Add This to Your Crosscut Sled. Thank Me Later.

The video “Add This to Your Crosscut Sled. Thank Me Later.” is by Inspire Woodcraft. In this video, Inspire Woodcraft shares a clever solution to a common issue faced by woodworkers: the problem of sawdust spray while using a small part sled.

Identifying the Problem

As Inspire Woodcraft begins, they reflect on a persistent problem that many woodworkers encounter: the copious amounts of sawdust that sprays back during cuts. Despite knowing about this issue for a while, it took some contemplation to find a viable solution. Inspire points out that while some might suggest the absence of blade protection as the main problem, the design of the sled inherently minimizes the risk of fingers coming too close to the blade.

Sawdust spraying back during cuts

The Solution

Inspire Woodcraft proposes a simple yet effective solution: attaching a solid block of wood to the rear of the sled. This block should be sized to the maximum height of the saw blade and deep enough to fully capture the blade at its highest point. By doing this, much of the sawdust will be routed back down into the throw plate and efficiently sucked away by the dust collection system.

Solid block of wood attached to sled

Benefits of the Upgrade

This upgrade not only tackles the issue of sawdust but also enhances safety by providing a barrier behind the blade. Inspire emphasizes that while this solution may not capture 100% of the debris, it is a cost-effective improvement worth considering for anyone looking to enhance their crosscut sled.

Conclusion

Inspire Woodcraft wraps up by highlighting that this quick and easy upgrade addresses both safety and sawdust concerns, making it a win-win for woodworkers. They encourage others to give this simple fix a try, either for a new sled build or to revamp an existing one.

Video

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