Any woodworkers?

i think i'd prefer the "standard" 2 miter slots, but i also would not call it a deal-breaker depending on cost and what you're looking to spend. depending on the type of miter slot, i've got these and they are pretty nice --

$15 POWERTEC Crosscut Sled Miter Bar for Table Saw Sled, 3/4" x 3/8" x 18" with Predrilled Holes & Screws for Router Table, Bandsaw, Taper Jig, Table Saw Accessories for Woodworking, 1PK (71518)

POWERTEC Crosscut Sled Miter Bar for Table Saw Sled, 3/4" x 3/8" x 18" with Predrilled Holes & Screws for Router Table, Bandsaw, Taper Jig, Table Saw Accessories for Woodworking, 1PK (71518) - Amazon.com

 

I was shocked lately to see the prices of table saws. I think the Grizzly that I use is almost twice as much as I paid about 8 years ago.

I have never really thought about the miter slots. My saw has two. I typically only use one sled and that is a Rockler Cross Cut sled that only uses the left slot. The right side, does not move, is optional and not really necessary. This sled uses metal runners.

My old homemade sled that I scraped a couple of years ago used hardwood runners that I cut out.



I do however use a regular miter gauge with an mdf fence in the right slot.

I almost forgot since I do not use it very often, my tapering jig uses the right slot. I also have a cove cutting jig, that I have never actually used, that uses both slots.

I guess that all of this is to say, one is fine, but two would be more versatile.

I am currently on vacation in South Lake Tahoe and won’t be using my saw for a few more days.

 

Interesting. I was reading about the miter jigs supplied with the saws being flimsy (reviews, at least). I guess if the slots are "standard size" (some say Craftsman does not use standard-width slots) Rockler who has a store intown can provide something more stable.

 

All of the stuff that came with my Dewalt I wouldn't even qualify as entry or beginner level stuff. It was flimsy and wouldn't stay locked in position when I tried to set an angle for a miter cut. I also think it is a little small to try and run any kind of a jig on without building it into a larger table. Just my opinion, which with a couple of dollars, will get me a cup of coffee somewhere...

 

All experience and opinions welcome. Years ago I always acted, then considered the outcome. Now, though I do have more money than time, I want to use my resources wisely.

 

i'm thinking older craftsmans may have had a t-slot, but i could be wrong. but, alot of the miter bars can "typically" make up for a decent amount of slop, if the bar fits decently. and yep, alot of the saws don't come with the best of hardware, sadly.

 

You square the blade to the miter slot. That’s why I asked. The blade is squared to the miter slot, then do you “need” two runners?

As to the material

$20 Fulton Woodworking Tools 17” NoPlay Aluminum Miter Bar With Expandable Glides | Standard 3/4” x 3/8” Miter Slot Table Saw Runner | Crosscut Sled | Miter Bar For Table Saw, Router Table, Band Saw

this is also an option. Some guys like use plywood but you answered the questions as to future wear. This is aluminum to aluminum and has adjustments to take out slop on the miter slot your blade is squared to.

 

Good point. Though I have no experience with, it seems sleds are better used for larger pieces and larger table saws due to size of material handled.

The miter-slot runners make much sense ... takes out the slop and I probably should have more-professional grade "squaring tools" for even my hand tools like circular saw and jigsaw (though jigsaws are inherently iffy because the blade has no support against bending).

Gawd ... the wasted product from stupid blunders ...