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Router sled base and shimming question

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2K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  Andybb  
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#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Im building a router sled 4×7.5ft out of MDF for.my base and linear slide rails guides that are generally used for CNC machines. I've glued/screwed 4 sides to provide a rigid base. Will likely add 4"x1"x48" MDF pieces underneath as well for rigidity. However, I was wondering if I should add these to the base where my piece will sit. I've seen some with just a flat base while others have rails. Any pros or cons to adding rails?

I generally shim my piece to get as flat a surface on the beginning side. My concern would be shimming of I have rails.

Im also wondering on the shimming as I've seen a video where you put in shims, flatten one side, then they say to keep the shims where they are and flatten the 2nd side. To me this doesn't make sense. Any thoughts on this? I'd think that with one flat side you'd want it flat with your base before doing the 2nd side.
 
#2 ·
I would leave the rails off the top. It will just limit the size and shape of the material you can put on it and it doesn't sound like you'll need them for rigidity based on what you've described.

You're absolutely right about the shims. Not sure what you read or what it was referring to but, you should shim the piece, flatten the first side then flip it with the flat side laying on your base to flatten the second side. Leaving the shims in place would just result in a wedge-shaped board.
 
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#3 ·
If I understand what you are asking, another option is to make 2 separate rail assemblies that you can clamp to any flat surface (like your work bench). That may allow you more flexibility. You can adjust the width and even the height by puting the rails on riser blocks if needed.

+1 on no shims when flattening the second side.
 
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#4 ·
Awesome, thanks for the info. As for clamping the rails to a work bench or other surface, it would be a big hassle for setup, checking squareness of the rails and base, etc. The table is quite large and while I intended to mount it on hinges to the wall I realized I would be unable to get to the far side of my piece if too wide. So I am using a pulley winch system to raise and lower the table from the ceiling, then using legs/casters to move it for access.

If anyone wants pictures and a sketch of it just shoot me a message.
 
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