TS sled question

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Dalecamino

Dalecamino

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I made this sled based on Larrys pictures. It seems to have a little too much drag on it. But, I think it may be a number of things causing it to drag. Width of the runners,rough surface on the bed,dry surface on the oak plywood etc. What can I use to make this thing glide a little more easily? We used to use a bar of soap on the chest of drawers back in the day but,there should be something else(better ?) by now. What do you use? Thanks in advance for any help!
 

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use paste wax on the saw table. how finely have you sanded the sled? You might put formica on the bottom of the sled.
 
Some teflon tape on the bottom helps. Make sure to apply it evenly to both sides of the kerf. There's also teflon spray, and paste wax.

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I've always just applied paste wax to the bare wood of the sled and the iron table.

Does your saw have an iron table? If not I can't say how the wax would work on another material.
 
DurocShark said:
I've always just applied paste wax to the bare wood of the sled and the iron table.

Does your saw have an iron table? If not I can't say how the wax would work on another material.
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It's actually brushed but pretty smooth aluminum. Inexpensive Skil saw.:redface: I may try sanding it smoother on the bottom and try the wax on it.
 
I suspect that's where your trouble lies. IMHO aluminum isn't as slippery. So gently sanding it smoother, and LOTS of paste wax, might help.
 
Chuck,
I would add an additional "fence" to the back side of your sled to help hold things stable. Make it an inch or so more than the highest point you will raise the blade.

If your runners are dragging in the slots you will probably be able to see marks on them. Just sand those areas a little at a time until it slides freely. + Wax!
 
Assuming that the guides are not too tight ... Sand the saw's tabletop and then wipe it clean with mineral spirits. Let it dry and then wax with Johnson's paste wax or whatever you have around. Keeping the tabletop waxed and clean is something I do on a regular basis in my place and it sure does make a hugh diffeence.

Also, a bit of wax on the bottom surfaces of the sled itself. Hold on to it as it should slide really easily after all the waxing ...
 
Chuck since the runners are wood they can be subject to humidity or damp weather. You can always sand them down. Problem there is in less humid or drier weather you're going to have lots of play.
If you're willing to go to the expense Wood Craft runs a sale on the aluminium runners quite often. I bought a set when I built my new sled. They work great!
 
I slide it back and forth a few times and then check the runners for black marks, those are the high spots. I then file the marks down a bit and try it again. Repeat until smooth.
 
rherrell said:
I slide it back and forth a few times and then check the runners for black marks, those are the high spots. I then file the marks down a bit and try it again. Repeat until smooth.
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Thanks Rick,I will do that.

randyrls said:
They make a sticky back UHMW tape that slides like nobodys business. You can get it at Woodcraft that I know of and others may handle it too! Stick it to the bottom of the sled.
http://www.woodcraft.com/Catalog/Pr...=4003&ss=b38ffdb9-e093-417b-99be-0c62e4adc400
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Thanks Randy,I didn't know this was available.
 
I am pleased to report that,sanding the table and waxing it with Johnsons wax,made all the difference I needed. The sled slides nicely. Thanks again friends for contributing!:biggrin:
 
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