This miter sled project was created by Jeff from Today’s Craftsmen, and it’s a great addition to any workshop. Whether you’re cutting small moldings or framing panels, this sled is easy to make and incredibly useful. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create your own miter sled.
Materials and Tools Needed
- MDF board for the base
- Walnut (or any hardwood) for the runners
- Wood glue
- CA glue (for temporary hold)
- Wood screws (3/4 inch)
- Digital calipers
- Table saw
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Counter sink bit
- Washers (for shimming)
- Triangle for marking angles
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by cutting a piece of MDF to serve as the base of your miter sled. It doesn’t have to be perfectly square, but the squarer it is, the better. Use a panel saw or table saw for this task.
Step 2: Create the Center Line
Next, mark a center line on the base. For example, if your base is 16 1/4 inches wide, mark the center at 8 1/8 inches. Use a marking tool like the Silver Woodpecker Strike-a-Line to ensure accuracy.
Step 3: Cut the Triangle
Now, cut a triangle that will be attached to the base. Start with a square piece, ensuring all corners are at 90 degrees. Cut one corner off at a 45-degree angle. The exact dimensions aren’t crucial, but the right angles are essential.
Step 4: Attach the Triangle
Use wood glue and screws to attach the triangle to the base, aligning the point of the triangle with the center line. Be careful not to place screws in the center line area to avoid cutting through them later.
Step 5: Prepare the Runners
For the runners, you can use hardwood like walnut or high-density polyethylene for a smoother slide. Measure the width of your miter slots using digital calipers, and cut the runners to fit. It’s important that the grain runs perpendicular to the length of the runners to prevent slop.
Step 6: Attach the Runners
Place the runners on the sled with some washers to shim them up temporarily. This ensures they’re at the right height. Apply CA glue to hold them in place before you drill and screw them down for a permanent attachment.
Step 7: Final Assembly
Once the glue has set, flip the sled over and mark a rough center line. Drill and counter sink screws into the runners to secure them fully. Your sled should now run smoothly without any side-to-side movement.
Step 8: Test the Sled
Raise the blade of your table saw and make a test cut to ensure everything is square. If your angles are correct, you’ll have a perfectly mitered joint.
Step 9: Enjoy Your New Tool!
Now that your miter sled is complete, you can use it for various projects, including cutting small moldings and frames. This simple jig can be a game-changer in your woodworking workflow.