc]

funny even wheel barrows have handles, looks like your back would love if this had one.

[@ptinker106]

What type of Bosch router is that? It looks like the 1617 EVSPK but with a different base.

[@CraftedElements]

I think it is a 1617, but its attached to our custom router sled base (which we make here) -> craftedelements.com/collections/router-sled-components-upgrades/products/router-sled-acrylic-router-base-brackets?variant=44121881313502

[@wazhushkmuskrat9907]

how much flex/defection do you get with the cross bars ? (sled)

[@CraftedElements]

In the 40/48" widths, none. In the 60" you would only see flex if you are using a heavy router AND putting downward pressure on it while you are moving it back and forth. The acceptable technique is to push and pull without downward pressure.

[@inspectr1949]

My slabs run 102" long x 30 to 36" wide not sure what size to order? Have my own saw mill and found that length is ideal.

[@CraftedElements]

You would want the 120x48" (Slab area 111.5x38.25")

[@inspectr1949]

@@CraftedElements 72" was the longest available on. your web site.

[@CraftedElements]

@@inspectr1949 Right now yes, as we are out of stock on 4' rails (6+4' rail to make a 10' sled). They will be back mid-march. We can also configure a 12' version if youd like, using 2x6' rails, which are in stock now.

[@jeremygreen3402]

Would this work using a Bora centipede setup and 3/4 plywood on top?

[@CraftedElements]

As long as it was stable enough to not shake or shift when the plywood is on top, I dont see why not?

[@jeremygreen3402]

@@CraftedElements I think it will work, or at least I'll make it work :). Ordering later today!

[@danielmoroz5970]

@@jeremygreen3402 Hello Jeremy, I'm Dan from Winnipeg, Canada. I just received my new CE Sled and have just finished assembling the components. I won't be using it for at least another 6 - 8 weeks. I also have a Bora set-up in my garage. How is your Bora set-up working out for you? Any tips you may have? Please and thank you.

[@kellygordon103]

Could you make a router cradle that positions the router lower. I'd prefer not to use the extension.

[@CraftedElements]

Definitely something we could fabricate if needed but the router would then be permanently lower and wouldn't be adjustable back up, so it would limit its functionality. The extension is a better option.

[@dutchmn5405]

Website will not open

[@dannyarendall5233]

How much money for a 6’ system

[@KimberlyWendt-lc2iv]

volume issue?

[@user-el5zh1dq5e]

Is this compatible with the Festool OF 1400?

[@CraftedElements]

Yes you just need to choose the Festool base option when you add the item to your cart

[@user-el5zh1dq5e]

@@CraftedElements Fantastic. Thank you. I actually got mine today I forgot I got the blank template, so everything worked out. Thank you for such a thorough video and I'm looking forward to using mine.

[@ericsanguet9823]

How can I purchase your full router kit❤😊

[@CraftedElements]

Once they are back in stock you can get it here: craftedelements.com/products/router-sled-wood-slab-flattening-mill?variant=44152038260958

[@user-cp7fd3oo3x]

Can you share the bits you use please.

[@CraftedElements]

Here you go: www.amazon.ca/SpeTool-Spoilboard-Surfacing-Diameter-Flattening/dp/B099N8LZQV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WB2X3U8ZI7RA&keywords=spetool+2.5%22&qid=1693943403&sprefix=spetool+2+5+%2Caps%2C317&sr=8-1

[@Z-add]

Why didn't you add a handle to grab on to while pushing and pulling?

[@CraftedElements]

Would have required extra space in the acrylic, and the bearings on top do a fine job.

[@alfonsoestrada4470]

Where I can ordered?

[@CraftedElements]

Buy Your Own Crafted Elements Router Sled - Wood Slab Flattening Mill At craftedelements.com

[@darwinboor1300]

Why don't you just use a two-piece router plate and insert a spacer to lower the router and the bit?

[@jordanbianco]

Is this the 72” x 42” kit?

[@CraftedElements]

Almost, it was a cut set of rails. So its a bit shorter than 72", something around 64". Then 48" wide cross bars

[@jordanbianco]

Got it. Thanks for the quick reply. Nice work! Appreciate the detail. Will be ordering one soon

[@SuckItYouTube19]

Slight correction ... the Z-axis would be DEPTH of cut, aka up and down. You called it Zed.😂😂😂😂

[@CraftedElements]

We are a Canadian company. Z = zed.

[@SuckItYouTube19]

@@CraftedElements THAT was your response? I wasn't CORRECTING that. But ok, 🦓 = Zedbra?🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@CharlezMalasana]

You are asking me to spend over 750 on your product and make a video that sounds like this?

[@CraftedElements]

I'm not sure what to say to this, is it a rhetorical question? Is the video assembly component hard to follow?

[@CharlezMalasana]

@@CraftedElements it sounds like shit. Plus only sounds in a single channel

[@AdaptingCamera]

You should NOT use ANY collar extension on routers, like you do here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKK3o3mYhZKfedksi=xx387OCX8I7l21Op&t=2541 That's an extremely bad solution and poor, unprofessional advice. Much better to lower the whole thing if you have to. Also, install some end stops FFKS... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKK3o3mYhZKfedksi=pyYAaHc7gOlsfcSu&t=3153 if you would have pushed it faster it would have flown off, now you were lucky. Next time, with the router spinning you won't be that lucky unless you have end stops.

[@reinaldogonzaga9194]

Sorry, you speak Very, Very ...😢

[@hswing11]

Nothing but a big sales pitch bla bla bla bla

[@danielmoroz5970]

I just received and assembled one of these Router Sleds from @CraftedElements. I followed the video while I assembled my sled. The instructions were clear and precise, which resulted in a very easy assembly. I originally watched this video quite some time ago, and at no time did I feel coerced into purchasing this product. I guess that the instructions could have come in print form, but a big part of the video is to make it easier to follow along while you assemble your sled. He never said "buy this product", not once.