Small table saw sled

How to build a small table saw sled, step by step. Very handy, use int on my table saw all the time.
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[@justinmorrow2932]

Been enjoying some old school Matthias, what a back catalogue!

[@locoken]

I'm not sure which is better. You're projects, or your video making skills. Both are amazing, and it's what keeps me coming back looking for more. Thanks, Matthias!

[@matthiaswandel]

Yes, in the summer, my tenon jig is much harder to slide. Haven't had as much of an issue with the exotic wood on my older sled though.

[@matthiaswandel]

When I measured the shrinkage and expansion of various woods, the exotics showed a bit less of it than domestic species. I actually did some original research on this. Also, I oriented it so that the radial grain direction is horizontal. Radial shrinkage is generally a bit less than tangential.

[@ericgillespie2812]

I have been watching your videos for over 8 years and you are always my reference, you are so methodical and precise. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your knowledge.

[@SteveRamsey]

Love this design and building method. Matthias, do you ever run into swelling runners in humid weather? When it rains here, my sleds get really "sticky".

[@Pashinski1]

I love how precise and well planned all your projects are. I am always impressed with your attention to detail & creative engineering. Very inspiring. I had no plans to build a sled like yours, but I think I just might give it a try now.

[@IronheadOfScroteus]

I just finished rebuilding a ten inch Craftsman 113 table saw from the 50's. Very solid, smooth and powerful. My experience using table saws is limited(normally I'm a metal worker) so I'm taking a crash course before attempting any projects. This was a great video, I'll check out your others. Liked and subscribed.

[@BTom16]

I built a sled similar to this one on a lark, after watching your video, and have found it to be far more useful than expected. Also, I've noticed the miter box does not make accurate crosscuts on really small pieces where this does. Thanks for the great idea and nice design.

[@mikeyandalyssab4782]

I swear, time must stand still in your shop. I'm always amazed at the time and perfection you put into every piece you make! well done sir

[@damien381]

one of the biggest things that put this "single runner" design above the rest, is when you rotated the sled around 180 degrees. The added functionality makes this superior to what I'm calling a "double runner" design. in addition to the added functionality, this design is also significantly smaller than the other sleds. Thank you for sharing your ideas.

[@LarryB-inFL]

How do you think flipping that around adds to the functionality?

[@XJWill1]

Because it allows the fences to be conveniently short when making crosscuts through the slot, but if you want to raise the blade to make a deep cut, you can flip the sled around (and not cut through your fences).

[@Quizzicality]

It's really incredible what you're able to do with a table saw and a little ingenuity. I'm not into wood cutting and I probably never will be, but that was a very interesting, informative, and well made video, and I watched the whole friggin thing. You put everything in there that needed to be. No more, no less. Bravo sir, bravo.

[@matthiaswandel]

Two guide rails would be twice as string. That's the advantage. But more likely to jam with seasonal wood shrinkage. With the close fit I made for the one bar, jamming with seasonal changes would be almost inevitable.

[@eliignatoff6864]

Hi Matthias, I too was curious about the hinged thingy on your wonderful small sled; which brought me to this video; where you remark on the reliability of framing squares. All of your videos teach me something about methods of work, I'm dazzled by your shop built tools; and the privilege of watching your inventiveness always lifts me up. By way of recompense I'd like to share an old trick for checking and truing a steel framers. Forgive me if this is something you already know. To read the accuracy of a framers you need a board with a straight edge that is at least twice the length of the body and somewhat wider than the length of the tongue. A fair square cut on a piece of 3/4 ply will suffice. Lay the body against the edge with the tongue placed so you can flip the square and still have complete registration of the body on the board edge. Strike a thin pencil line from the crook to the end of the tongue. Flip the square over and strike another thin pencil line from the edge (at the original mark) again from the crook to the end of the tongue. If they align exactly the square is true. If they diverge, the divergence is twice the error of the square. Scribe a thin straight line from the heel to the crook. To widen the square use a fine point punch and strike a point on that line (not too hard) about 1/4 the way from the crook to the heel. To constrict the square strike a point on that line about 1/4 the way from the heel to the crook. Check again until you have the alignment. Note: this will not work with some older/antique squares. Back in the day some of them were tempered. These can only be trued by grinding. Aluminum framing squares are adequate for drywall and don't need to be square.

[@cupiddstunt]

Matthius I think I have watched all of your vids and some repeatedly, I love the fact you work in thousands of and inch but found you also work in smidgins. Now that I find you are working in the same measurements as I work in I feel more confident and able to follow and make some of your projects. Joking apart please keep up the vids I find them very interesting and love the way you look at things, I have come back to woodwork late in life but think I can still learn something new

[@davidborch213]

Great video on the new smaller sled, now that is one I can use for my saw table. Glad to see you designed one for those of us that do not need the larger size.

[@Appvpro]

That method of squaring the sled up is so simple and so brilliant !!! thanks made my day

[@cogzoid]

Just whipped up my own table saw sled. I don't have a jointer/planer, so I ran some 2 x 4s along the table saw to get them as flat as possible. I don't need to be that accurate anyway. Thanks for the videos!

[@Muertey13]

Absolutely love that you use a dial indicator. Most people don't get that finicky with woodworking

[@JusBidniss]

Love the idea of using a dado to give you a thicker runner. For saws like my old Craftsman contractor saw with really shallow miter grooves, a thin runner attached to a flat bottom might not perform as well over time. Also a great idea to use a single runner and make the sled reversible for 2 cut locations, one in the middle like a standard crosscut sled and one on the edge, which gives more fence support for longer workpieces. And cutting the base in two and butting the edge of the square up to another piece of wood allows for easier squaring of the fence than trying to eyeball whether the kerf lines up with the edge of the square. I will definitely be trying all of these in my next sled. Pure genius!

[@philsketball]

AWESOME video. This guy makes my table saw skills look like a 2 year old.

[@michaelfisher948]

Looks like a good idea, I just bought a table saw after using a radial arm saw for all these years, this might be my first project to help me build a sliding router table that Stumpy Nubs made, router jigs that I have seen are also on my build list.

[@snapmarc]

Thanks for the vids. Love your work. While I'm amazingly impressed with the way your mind works with your woodworking skills, I must say I'm more impressed with the jobs you complete in a tiny workshop. Low ceilings and cramped space, and yet you "crank" out so many wonderful projects. Good for you. It just goes to show.... But again, thanks very much. I learn a lot from your vids.

[@mtmals9786]

Just finished first sled. Great series...always appreciate your orderly processes.. thanks!

[@sirednep]

Very nice, I made the exact same thing about 5 years ago. It works great. The only difference is that I added a perspex safety guard over the blade area.

[@rjbda2003]

Fantastic Matthias. You're on top of your game am sure. Amazing knowledge and the quality of your videos it's A+. Thank you. Ric

[@ellis592]

The Sled stop was an insanely over engineered addition. I love it! Keep up the great vids!

[@efrancis19]

Great presentation and a very nice project. I really like the idea of the hinged stop on the back of the sled. Thanks for posting.

[@Chris.Davies]

Just purchased a framing square because my other squares are too small to make cabinets with. I'm very happy to hear they are reliable. Damned if I can find a mini-square for sale here though.

[@Cyberdactyl]

Very nice Matt. Your videos are always clear and concise. I have learned a lot from your work. I look forward to all your videos.

[@deezynar]

That's a great idea. I have a big sled & it's a bit of a pain to put on the saw & take it off all the time. A little sled would be very handy.

[@userunavailable3095]

I like your sled. I almost learned about cross cut sleds the very hard way, after which I took red paint and painted a NO-GO ZONE on the front of the sled, where my hands may never go.

[@JohnMessUK]

I see you working in imperial and metric one after the other, I am glad I am not the only person to do that lol

[@alex321404]

Great channel Matthias. I notice that you are very practical in your creations, you take everything in account, even very small details, so you get multipractic utilities. I wonder if you can make a video on how to approach to make practical wooden corner clamp (like to be used to fix two parts when glueing or screwing on right angle), not to big not to small...

[@mikeyandalyssab4782]

That cocobolo is beautiful and pricey! So glad you saved it from the trash! And great video too

[@axelfaltin]

Just finished the sled used oak for the runner ... Thank you so much for all your work! Axel

[@nazeem611]

Axel Faltin spray sillicon spray on it or put some wetwall on the bottim and it goes lile absoulte shit

[@bowlchamps37]

Wow, this is the first video where I see the way to build a sled that I use myself. I will have finished my 1000th sled by christmas. This method is easy, fast and accurate.

[@scottydntno]

good video for someone who has an excellent accurate table saw, not your typical DIYer.

[@zing913945]

Matthias keep up the good work. Its fun to see the level of accuracy in your build ! VERY COOOL I'm 60 + I can still say cool

[@DBYNOE]

Doh! As usual, wished I'd thought of that. I built one and retired my larger one cause I mostly used it for small stuff and this just works better, plus I have a decent chop saw. It's reversability is surprisingly useful. I did make sure that the rear fence was also as square as possible which, allows a bit more flexibility. I like your clever safety, but, for me, I worry about it creating a dangerous complacency so I prefer just a block of wood attached behind the front fence, and paying attention. You are one smart wood engineer (somehow woodworker seems like an inadequate term for you). Keep the ideas coming. Thanks.

[@jayross6588]

I like all your salvage finds.. great stuff to pick up that people once left behind. Ive been cruising around our local flooring shop but as of lately no such luck lol

[@matthiaswandel]

Gets in the way, and I use a lot of different sized blades. Avoiding kickback is also a function of experience.

[@Сутьділа]

Друг,ты верующий человек?

[@Kn1cknackz0]

Nicely done and I love the safety features! So many people don't care about their fingers these days and even defend NOT using any safety equipment.

[@synapse131]

Those dial indicators sure are handy. Definitely on my list of things to get at some point.

[@GaryT1952]

Thanks for the tip of machining wood with the help of a dial gauge, never thought of woodworking that way. Learn something new every day!

[@jonhelton664]

Seems you make the best thought out designs , mine are never as elligant. Great job!

[@stephensessions7341]

Sorry I did not see your video first. You have addressed the safety issues correctly. I have a trashed thumb from another design, Well done!

[@TopKnotCarpentry]

Very cool sled, I like!!! Perhaps its worth mentioning how to adjust a square like that true to square; as well as how to check that your sled is square by trimming for the four sides of a scrap piece of mdf and measuring the difference in width of the fourth cuts offcuts beginning and end...

[@NightSpyderTech]

Awesome sled! I was interested to see what methods and thought processes you went through for when I make mine shortly, but I gotta admit, the main thing that drew me to this video was to figure out what the block on the back was when I saw it in another video and now I know lol. If only I had practical use for it myself. Maybe in version 2.0 or 3.0

[@gotwood3436]

I was also looking at that dial indicator get-up you had there. Nice and small. I would like to take a closer look and see how it all goes together. good video

[@2drsdan]

Good stuff here, nice job. 1 thought however, you have a great design on your jointer push stick that you should use for your table saw as the Twiddle sticks you have now are dangerous. That same jointer design just needs to be thinner for use on the table saw. You will find this type holds the stock down flat to the table. It lets you apply side pressure to keep stock against the fence. It has a handle that is WELL above the blade and the small notch grabs the stock from behind. It's the absolute safest push stick design I've ever used in 35 years in the shop. Keep up the good work.

[@fouroakfarm]

Love your videos, always look forward to the next. Also love the fact you dumpstered that hardwood and you showed the couple thou play and the hot glue fix

[@thehammondworkshop]

The hinged block is ingenious! Thanks for sharing.

[@rjoad011]

I find your builds both interesting and fascinating. Why do you choose to build everything (the structure of your tools) in wood? Is it for the challenge or that you are more comfortable in wood? Keep it up.

[@n8guy]

I'd be really interested to see how accurate this one ended up. Have you tried the 5-cut method (or another method) to see how square it turned out? If this way works, it's just so much easier to build than the alternatives.

[@frankganderson7246]

A reader asked about using a cross cut sled for bevel cutting. Actually, you can make another set of runners on the same sled. Remove the runners for miter cutting, of course. When using the extra runners on your table saw, make the bevel cut right into your cross cut sled as you did with the miter cut. It is basically a zero-clearance insert in a way. When your beveling work is done, switch back to the original runners and continue with miter cutting. This is the fasted way I can think of using the same sled. Remember to mark with indelible pen runner positions and name them. Keep in mind that your new runners will cause the sled to move to the left or right when in position depending on whether you place the runners to the left or right. Obviously all this means that your runners will have to be screwed, not glued.

[@AZ_Iron]

This is great I have been looking for a simple sled like this since I got my table saw, thanks for uploading.

[@dalemitchener]

Thank you Matthias, something I have been intending to make for some time. You have given me some really good ideas....

[@MrBwest9376]

Very good craftsmanship and safety. You have great videos and very clean shop.

[@garywilliamson5187]

I know what you mean Josh - the little contractor saws I have owned have the little retaining clips which require a T-shaped runner. My sleds are not nearly as nice as Matthias', but I was able to do some very delicate work to the runner on my router table before I attached to sled base - I was able to create a T-slot runner which does work. I have looked a bit for pieces of aluminum or nylon already shaped as I need, but did not find.

[@matthiaswandel]

I do check them for square. Never found one that was out of square.

[@SawdustAndThings]

I really like the sled stop! I think you're on to something. Nice video!

[@freewoodencrosses]

I recently built one and it is great. I have used it a lot already. Thanks Matthias

[@matthiaswandel]

UHMW is a bit on the soft side. Exotic hardwood, even if you have to buy it, is also cheaper.

[@brianmurray667]

Love the two sleds. Ingeniously simple.🙂

[@JimFleming1953]

I like the safety block that engages the out feed extension.

[@hassleoffa]

1) I'm planning on making a small sled over the holidays ... thanks 2) I'm loving that giant jointer you built .. have you found it's working well since you've built it. I'm seriously interested in building one. ... thanks again, happy holidays.

[@classic287]

That sled stop is really cool, Mr. Engineer...I'm subscribed.

[@matthiaswandel]

I don't think a riving knife helps much with a crosscut sled, but as long as it doesn't get in the way, leave it in.

[@wntomas3752]

Impresive craftsmanship dude, precise work, enjoying your videos

[@CosmasBauer]

Your videos are always entertaining! Great job!

[@AtifHasanReflections]

thanks Matthias, after a long time i saw you making something with less of physics involved. :-)). very nicely made and videographed. Keep up the good work.

[@AuDHDQ]

You inspired me to make my own table saw and I did. Thanks Matthias.

[@matthiaswandel]

Never considered using aluminium. Wood works just fine, and I can fit it to my saw's slot (which is slightly too wide)

[@matthiaswandel]

You need to square the fence to the T-slot, not to the blade, not to the rip fence. Neither of those is guaranteed to be parallel to the T-slot.

[@matthiaswandel]

Hand't thought of that. I never use the built in rulers, always just measure the the blade, with calipers if it's critical.

[@jjtunes8]

Thank you so much for your weekly videos. Glad to see a fellow Ontarian on here! I learned a lot from your videos. What kind of varnish are you using and where can I find it? Thx!

[@fredparker5801]

your equipment works very well. Can you show how to tune up the table saw drill press and jointer?

[@burcindevrim]

Hi Matthias, thanks for new videos, can you please give some ideas about how to make or, modify a caliper to use on table saw, like yours in this video.

[@matthiaswandel]

Dumpster diving is a sport best done alone and opportunistically. Less likely to draw attention, and no need to share the pickings..

[@mkeaveny1]

excellent articulation and demonstration. Well Done Mate!

[@gravizt]

You must excuse me if I'm being stupid, I don't know much about wood working, I just enjoy learning from your videos. Why did you cut the slot in the sled before you had attached the sides to it? To me at least it seems like it would have been easier to cut the slot after it was all screwed together, or that it at least would have saved you some time.

[@JayDee-xj9lu]

Very interesting. I really like the 1 runner setup. I have a lot of binding with my extension table. So I might try this. Shouldn't you use the 5 cut squareness test? I like the sled stop. JD

[@Nabokov50]

Thanks for the one runner tip. Far less of a problem than two.

[@phillipyeager3176]

Just a good example why old fogeys like me don't trust digital measuring devices. Enjoyed your video.

[@BlueOvalHero]

Love your videos, Matthias! Brilliant stuff, thank you. James

[@4vinos]

Did I miss something? Did you give the dimensions? for the sled? Excellent explanation and instructions on how to build a small sled. Thanks.

[@joeydiaz5587]

Great Videos Started To Be More Interested In Wood Workings Thanks To Your Videos Great Job

[@matthiaswandel]

Scrollsaws here are pretty cheap, so I don't think it makes sense to build one. Plus, it would be harder to build one than a bandsaw.

[@cupiddstunt]

By the way I have a table saw that is bereft of mitre guides it is just a plain sheet steel top but I am working on a table sled that spans the table completely and uses the edges of the table as guides, I am also working on using bolts on both sides back and front as a method of squaring the sled to the blade My other alternative is to look out for a used/scrap table saw that has the pre-requisite guides that can take rails and work from there.

[@getloud207]

Doesn't need to be exact dimensions on anything, just make sure that the back face of it where the wood rests is perpendicular to the blade. The size of the sled should reflect the size of the wood you usually work with.

[@moisessaldivar4156]

Thanks for this Matthias, I was wanting to make one and I'm glad you have a video on it.

[@louisscott1063]

I`m just now watching this , don`t know how I`ve missed it, very interesting

[@WestCoastTimber]

Thanks for all the cool videos. I think you have extraordinary talents there buddy. I now have more projects that I don't have time for :) Keep em coming please.

[@Wetsuitboy]

This is excactly the video i needed :D Unfortunately there is just a "like it" button. Here I need a "love it" button :) Thanks for all the good advices :)

[@SailriteDIY]

Just made a Table Saw Sled for my shop. Thanks for your great tips!

[@matthiaswandel]

I wheeled my 6" jointer out of my shop, so I guess the 12" one is working well enough. Still not ready to part with the 6" jointer though.

[@ProDMiner]

Matthias Wandel hey thank you for always showing this, I have a very serious favor to ask. Could you please show how to re parallel this specific fence for your table saw? I have tried everything. And no matter what I do I can’t get it perfect. What I been doing is setting it to the miter slot, then losing the bolts by the lock 4 of them. When it’s perfectly aligned I lock it down then re tighten those 4 bolts. But I do need to say on the left bolts 1,3 I have about 8 pieces of paper to make it perpendicular back to the table. I put this fence from another craftsman saw that’s why I had to do that. I tried what it said in the manual and it’s just not working. Sometimes I’m 1/8th out of parallel then sometimes a bit smaller or maybe 1/16th bigger. It’s literally driving me insane. To the point where I’m considering the nylon insert on the tension bolt may be out of square. So if you could make a video or maybe just explain a bit to me here I would be in your debt. Also I do not have the two screws on the guide plate to the fence to turn is left or right. It’s not that model of fence.

[@ProDMiner]

Matthias Wandel sigh I just rewatched the video it’s not the same fence :( I miss seen something. Off to the wood working forms I go !

[@jeffwaterman4144]

dude, great idea with the micrometer, love it, doing it, thanks!!!

[@Wolsk]

That safety block is coooool.

[@matthiaswandel]

Quicker, cheaper, cleaner and easier.