Woodcutting often requires complicated cuts like dado cuts, crosscuts, and bevel cuts. These are much more dangerous to perform unlike the usual rip cuts and demand a greater level of accuracy. As the efficiency of a table saw primarily depends on its accuracy, precision, and speed, Table saws come with certain accessories and jigs to attain the highest possible level of accuracy, and Table saw sled is one of them.

A table saw sled not only assists you in comfortably performing cuts with precision but also ensures safety. The backstop of the sled provides support to your workpiece and prevents it from rocking by securely holding it in place. This allows woodcutters to make cuts that are smooth, clean, and accurate. In addition to this, the sled also acts as a barrier between your skin and the blade, keeping the fingers away from the blade. This is especially useful when performing crosscuts on small pieces of wood.

 

Best Table Saw Sleds

 

 

1. Incra Miter 5000 Table Saw Sled and Gauge

 

 

 

If you are looking for a 2-in-1 Table Saw Sled that combines the uses of a miter gauge, as well as a table, saw sled, then this is the one for you. The INCRA Miter 5000 is a combination of the highly successful INCRA 3000SE Miter Gauge with a three-panel Sled System.

The sleds are extremely well designed and offer the highest level of accuracy. In addition to this, they come with two aluminum T-tracks that securely hold the workpiece to allow you to comfortably perform precise and delicate crosscuts. The tracks have are also have an MDF layering which further helps them support the workpiece and increase their durability.

The INCRA Miter 5000 Table Saw sled can stretch up to 64 inches, making it ideal for large projects. It is especially perfect for cutting panel and drawer sides due to its exceptional cross-cutting abilities. Moreover, the tool also comes with an adjustable miter bar and ten expansion disks that reduce friction and allows smooth and accurate work.

These disks also ensure that your workpiece does not wiggle and you can safely perform cuts without injuring your fingers.  A precision angle adjustment, stop positioner, and clamping sled is also included in the sled system for greater precision, accuracy, and safety of the users. The angle lock indexing even allows you to lock your workpiece in 364 different locations, adding to the adjustability of the sled.

Another attractive feature about this INCRA 5000 combo is its convenience. It comes with an instruction manual and is extremely easy to assemble and set up. Moreover, you can remove the 3000SE Miter gauge easily from the sled system and convert this tool solely into a table saw sled for your convenience.

The only downside to this is that it’s expensive. However, if you have a large budget then this is a tool that you must have in your workshop.

 

 

2. Fulton DIY Table Saw Crosscut Sled Kit

 

 

 

Number two on our list is the Fulton DIY Table Saw Crosscut Sled Kit. This is the most budget-friendly table saw sled kit on our list and is ideal for cutting small pieces of wood. The Sled kit consists of UHMW bars made from solid extruded aluminum and allows you to build your own table saw sled using these bars. These bars are well designed and perfectly cut with each track having its own sub fence.

In addition to this, the kit also includes a knob and bolts for creating a stop block. You can smoothly slide this stop block along the length of your sled and can perform repetitive cuts without having made the measurements for the same cut again and again. This will also limit the movement of your workpiece and allow you to safely perform accurate and precise cuts.

However, what is most attractive about his make-your-own table saw sled kit is its flexibility. You can decide the size of your table saw sled yourself based on the size of your table saw. The UHMW bars are of standard size and you are only required to ensure that they will fit in well with your table saw.

In addition to this, it comes with a detailed instruction manual for assembling and setting up your table saw sled. The manual is detailed and includes diagrams for better understanding. This adds to the convenience of the table saw kit.

The only drawback is that some users, those with no prior experience, find it hard to follow the instructions. They feel they are not detailed enough. Moreover, although standard-sized UHMW bars, they do not fit well with every table saw. Nonetheless, this kit contains all the necessary ingredients to build your own perfect crosscut sled.

 

 

3. Rockler Table Saw Cross Sled

 

 

 

 

At number three we have the Rockler Table Saw Cross Sled. This sled offers the best value for the money. It is extremely simple and convenient to use. The best thing about this sled is that you do not need to assemble it. It arrives out of the box ready to use!

In addition to this, the sled has easy-to-read ½ degree graduations and a large protractor scale that allows you to perform cuts at precise angles. This greatly adds to your convenience as you no longer have to squint in order to find the right angle on the tiny scales.

The Rockler Sled is also extremely accurate. The inclusion of a hairline indicator and adjustable fences provides you with the flexibility to comfortably perform delicate cuts and reduce the risk of error. Moreover, the sled also comes with self-adhesive, low-friction tapes that ensure the sled slides smoothly across the surface of a table saw and delivers accurate and precise performance.

Another attractive feature about this sled is that it has a flexible size. If the length of the sled is longer than what you require, you can cut off the extra material to fit perfectly with your table saw.

The only drawback to the Rockler sled is that it does not fit with table saws that have tabbed miter slots. Moreover, this cross self is also not compatible with DEWALT 7491RS table saws. This requires at least 3/4” of the platform to be supported by your saw.

 

 

4. The Rockler 996182 Small Parts Table Saw Sled

 

 

 

Last but not least is another one from Rockler. The 996182 sled is the perfect crosscut sled for performing delicate cuts on small pieces of wood. This miniature table saw sled, built from aluminum and coated with an MDF layering, offers zero clearance support and thus, reduces the risk of tear-out on your cuts.

This also prevents small pieces from getting stuck between the throat plate and blade of your saw. Moreover, the sled also offers the highest level of accuracy with a miter track stop and can even successfully achieve 90-degree cutting angles.

In addition to accuracy, the Rockler 996182 sled also offers a safe cutting environment with reduced splintering. It comes with a small ramp that carries the tiny wooden scrap pieces away from the blade. This reduces the risks of these scrap pieces flying into your eyes. Furthermore, the table saw sled is also adjustable. Its size can be adjusted to fit in a wide range of small-sized pieces.

However, the sled itself is not compatible with all table saws and requires a miter slot of dimensions 10 x 19 mm (3/8” x 3/4”). This is the only drawback of the Rockler 996182 small parts table saw sled.

 

 

Buyer’s Guide

Before purchasing a table saw sled, it is crucial that you ensure that the sled is suitable for your table saw. For this purpose, there are a number of factors that must be considered before making your final choice. Below we have designed a buyer’s guide, highlighting all the factors and attributes you should look for in your table saw sled.

Accuracy

The primary reason for purchasing a table saw sled is to improve the accuracy and precision of your cuts. It is important that your sled has features that enhance the level of accuracy of your table saws. Therefore, make sure has proper angle graduation and a large readable scale that will enable you to perform angled cuts.

In addition to this, you must also ensure that the sled provides rigid support to your workpiece and prevents it from moving. Any movement during cutting affects the alignment of the workpiece and greatly compromises the precision level.

Sled Size

Another important factor to consider is the sled size and capacity. It is the size of the sled that determines the maximum length of the board it can support. Moreover, a wider sled also provides you with ample space to clamp the board in order to restrict its movement during cutting. Therefore, you must choose your sled based on the types of projects you will be working on and how large your boards will be.

Moreover, also keep in mind the size of your table saw top when deciding on the size of your sled. The sled must fit in with your table saw perfectly.

Ease of Use

The best table saw sled is the one that is most simple and easy to use. Your ease and convenience should be the top priority when choosing a sled. If you are not comfortable with the sled and have difficulty operating it, the accuracy of your cuts will be compromised. Thus, you must choose table saw sleds that have adjustable fences, enabling you to adjust according to your comfort level.

Moreover, for your convenience, the sled should also be easy to assemble and set up. Instruction manuals with each step explained in detail along with diagrams are a plus point.

Price

An essential element of every buyer’s guide is the price. The price acts as a deciding factor for many. You must look for a sled that is not only good quality but also falls within your budget. In our list, we have table saw sleds with a price range to suit every pocket.

 

FAQs

Why is a Table Saw Sled required?

As mentioned at the start of the article, a table saw sled is essential to maintain accuracy and ensure the safety of the users. The sled supports the board and securely holds it in place. This ensures the alignment of the board is not ruined and woodcutters can comfortably perform precise cuts.

Can you make your own Table Saw Sled?

Yes. It is extremely easy to build your own table saw sled. Making your own crosscut sled requires the basic tools and materials that are available in a workshop. These include wooden pieces for fences, MDF sheets, screwdrivers, and a table saw for cutting the material. A major advantage of making your own sled is that you can build customized a sled that will perfectly fit in with your table saw.

 

Conclusion

Table Saw Sleds are a must-have tool in your workshop as they can with innumerable benefits. They not only help you with your accuracy level but also ensure your safety. In the above article, we have listed down our top four Table saw sleds available in the market. Our lists include products with a price range suitable for everyone.

Our top choice is the INCRA 5000 Table Saw Sled and Gauge. Although expensive, this is a 2-in-1 piece of equipment that includes both a miter gauge and a table saw sled.  In addition to this, it is well designed to accommodate all types of cuts.

Nonetheless, we hope that, from our list, you will find the sled that is most suitable for you and your table saw!