LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

A few Table Saw sleds to look at

8K views 13 replies 8 participants last post by  treeservices 
#1 ·
Double Dubby, Rockler, and Incra sleds

So many different things a "sled" can do. I'd be amazed to see the one that could do it all. I just scored big at an auction, sic estate sale I went to. Nobody there, and they had made it all outdoor, Covid proofed it, provided you wore a mask, and did the 6' thing. I ended up walking away with a Double Dubby, one of the Incra sleds that works with a miter gauge. And one of the Rockler sleds. All brand new, in the box. I was thinking about doing a comparo blog on these similar, yet somewhat different sleds types.

My current problem is no access to my shop, because I have a Toe infection from an ingrown toenail, and am not allowed to walk much, so I can only sneak to the shop when my Guard/Wife isn't watching. So this may take a while to get done. Currently I have peeked, but for no real reason the Rockler was the first one I put together.

Double Dubby I'm pretty sure will be the winner. Price is higher at $319.00, but ability to swing either way will take a lot of something to beat. Comes with everything you see, and metal guide bars for your miter slots.

https://www.in-lineindustries.com/products/dubby-the-original-table-saw-sled/

Triangle Wood Bicycle part Rectangle Font


Rockler is a version of the dubby. It only swings Left, but it has an optional side table for cut offs. A suggested extra. Rockler has sales on both these items so price is hard to peg down, but list for both pieces is $179.00 and the side table is 40 bux. Comes with all shown, and both pieces come with a metal guide bar.

https://www.rockler.com/tablesaw-crosscut-sled

Table Wood Cabinetry Automotive exterior Bumper


The Incra sled. I will say up front, I wouldn't buy this online. I would only buy this in a store where I could peg down what you got, and for how much. Their stuff can get pricey pretty quick. The actual sled, and side table is $179.00, both with a metal guide bar. You need to add both a miter gauge, and a fence on the miter gauge. It's here I feel they shot themselves in the foot. The ?connecting bar? on the sled portion is a metal like substance that isn't real robust IMO. I can see a tendency for flex here, and you are shoving it forward on a miter gauge, and a metal, or maybe wood fence attached to it? I'm not sure why they didn't just give a solid base, except then they would have had to give you a fence. I believe this is a problem. Possibly users, and lovers of this design can convert me?

Correct me if I am wrong, but all along I thought the purpose to build a sled was to have a solid fence, that was rigidly attached to the base, so the entire thing moved forward as a unit. This was to get away from a miter gauge and a wide fence. Yet here it's pretty much what you end up with. Both of the others have a fence, that is supposed to securely lock down, similar to a home made sled.

https://www.rockler.com/incra-miter-express-miter-sled?country=US&sid=V91041&promo=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=PL&tid=pla&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=(ROI)_Shopping_-_Top_Sellers&msclkid=be1e11ecd9fe15a331ec71c9474995e0

Wood Rectangle Magenta Art Font


I'm going to be a little contrary, and add to this my definition of a sled. Seeing that a miter gauge is a solo slot used, and because of that solo slot ONLY, it's part of the reason a sled is more desirable for accuracy, and repeatability. Why do you ask? Any slop in that travel will decrease your accuracy, and using just the one slot increases the odds of that over using BOTH slots on your saw table top.

So my definition is it isn't really a sled, until it has two guide bars, one for each slot. So my thought is none of these are actually sleds, just fancy miter gauge platforms.

Let me know if you agree with this or not. I don't think I have ever seen a thread on the topic of sled classification. So I'm not sure what conventional thought is on that. This is just how I look at them.

Look for more parts, as I get these put together, and hopefully some better pics showing details. Please remember I am not supposed to be walking around.

Foot problems, and Diabetes are a poor mix, so I am trying to take this somewhat seriously.
 

Attachments

See less See more
6
#2 ·
Double Dubby, Rockler, and Incra sleds

So many different things a "sled" can do. I'd be amazed to see the one that could do it all. I just scored big at an auction, sic estate sale I went to. Nobody there, and they had made it all outdoor, Covid proofed it, provided you wore a mask, and did the 6' thing. I ended up walking away with a Double Dubby, one of the Incra sleds that works with a miter gauge. And one of the Rockler sleds. All brand new, in the box. I was thinking about doing a comparo blog on these similar, yet somewhat different sleds types.

My current problem is no access to my shop, because I have a Toe infection from an ingrown toenail, and am not allowed to walk much, so I can only sneak to the shop when my Guard/Wife isn't watching. So this may take a while to get done. Currently I have peeked, but for no real reason the Rockler was the first one I put together.

Double Dubby I'm pretty sure will be the winner. Price is higher at $319.00, but ability to swing either way will take a lot of something to beat. Comes with everything you see, and metal guide bars for your miter slots.

https://www.in-lineindustries.com/products/dubby-the-original-table-saw-sled/

Triangle Wood Bicycle part Rectangle Font


Rockler is a version of the dubby. It only swings Left, but it has an optional side table for cut offs. A suggested extra. Rockler has sales on both these items so price is hard to peg down, but list for both pieces is $179.00 and the side table is 40 bux. Comes with all shown, and both pieces come with a metal guide bar.

https://www.rockler.com/tablesaw-crosscut-sled

Table Wood Cabinetry Automotive exterior Bumper


The Incra sled. I will say up front, I wouldn't buy this online. I would only buy this in a store where I could peg down what you got, and for how much. Their stuff can get pricey pretty quick. The actual sled, and side table is $179.00, both with a metal guide bar. You need to add both a miter gauge, and a fence on the miter gauge. It's here I feel they shot themselves in the foot. The ?connecting bar? on the sled portion is a metal like substance that isn't real robust IMO. I can see a tendency for flex here, and you are shoving it forward on a miter gauge, and a metal, or maybe wood fence attached to it? I'm not sure why they didn't just give a solid base, except then they would have had to give you a fence. I believe this is a problem. Possibly users, and lovers of this design can convert me?

Correct me if I am wrong, but all along I thought the purpose to build a sled was to have a solid fence, that was rigidly attached to the base, so the entire thing moved forward as a unit. This was to get away from a miter gauge and a wide fence. Yet here it's pretty much what you end up with. Both of the others have a fence, that is supposed to securely lock down, similar to a home made sled.

https://www.rockler.com/incra-miter-express-miter-sled?country=US&sid=V91041&promo=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=PL&tid=pla&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=(ROI)_Shopping_-_Top_Sellers&msclkid=be1e11ecd9fe15a331ec71c9474995e0

Wood Rectangle Magenta Art Font


I'm going to be a little contrary, and add to this my definition of a sled. Seeing that a miter gauge is a solo slot used, and because of that solo slot ONLY, it's part of the reason a sled is more desirable for accuracy, and repeatability. Why do you ask? Any slop in that travel will decrease your accuracy, and using just the one slot increases the odds of that over using BOTH slots on your saw table top.

So my definition is it isn't really a sled, until it has two guide bars, one for each slot. So my thought is none of these are actually sleds, just fancy miter gauge platforms.

Let me know if you agree with this or not. I don't think I have ever seen a thread on the topic of sled classification. So I'm not sure what conventional thought is on that. This is just how I look at them.

Look for more parts, as I get these put together, and hopefully some better pics showing details. Please remember I am not supposed to be walking around.

Foot problems, and Diabetes are a poor mix, so I am trying to take this somewhat seriously.
I lost my l foot to diabetes. It's not something to mess with. Had Charco (sp?) foot. Started as a thick callous on the ball of my foot. Even tho I wasn't walking the podiatrist thought I was in marathons.

Neuropathy is painful. When it stops hurting the nerves are dead. It feels better because the pain is gone but its actually worse. It means you can't feel the pain signals until your foot buckles and you're doing the "I've fallen and can't get up" on 911.

Shoe Beard Musician Sneakers Artisan

Eight months at James A. Haley VA hospital during 2018

Even after the amputation the phantom pain persists. Long term amputees say the phantom pain never fully goes away.

Watch you sugars/diet and good luck!
 

Attachments

#3 ·
Double Dubby, Rockler, and Incra sleds

So many different things a "sled" can do. I'd be amazed to see the one that could do it all. I just scored big at an auction, sic estate sale I went to. Nobody there, and they had made it all outdoor, Covid proofed it, provided you wore a mask, and did the 6' thing. I ended up walking away with a Double Dubby, one of the Incra sleds that works with a miter gauge. And one of the Rockler sleds. All brand new, in the box. I was thinking about doing a comparo blog on these similar, yet somewhat different sleds types.

My current problem is no access to my shop, because I have a Toe infection from an ingrown toenail, and am not allowed to walk much, so I can only sneak to the shop when my Guard/Wife isn't watching. So this may take a while to get done. Currently I have peeked, but for no real reason the Rockler was the first one I put together.

Double Dubby I'm pretty sure will be the winner. Price is higher at $319.00, but ability to swing either way will take a lot of something to beat. Comes with everything you see, and metal guide bars for your miter slots.

https://www.in-lineindustries.com/products/dubby-the-original-table-saw-sled/

Triangle Wood Bicycle part Rectangle Font


Rockler is a version of the dubby. It only swings Left, but it has an optional side table for cut offs. A suggested extra. Rockler has sales on both these items so price is hard to peg down, but list for both pieces is $179.00 and the side table is 40 bux. Comes with all shown, and both pieces come with a metal guide bar.

https://www.rockler.com/tablesaw-crosscut-sled

Table Wood Cabinetry Automotive exterior Bumper


The Incra sled. I will say up front, I wouldn't buy this online. I would only buy this in a store where I could peg down what you got, and for how much. Their stuff can get pricey pretty quick. The actual sled, and side table is $179.00, both with a metal guide bar. You need to add both a miter gauge, and a fence on the miter gauge. It's here I feel they shot themselves in the foot. The ?connecting bar? on the sled portion is a metal like substance that isn't real robust IMO. I can see a tendency for flex here, and you are shoving it forward on a miter gauge, and a metal, or maybe wood fence attached to it? I'm not sure why they didn't just give a solid base, except then they would have had to give you a fence. I believe this is a problem. Possibly users, and lovers of this design can convert me?

Correct me if I am wrong, but all along I thought the purpose to build a sled was to have a solid fence, that was rigidly attached to the base, so the entire thing moved forward as a unit. This was to get away from a miter gauge and a wide fence. Yet here it's pretty much what you end up with. Both of the others have a fence, that is supposed to securely lock down, similar to a home made sled.

https://www.rockler.com/incra-miter-express-miter-sled?country=US&sid=V91041&promo=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=PL&tid=pla&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=(ROI)_Shopping_-_Top_Sellers&msclkid=be1e11ecd9fe15a331ec71c9474995e0

Wood Rectangle Magenta Art Font


I'm going to be a little contrary, and add to this my definition of a sled. Seeing that a miter gauge is a solo slot used, and because of that solo slot ONLY, it's part of the reason a sled is more desirable for accuracy, and repeatability. Why do you ask? Any slop in that travel will decrease your accuracy, and using just the one slot increases the odds of that over using BOTH slots on your saw table top.

So my definition is it isn't really a sled, until it has two guide bars, one for each slot. So my thought is none of these are actually sleds, just fancy miter gauge platforms.

Let me know if you agree with this or not. I don't think I have ever seen a thread on the topic of sled classification. So I'm not sure what conventional thought is on that. This is just how I look at them.

Look for more parts, as I get these put together, and hopefully some better pics showing details. Please remember I am not supposed to be walking around.

Foot problems, and Diabetes are a poor mix, so I am trying to take this somewhat seriously.
I have the "red sled" . It does come as one piece with two metal miter bars. I've cut probably 2500 wedges on it for bowls using an Incra miter gauge locked into it. Every once in a while I have to tweak it a little but basically it's just fine.
I also have 4 other Incra miter gauges with various fences for specific purposes in mind. One is for the band saw and the rest are used on the table saw.
Yep - I like Incra products
 

Attachments

#4 ·
Double Dubby, Rockler, and Incra sleds

So many different things a "sled" can do. I'd be amazed to see the one that could do it all. I just scored big at an auction, sic estate sale I went to. Nobody there, and they had made it all outdoor, Covid proofed it, provided you wore a mask, and did the 6' thing. I ended up walking away with a Double Dubby, one of the Incra sleds that works with a miter gauge. And one of the Rockler sleds. All brand new, in the box. I was thinking about doing a comparo blog on these similar, yet somewhat different sleds types.

My current problem is no access to my shop, because I have a Toe infection from an ingrown toenail, and am not allowed to walk much, so I can only sneak to the shop when my Guard/Wife isn't watching. So this may take a while to get done. Currently I have peeked, but for no real reason the Rockler was the first one I put together.

Double Dubby I'm pretty sure will be the winner. Price is higher at $319.00, but ability to swing either way will take a lot of something to beat. Comes with everything you see, and metal guide bars for your miter slots.

https://www.in-lineindustries.com/products/dubby-the-original-table-saw-sled/

Triangle Wood Bicycle part Rectangle Font


Rockler is a version of the dubby. It only swings Left, but it has an optional side table for cut offs. A suggested extra. Rockler has sales on both these items so price is hard to peg down, but list for both pieces is $179.00 and the side table is 40 bux. Comes with all shown, and both pieces come with a metal guide bar.

https://www.rockler.com/tablesaw-crosscut-sled

Table Wood Cabinetry Automotive exterior Bumper


The Incra sled. I will say up front, I wouldn't buy this online. I would only buy this in a store where I could peg down what you got, and for how much. Their stuff can get pricey pretty quick. The actual sled, and side table is $179.00, both with a metal guide bar. You need to add both a miter gauge, and a fence on the miter gauge. It's here I feel they shot themselves in the foot. The ?connecting bar? on the sled portion is a metal like substance that isn't real robust IMO. I can see a tendency for flex here, and you are shoving it forward on a miter gauge, and a metal, or maybe wood fence attached to it? I'm not sure why they didn't just give a solid base, except then they would have had to give you a fence. I believe this is a problem. Possibly users, and lovers of this design can convert me?

Correct me if I am wrong, but all along I thought the purpose to build a sled was to have a solid fence, that was rigidly attached to the base, so the entire thing moved forward as a unit. This was to get away from a miter gauge and a wide fence. Yet here it's pretty much what you end up with. Both of the others have a fence, that is supposed to securely lock down, similar to a home made sled.

https://www.rockler.com/incra-miter-express-miter-sled?country=US&sid=V91041&promo=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=PL&tid=pla&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=(ROI)_Shopping_-_Top_Sellers&msclkid=be1e11ecd9fe15a331ec71c9474995e0

Wood Rectangle Magenta Art Font


I'm going to be a little contrary, and add to this my definition of a sled. Seeing that a miter gauge is a solo slot used, and because of that solo slot ONLY, it's part of the reason a sled is more desirable for accuracy, and repeatability. Why do you ask? Any slop in that travel will decrease your accuracy, and using just the one slot increases the odds of that over using BOTH slots on your saw table top.

So my definition is it isn't really a sled, until it has two guide bars, one for each slot. So my thought is none of these are actually sleds, just fancy miter gauge platforms.

Let me know if you agree with this or not. I don't think I have ever seen a thread on the topic of sled classification. So I'm not sure what conventional thought is on that. This is just how I look at them.

Look for more parts, as I get these put together, and hopefully some better pics showing details. Please remember I am not supposed to be walking around.

Foot problems, and Diabetes are a poor mix, so I am trying to take this somewhat seriously.
Looking at the pic I grabbed for the Incra, it has a wider center piece than the one I posted. It's that center piece I find suspect. The bar from the miter gauge runs into a channel in it, and it's cheesy.

Engineering Gas Composite material Machine Titanium


Just seems if it was a solid base, it would be better.
 

Attachments

#5 ·
Double Dubby, Rockler, and Incra sleds

So many different things a "sled" can do. I'd be amazed to see the one that could do it all. I just scored big at an auction, sic estate sale I went to. Nobody there, and they had made it all outdoor, Covid proofed it, provided you wore a mask, and did the 6' thing. I ended up walking away with a Double Dubby, one of the Incra sleds that works with a miter gauge. And one of the Rockler sleds. All brand new, in the box. I was thinking about doing a comparo blog on these similar, yet somewhat different sleds types.

My current problem is no access to my shop, because I have a Toe infection from an ingrown toenail, and am not allowed to walk much, so I can only sneak to the shop when my Guard/Wife isn't watching. So this may take a while to get done. Currently I have peeked, but for no real reason the Rockler was the first one I put together.

Double Dubby I'm pretty sure will be the winner. Price is higher at $319.00, but ability to swing either way will take a lot of something to beat. Comes with everything you see, and metal guide bars for your miter slots.

https://www.in-lineindustries.com/products/dubby-the-original-table-saw-sled/

Triangle Wood Bicycle part Rectangle Font


Rockler is a version of the dubby. It only swings Left, but it has an optional side table for cut offs. A suggested extra. Rockler has sales on both these items so price is hard to peg down, but list for both pieces is $179.00 and the side table is 40 bux. Comes with all shown, and both pieces come with a metal guide bar.

https://www.rockler.com/tablesaw-crosscut-sled

Table Wood Cabinetry Automotive exterior Bumper


The Incra sled. I will say up front, I wouldn't buy this online. I would only buy this in a store where I could peg down what you got, and for how much. Their stuff can get pricey pretty quick. The actual sled, and side table is $179.00, both with a metal guide bar. You need to add both a miter gauge, and a fence on the miter gauge. It's here I feel they shot themselves in the foot. The ?connecting bar? on the sled portion is a metal like substance that isn't real robust IMO. I can see a tendency for flex here, and you are shoving it forward on a miter gauge, and a metal, or maybe wood fence attached to it? I'm not sure why they didn't just give a solid base, except then they would have had to give you a fence. I believe this is a problem. Possibly users, and lovers of this design can convert me?

Correct me if I am wrong, but all along I thought the purpose to build a sled was to have a solid fence, that was rigidly attached to the base, so the entire thing moved forward as a unit. This was to get away from a miter gauge and a wide fence. Yet here it's pretty much what you end up with. Both of the others have a fence, that is supposed to securely lock down, similar to a home made sled.

https://www.rockler.com/incra-miter-express-miter-sled?country=US&sid=V91041&promo=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=PL&tid=pla&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=(ROI)_Shopping_-_Top_Sellers&msclkid=be1e11ecd9fe15a331ec71c9474995e0

Wood Rectangle Magenta Art Font


I'm going to be a little contrary, and add to this my definition of a sled. Seeing that a miter gauge is a solo slot used, and because of that solo slot ONLY, it's part of the reason a sled is more desirable for accuracy, and repeatability. Why do you ask? Any slop in that travel will decrease your accuracy, and using just the one slot increases the odds of that over using BOTH slots on your saw table top.

So my definition is it isn't really a sled, until it has two guide bars, one for each slot. So my thought is none of these are actually sleds, just fancy miter gauge platforms.

Let me know if you agree with this or not. I don't think I have ever seen a thread on the topic of sled classification. So I'm not sure what conventional thought is on that. This is just how I look at them.

Look for more parts, as I get these put together, and hopefully some better pics showing details. Please remember I am not supposed to be walking around.

Foot problems, and Diabetes are a poor mix, so I am trying to take this somewhat seriously.
I lost my l foot to diabetes. It s not something to mess with. Had Charco (sp?) foot. Started as a thick callous on the ball of my foot. Even tho I wasn t walking the podiatrist thought I was in marathons.

Neuropathy is painful. When it stops hurting the nerves are dead. It feels better because the pain is gone but its actually worse. It means you can t feel the pain signals until your foot buckles and you re doing the "I ve fallen and can t get up" on 911.

Shoe Beard Musician Sneakers Artisan

Eight months at James A. Haley VA hospital during 2018

Even after the amputation the phantom pain persists. Long term amputees say the phantom pain never fully goes away.

Watch you sugars/diet and good luck!

- Madmark2
Thanks Mark. I was being kind of sarcastic saying I guessed it was serious. 40 years an RN, and almost as long a Diabetic. Familial curse. Yeah I know all about it.

Had been working on my feet every day for years to keep them good. One day poof, great toe looks like a firetruck, right to the ER, admitted, IV antibiotics, yada yada. Healing well, but going weekly to the wound care unit. Podiatrist, and 2 Docs all telling me to act like I'm already dead. It's just real hard to be going at will one day, and trying to be on bedrest the next. No shop time is a PIA.

My problem sounds something like yours. My toenail is all good now, but at the tip of that toe I had a hard spot pop up they are calling a Granuloma. Podiatrist wacked it off with the nail removal, it's that part causing the delayed healing issues, but it's getting smaller, and everyone is happy. Me most of all.
 

Attachments

#6 ·
Double Dubby, Rockler, and Incra sleds

So many different things a "sled" can do. I'd be amazed to see the one that could do it all. I just scored big at an auction, sic estate sale I went to. Nobody there, and they had made it all outdoor, Covid proofed it, provided you wore a mask, and did the 6' thing. I ended up walking away with a Double Dubby, one of the Incra sleds that works with a miter gauge. And one of the Rockler sleds. All brand new, in the box. I was thinking about doing a comparo blog on these similar, yet somewhat different sleds types.

My current problem is no access to my shop, because I have a Toe infection from an ingrown toenail, and am not allowed to walk much, so I can only sneak to the shop when my Guard/Wife isn't watching. So this may take a while to get done. Currently I have peeked, but for no real reason the Rockler was the first one I put together.

Double Dubby I'm pretty sure will be the winner. Price is higher at $319.00, but ability to swing either way will take a lot of something to beat. Comes with everything you see, and metal guide bars for your miter slots.

https://www.in-lineindustries.com/products/dubby-the-original-table-saw-sled/

Triangle Wood Bicycle part Rectangle Font


Rockler is a version of the dubby. It only swings Left, but it has an optional side table for cut offs. A suggested extra. Rockler has sales on both these items so price is hard to peg down, but list for both pieces is $179.00 and the side table is 40 bux. Comes with all shown, and both pieces come with a metal guide bar.

https://www.rockler.com/tablesaw-crosscut-sled

Table Wood Cabinetry Automotive exterior Bumper


The Incra sled. I will say up front, I wouldn't buy this online. I would only buy this in a store where I could peg down what you got, and for how much. Their stuff can get pricey pretty quick. The actual sled, and side table is $179.00, both with a metal guide bar. You need to add both a miter gauge, and a fence on the miter gauge. It's here I feel they shot themselves in the foot. The ?connecting bar? on the sled portion is a metal like substance that isn't real robust IMO. I can see a tendency for flex here, and you are shoving it forward on a miter gauge, and a metal, or maybe wood fence attached to it? I'm not sure why they didn't just give a solid base, except then they would have had to give you a fence. I believe this is a problem. Possibly users, and lovers of this design can convert me?

Correct me if I am wrong, but all along I thought the purpose to build a sled was to have a solid fence, that was rigidly attached to the base, so the entire thing moved forward as a unit. This was to get away from a miter gauge and a wide fence. Yet here it's pretty much what you end up with. Both of the others have a fence, that is supposed to securely lock down, similar to a home made sled.

https://www.rockler.com/incra-miter-express-miter-sled?country=US&sid=V91041&promo=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=PL&tid=pla&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=(ROI)_Shopping_-_Top_Sellers&msclkid=be1e11ecd9fe15a331ec71c9474995e0

Wood Rectangle Magenta Art Font


I'm going to be a little contrary, and add to this my definition of a sled. Seeing that a miter gauge is a solo slot used, and because of that solo slot ONLY, it's part of the reason a sled is more desirable for accuracy, and repeatability. Why do you ask? Any slop in that travel will decrease your accuracy, and using just the one slot increases the odds of that over using BOTH slots on your saw table top.

So my definition is it isn't really a sled, until it has two guide bars, one for each slot. So my thought is none of these are actually sleds, just fancy miter gauge platforms.

Let me know if you agree with this or not. I don't think I have ever seen a thread on the topic of sled classification. So I'm not sure what conventional thought is on that. This is just how I look at them.

Look for more parts, as I get these put together, and hopefully some better pics showing details. Please remember I am not supposed to be walking around.

Foot problems, and Diabetes are a poor mix, so I am trying to take this somewhat seriously.
Well as they say, when you are "older" and complain about being sore when you get out of bed, be happy. Waking up and not aching is a sure sign you're dead!

I've always given that Incra a drool over whenever they have a sale ad. Functionally it looks like a fine design, especially if you are not into making your own.

Interested to hear about it after you put on a few miles!
 

Attachments

#7 ·
Double Dubby, Rockler, and Incra sleds

So many different things a "sled" can do. I'd be amazed to see the one that could do it all. I just scored big at an auction, sic estate sale I went to. Nobody there, and they had made it all outdoor, Covid proofed it, provided you wore a mask, and did the 6' thing. I ended up walking away with a Double Dubby, one of the Incra sleds that works with a miter gauge. And one of the Rockler sleds. All brand new, in the box. I was thinking about doing a comparo blog on these similar, yet somewhat different sleds types.

My current problem is no access to my shop, because I have a Toe infection from an ingrown toenail, and am not allowed to walk much, so I can only sneak to the shop when my Guard/Wife isn't watching. So this may take a while to get done. Currently I have peeked, but for no real reason the Rockler was the first one I put together.

Double Dubby I'm pretty sure will be the winner. Price is higher at $319.00, but ability to swing either way will take a lot of something to beat. Comes with everything you see, and metal guide bars for your miter slots.

https://www.in-lineindustries.com/products/dubby-the-original-table-saw-sled/

Triangle Wood Bicycle part Rectangle Font


Rockler is a version of the dubby. It only swings Left, but it has an optional side table for cut offs. A suggested extra. Rockler has sales on both these items so price is hard to peg down, but list for both pieces is $179.00 and the side table is 40 bux. Comes with all shown, and both pieces come with a metal guide bar.

https://www.rockler.com/tablesaw-crosscut-sled

Table Wood Cabinetry Automotive exterior Bumper


The Incra sled. I will say up front, I wouldn't buy this online. I would only buy this in a store where I could peg down what you got, and for how much. Their stuff can get pricey pretty quick. The actual sled, and side table is $179.00, both with a metal guide bar. You need to add both a miter gauge, and a fence on the miter gauge. It's here I feel they shot themselves in the foot. The ?connecting bar? on the sled portion is a metal like substance that isn't real robust IMO. I can see a tendency for flex here, and you are shoving it forward on a miter gauge, and a metal, or maybe wood fence attached to it? I'm not sure why they didn't just give a solid base, except then they would have had to give you a fence. I believe this is a problem. Possibly users, and lovers of this design can convert me?

Correct me if I am wrong, but all along I thought the purpose to build a sled was to have a solid fence, that was rigidly attached to the base, so the entire thing moved forward as a unit. This was to get away from a miter gauge and a wide fence. Yet here it's pretty much what you end up with. Both of the others have a fence, that is supposed to securely lock down, similar to a home made sled.

https://www.rockler.com/incra-miter-express-miter-sled?country=US&sid=V91041&promo=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=PL&tid=pla&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=(ROI)_Shopping_-_Top_Sellers&msclkid=be1e11ecd9fe15a331ec71c9474995e0

Wood Rectangle Magenta Art Font


I'm going to be a little contrary, and add to this my definition of a sled. Seeing that a miter gauge is a solo slot used, and because of that solo slot ONLY, it's part of the reason a sled is more desirable for accuracy, and repeatability. Why do you ask? Any slop in that travel will decrease your accuracy, and using just the one slot increases the odds of that over using BOTH slots on your saw table top.

So my definition is it isn't really a sled, until it has two guide bars, one for each slot. So my thought is none of these are actually sleds, just fancy miter gauge platforms.

Let me know if you agree with this or not. I don't think I have ever seen a thread on the topic of sled classification. So I'm not sure what conventional thought is on that. This is just how I look at them.

Look for more parts, as I get these put together, and hopefully some better pics showing details. Please remember I am not supposed to be walking around.

Foot problems, and Diabetes are a poor mix, so I am trying to take this somewhat seriously.
Looking at the pic I grabbed for the Incra, it has a wider center piece than the one I posted. It s that center piece I find suspect. The bar from the miter gauge runs into a channel in it, and it s cheesy.

Engineering Gas Composite material Machine Titanium


Just seems if it was a solid base, it would be better.

- therealSteveN
Incra…...Two different products. The OP is a Miter 5000 on a full-size saw top. The one posted below it is the Miter Express on a smaller saw top with a 1000se miter gauge which is what I have and it is quite sturdy and accurate to .001". The miter gauge fence in that pic should at least be on top of the sled.
 

Attachments

#8 ·
The Rockler sled.

A while ago I started this look at 3 different premade sleds that I found myself with. The link for the beginning is found here.

https://www.lumberjocks.com/therealSteveN/blog/132161

I mentioned then I had built the Rockler sled first, and today I am putting in some detail about it. I didn't photograph the build itself, it's been done on You tube. I will say it was a very easy assembly, clear instructions, and the parts all went in without issue.

What I did was use the sled for some basic cuts, first of which was just a basic crosscut. I did several pieces. What I was using is some scrap WRCedar I had left over from a barn build. Typically it's much rougher than prepped hardwood, and always seems to finish with some fuzz. I was using a pretty new WWII for all the cuts, and even still it roughed up the edges a bit. I was just making cuts, I didn't spend any time on cleaning them up, sanding or joining the boards in any way.

Basic crosscut below, nice and square when set at 90. I did 4 cuts, all were the same, nice and tight at 90.

Calipers Ruler Office ruler Wood Tool


Next I did a crosscut, and rejoined the boards. Here I had trouble taking a pic with my cell phone. I want to point out I am not a camera person, so I need both hands on the phone to hold it still, and push the button. Consequently every pic looked like there was a gap, or a NON tight fit. This wasn't the case, it was just the rough end grain, and fuzz that would keep the 2 parts away from each other just a spec. If I held the boards so they couldn't separate, the gap was gone. Note though that the split is very even in width.

The funny thing was as I flipped one piece of the cut, and joined them, they stayed together like they were glued. I think what I had was the fuzzy grain, was now going 2 different directions, and I more or less made wooden velcro. Pics are below. One surface is painted, so it's easy to see same side, versus flipped side.

Wood Rectangle Slope Wall Tints and shades


Wood Rectangle Material property Wood stain Hardwood


After that I cut several 45's seeing as that is a steeper cut, and also one done more than most others. Rockler does not provide any type of sandpaper, or "grit" to use on the fences face to help stop pieces from creeping as you make miter cuts. It wouldn't take much to get some sanding belt material, and spray adhere it to the fence. I would suggest it for crisper cuts.

I did several cuts, but again got a lot of pics that all looked alike, pretty tight 45's. Below are a few. With these the painted sides looked tighter than the smooth unpainted sides, yet with slight hand pressure I could easily match them tightly, and any gaps were consistent. If I were using this WRC for a picture frame, I would certainly use a hand plane and a shooting board to clean up the saw cuts. I didn't want to cheat the test, so I didn't do anything to improve the cuts. So if all 3 of the sleds are the same, well not sure yet, we will see.

Brown Wood Rectangle Wood stain Tints and shades


Wood Floor Flooring Rectangle Wood stain


A pic below of the sled, and the optional cut off side table. The side table has a locking nut at the end closest to you, so that you can lock it into place. Having it move around during the cut would take your attention from the cut, so the lock is a great feature for cheap, it's already on there. You can see it in this pic.

Wood Bumper Automotive exterior Automotive design Gas


It isn't even a Rockler part, and you could easily do the same with a chunk of wood, and a c clamp. I had a few of Kreg's T Track mounted "swing stop" so I threw one on, because I think a sled needs a stop, or you loose a lot of the reason to use one. With a set stop, you can cut one, or a thousand pieces, and provided the stop is set they are going to be the same length, or very close to it. I have had good luck with Kreg's swing stop, and like them, because they stay there, just out of the way when not needed. see pics.

Stop mounted, and up out of the way.

Font Gas Electric blue Wood Flooring


Set down.

Hood Automotive design Automotive tire Automotive exterior Gas


Set behind the fence, and clear of the tabletop.

Bumper Automotive exterior Gas Trigger Machine


That's it for the Rockler sled. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the way this worked out. I have seen woodworking jigs that were not this accurate, some of them were from Rockler. Too early to say yet if it's a winner, but if a person was looking to buy a sled, and with Rockler you know they are going to have sales. This could end up being a good buy.

As I can, I'll get to the other 2 sleds. Let me know if you have a preference as to which of the other 2 you want to see next.
 

Attachments

#9 ·
The Rockler sled.

A while ago I started this look at 3 different premade sleds that I found myself with. The link for the beginning is found here.

https://www.lumberjocks.com/therealSteveN/blog/132161

I mentioned then I had built the Rockler sled first, and today I am putting in some detail about it. I didn't photograph the build itself, it's been done on You tube. I will say it was a very easy assembly, clear instructions, and the parts all went in without issue.

What I did was use the sled for some basic cuts, first of which was just a basic crosscut. I did several pieces. What I was using is some scrap WRCedar I had left over from a barn build. Typically it's much rougher than prepped hardwood, and always seems to finish with some fuzz. I was using a pretty new WWII for all the cuts, and even still it roughed up the edges a bit. I was just making cuts, I didn't spend any time on cleaning them up, sanding or joining the boards in any way.

Basic crosscut below, nice and square when set at 90. I did 4 cuts, all were the same, nice and tight at 90.

Calipers Ruler Office ruler Wood Tool


Next I did a crosscut, and rejoined the boards. Here I had trouble taking a pic with my cell phone. I want to point out I am not a camera person, so I need both hands on the phone to hold it still, and push the button. Consequently every pic looked like there was a gap, or a NON tight fit. This wasn't the case, it was just the rough end grain, and fuzz that would keep the 2 parts away from each other just a spec. If I held the boards so they couldn't separate, the gap was gone. Note though that the split is very even in width.

The funny thing was as I flipped one piece of the cut, and joined them, they stayed together like they were glued. I think what I had was the fuzzy grain, was now going 2 different directions, and I more or less made wooden velcro. Pics are below. One surface is painted, so it's easy to see same side, versus flipped side.

Wood Rectangle Slope Wall Tints and shades


Wood Rectangle Material property Wood stain Hardwood


After that I cut several 45's seeing as that is a steeper cut, and also one done more than most others. Rockler does not provide any type of sandpaper, or "grit" to use on the fences face to help stop pieces from creeping as you make miter cuts. It wouldn't take much to get some sanding belt material, and spray adhere it to the fence. I would suggest it for crisper cuts.

I did several cuts, but again got a lot of pics that all looked alike, pretty tight 45's. Below are a few. With these the painted sides looked tighter than the smooth unpainted sides, yet with slight hand pressure I could easily match them tightly, and any gaps were consistent. If I were using this WRC for a picture frame, I would certainly use a hand plane and a shooting board to clean up the saw cuts. I didn't want to cheat the test, so I didn't do anything to improve the cuts. So if all 3 of the sleds are the same, well not sure yet, we will see.

Brown Wood Rectangle Wood stain Tints and shades


Wood Floor Flooring Rectangle Wood stain


A pic below of the sled, and the optional cut off side table. The side table has a locking nut at the end closest to you, so that you can lock it into place. Having it move around during the cut would take your attention from the cut, so the lock is a great feature for cheap, it's already on there. You can see it in this pic.

Wood Bumper Automotive exterior Automotive design Gas


It isn't even a Rockler part, and you could easily do the same with a chunk of wood, and a c clamp. I had a few of Kreg's T Track mounted "swing stop" so I threw one on, because I think a sled needs a stop, or you loose a lot of the reason to use one. With a set stop, you can cut one, or a thousand pieces, and provided the stop is set they are going to be the same length, or very close to it. I have had good luck with Kreg's swing stop, and like them, because they stay there, just out of the way when not needed. see pics.

Stop mounted, and up out of the way.

Font Gas Electric blue Wood Flooring


Set down.

Hood Automotive design Automotive tire Automotive exterior Gas


Set behind the fence, and clear of the tabletop.

Bumper Automotive exterior Gas Trigger Machine


That's it for the Rockler sled. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the way this worked out. I have seen woodworking jigs that were not this accurate, some of them were from Rockler. Too early to say yet if it's a winner, but if a person was looking to buy a sled, and with Rockler you know they are going to have sales. This could end up being a good buy.

As I can, I'll get to the other 2 sleds. Let me know if you have a preference as to which of the other 2 you want to see next.
Might try to make a mitered frame with it to test it's true accuracy. Single cuts look good, but put 4 of them together and that seems like a better way to test accuracy. I've seen people cut octagonal frames to test accuracy.
 

Attachments

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top