Basic Crosscut Sled

Build a simple cross cut sled for your table saw.

Cut 1/2" MDF to the length and width of your preference.

Rip miter bars to the exact width and height of the miter slots.

Place the miter bars in the miter slots and align the MDF over the top. Spot glue in place, flip the unit over and fasten with screws.

Rip plywood the length of the MDF and to a desired width. I cut 6 pieces.

Glue and clamp 3 pieces flat to create each fence.

Slide the sled back and forth in the miter slots. The unit should be tight, but slide smoothly. Use a card scraper or sand paper to remove small amounts of wood from the miter bars until a desired fit is achieved. Then wax the bars.

Place the front fence flush with the front of the sled and fasten on one side. Use a carpenter square to align the blade at 90 degrees to the fence face. Fasten the other side.

Finish fastening the front fence and attach the back fence as well. The back fence does not have to be perfectly aligned.

Place the sled on the saw top with the blade in its lowest position. Turn on the motor and slowly raise the blade through the sled. Cut through the sled and fence.