SawStop CTS Smart Cradle and building it in the Smart Woodshop

4.5 hours x2 of video crunched down into an 8-minute clip. Hopefully, I didn't cut something important. The new and now smallest table saw with the safety brake feature built-in from SawStop is the only one on the market. The quality and safety make this a great value. The first project for me was to get it hanging off the end of the Smart Benches which required a smart cradle. I use the Smart Cradle plans designed for the cordless DeWalt and made a few simple adjustments. It worked out perfectly and now the SS CTS is the only table saw I am using in the Smart Woodshop.
thesmartwoodshop.com/rons-store

[@2manycardz]

You gotta love the track saw so easy. And you got a love the parallel guides. keep it up, Mr. Ron

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

A track saw is must.

[@markshobbybench]

Worked out great Ron, thanks for sharing.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

You bet

[@paulpennington816]

Ron thanks for the cradle build out! I have 745 Dewalt table saw I build a cradle for it! I am looking to upgrade to a Saw Stop soon! I have a 3 car garage only have small space! I have put every tool on wheels! Thanks again!

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Glad I could help

[@MasonWoodshop]

YES!! This is the video I've been waiting for as I finished a DIY MFT-style bench a few months ago and just picked up the SawStop CTS. Just purchased the plans from your site and will use this video to help adapt them for the CTS. Thanks Ron!

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Glad I could help!

[@rickculpepper709]

Can’t wait to hear what you think about it.Thinking seriously about getting one.Stay safe with this other storm ☔️

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

😎🤙

[@rickculpepper709]

@@TheSmartWoodshop ?

[@mrgunn2726]

Yes, I enjoyed hanging out w/ you in the SWS. Thumbs up!

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Thanks for coming

[@bdm1000]

I agree there is no NEED to have separate plans to scale it, but it would be very convenient. It's probably easier to scale it for the CTS (since you own it) in Sketchup (and make it available for sale) than it is for the layperson to scale it following the plans.

[@andrewphillips1865]

Love the video. Thanks so much for sharing it.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

You bet!

[@rickmatthewjones]

Hey Ron, we really appreciate all your videos and insights! On Premcore Plus (18mm and 12mm), have you found the factory edge reliably square/straight when building your workbenches/jigs/cradles, or do you recommend straighten/squaring two adjacent sides before laying out for tearing down the sheets? I know you have a background from everything from framing to fine finishing, but I haven't heard where you stand on trusting 'factory edges' for something that's meant to be as precise as the MFT system your benches, jigs and cradles rely on. Bought the PSB total package plans and I'm really excited to get started!

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I have found Premcore Plus to be straight and square. That being said, I have never had a piece of plywood of any brand have a bad edge. I am not sure if that is because of the quality my local lumber yard carries or luck. I have never purchased a piece of ply from a big box store.

[@rickmatthewjones]

@@TheSmartWoodshop Thanks Ron!

[@bdm1000]

Were you going to eventually add a miter slot to PSC for the CTS like you did the Jobsite Pro?

[@samhklm]

Ron - is the CTS bigger than your previous saw? You are using the "Mk.II Parf Guide Drilling System" for the guide? Did you have a larger guide for the guide hole drilling - something for a sheet? These videos are so dense with information I need to watch them several times. Thanks for detail you go to in these. Looking forward CTS going through some panel breakdown videos using this cradle.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

The CTS is much smaller than the JSP. The Parf MKII is the only drilling system I have and use it for all of the Smart Benches and accessories such as the Cradle, Router Tables, Bench Extensions, etc. It is an amazing system with no other accurate option unless you have a CNC or take it to a CNC shop. I NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER use a table saw to break down plywood. A table saw is not a good option for panel breakdown unless you have a stroke saw with a 10' or longer stroke. I am including cabinet saws like the Powermatics, SawStops, etc.. I use a track saw in place of a stroke saw and get the same results. A table saw is good for rips under 12." I have covered all of the above many times in much more detail. Note this video is specifically about making a cradle for CTS. Check out the video library here at the Smart Woodshop as there are over 1000 of them. Ron

[@samhklm]

@@TheSmartWoodshop Thanks for the detailed reply. I will need to go back and review.

[@DangerGrove]

I finished building mine yesterday--wish I would've waited for this video! One question, if I want to build a cross-cut sled, it runs into the top/connecting piece. Would you recommend using a dado bit and carving out beyond the miter slot into the connecting piece? Or would you recommend just adding feet to raise up the saw when I'm using the sled? (The dado would be a lot easier for continuous use, but I'm not sure if structurally that will cause a problem.)

[@DangerGrove]

Also, what about the plastic flip switch for the fence on the side closest to the bench?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Cut out a slot/dado that matches up with your saw. I cut dados on all of my cradle builds, but took them off the plans as they need to matched up with each saw specifically. I used a router and guide to make the dados as a final step. It is a 5 minute process and should be wider and deeper than the saw table dado.

[@wingsley]

I am green with envy. I cannot find any local suppliers of that CanUSA Premcore Canadian White Birch plywood. I wish I could find a way to make that happen.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

contact them directly

[@jacobstr]

I have to put a 25lb weight on the other end of the table when I mount my cradle to keep it from rotating open :) The mitre station benefits from having the mitre saw. I still wonder if maybe I did something odd 🤔 no mention or warning of having to counterweight it but the physics make sense.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I have a few videos on this. I strap down the bend on each end to the sawhorse or cart. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5zNZYSIl6hgfassi=MGQghQlKdbq60Kc-

[@jacobstr]

@@TheSmartWoodshop Thank you sir :)

[@jimradzicki]

Love the plans and just finished my bench and cradle. I created a single leg (similar dimensions of the saw horse) then, made a shallow dado in the cradle bottom to align it during the bench setup. Solved the cantilever issue. So stable, I can stand on the cradle. And, the leg fits inside the cradle during storage. Happy to share a pic / design

[@styner3001]

Is that Sawstop one of the finest quality table saws you've used? ...& by chance, are you familiar with how (quality, durability...) it compares to those made by Jet?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I have years of SS use. They are top shelf and the only ts with a brake. There is no second choice for my shop. I sold my Dewalt three days after I got the CTS. For me using a ts without a brake is like driving a car without a seatbelt.

[@stemialert1]

Where do you source the plywood now that you are in FL?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I brought it with me from WA

[@WarmFLBear]

@@TheSmartWoodshop Being in Sarasota County (South of you), I'm eagerly awaiting your recommendations for a great source myself.

[@davinhart8374]

Where did you get it in WA?

[@hpwray]

Where did you get your festool t-shirt

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Festool sent it to me with one of my Kapex saws years ago. Mine is very old and in need of replacement.

[@anikdasdigital]

Your videos is really fantastic. Can i talk with you please?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

😎🤙

[@kevincary1]

Another good video with good tips Ron. Thanks! There was a recent review of the CTS by Matt Outlaw (kzbin.info/www/bejne/iprIc32MiZqheK8) where he had issues with the fence sagging when fully extended. Have you come across that issue too?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

i have a video about that. it will post in a week or so. It is a non issue imo.😎

[@kevincary1]

@@TheSmartWoodshop Sounds good. Also thanks for the tip on using a 3/4" dowel (and how to locate precisely). Don't need the cradle to line up with CNC accuracy to the rest of the table and the 20mm tolerances can get pretty tight!