1) Every log sled relied on the miter slot to make straight cuts. This puts the weight of the log out near the end of the table on an already top heavy band saw. When using my log stabilizer / log sled / log jig, I make my first cut, then flip the log, so the flat side rests on the table.
Today I’m going to show you how I built this cross cut sled for my band saw. After cutting all the plywood pieces to size, I’ll machine this part that will slide along this U-shaped slot in the band saw table. I’ve left a gap in the base of the band saw so that I can always keep the sled accessible.
Bandsaw sled for milling small logs At a wood show, I saw somebody selling a neat metal jig for cutting lumber off small logs on the bandsaw. The picture at left shows the sled having just been used to cut the side off a piece of crabapple lumber that I cut off one of the trees in my yard when I pruned it. So after cutting one side off, rotate the log 90 degrees, make another cut, and then make the rest of the cuts with a regular fence.
how to make a bandsaw sled Related Question:
What is the best wood to use for a table saw sled?
1/2 ” MDF is an excellent and recommended choice for the sled. Base the size of your sled on the size of your table saw and your woodworking requirements but not so large that it is difficult to control.
Is MDF good for a crosscut sled?
I have had a cross cut sled I made out of MDF jesus….. must be going on eight years now and the thing still cuts a true 90% and still gives me the satisfaction that it did the day I made it. I glued and screwed an oak runner for the tablesaw groove and the runner has never budged.