Project Information
So when I bought my tablesaw a few years ago I didn't realize that "wood working" was many hours of "jig making" in order to have a few fabulous moments of wood working. So this miter sled was made as a result of cutting countless miters every other wrong way possible until I realized that this was probably the smartest way.
During this project I learned that I can only trust 2 of the 5 squares that I have in my shop. These 2 squares are square to each other. One is a 12" Starret combination square and the other is a fixed 6" Groz square. I also purchased a thin plastic drafting triangle for this project and it just so happens to be square to these 2 squares also. All other squares have been thrown out.
I found a Youtube video made by Steve Ramsey WWMM and liked the simple approach to his method. I basically copied his approach but in some areas I substituted my favorite shop tool (2 sided tape) as opposed to waiting for glue to dry. I purchased the large roll of tape from Golf Smith, it is technically used for installing grips on golf clubs. It is very thin, very strong, and comes in a mile-long 2" wide roll for only $11-$12 at the time of purchase. I must also say, that I have become addicted to using this 2 sided tape in every project. I think it contributes to accuracy, repeatability, and safety in a lot of operations.
The sled came out perfect, and with the exception of the MDF base, everything is scrap wood. The Zebrawood and Sapele used are quarter sawn and have been screwed with the intention of being replaceable.
I then proceeded to use my virgin Veritas spokeshave, that had been collecting dust, to make the handle comfortable by relieving areas for my hand, fingers, and thumb. And then, not wanting to be done, I put a thin coat of wax-free shellac on everything. At this point I was flabbergasted that I made something useful, accurate and comfortable that I decided to drink a few beers.
Upon testing the sled, I identified that the 2 sides do add up to making a perfect 90degree miter, but on top of that, when I make 2 cuts from the same side and join them together…. they also make a perfect 90 degree miter. I'm going to attribute this to luck, 2 sided tape, luck, soundness of method, and luck.
During this project I learned that I can only trust 2 of the 5 squares that I have in my shop. These 2 squares are square to each other. One is a 12" Starret combination square and the other is a fixed 6" Groz square. I also purchased a thin plastic drafting triangle for this project and it just so happens to be square to these 2 squares also. All other squares have been thrown out.
I found a Youtube video made by Steve Ramsey WWMM and liked the simple approach to his method. I basically copied his approach but in some areas I substituted my favorite shop tool (2 sided tape) as opposed to waiting for glue to dry. I purchased the large roll of tape from Golf Smith, it is technically used for installing grips on golf clubs. It is very thin, very strong, and comes in a mile-long 2" wide roll for only $11-$12 at the time of purchase. I must also say, that I have become addicted to using this 2 sided tape in every project. I think it contributes to accuracy, repeatability, and safety in a lot of operations.
The sled came out perfect, and with the exception of the MDF base, everything is scrap wood. The Zebrawood and Sapele used are quarter sawn and have been screwed with the intention of being replaceable.
I then proceeded to use my virgin Veritas spokeshave, that had been collecting dust, to make the handle comfortable by relieving areas for my hand, fingers, and thumb. And then, not wanting to be done, I put a thin coat of wax-free shellac on everything. At this point I was flabbergasted that I made something useful, accurate and comfortable that I decided to drink a few beers.
Upon testing the sled, I identified that the 2 sides do add up to making a perfect 90degree miter, but on top of that, when I make 2 cuts from the same side and join them together…. they also make a perfect 90 degree miter. I'm going to attribute this to luck, 2 sided tape, luck, soundness of method, and luck.
