This video comes from Jodee at Inspire Woodcraft. It’s a clever sled design for the table saw that makes straight-line ripping and repeatable tapering safer, faster, and more precise—especially when working with rough or oversized stock.
While most sleds can handle small trim work, this design is meant for bigger jobs. It’s built to accommodate thicker, wider boards while offering full adjustability thanks to a pair of pivoting fences and a secure clamping system.
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Why a New Sled Was Needed
Jodee’s old tapering sled worked well for three-quarter inch stock but wasn’t up to the task when it came to rougher lumber or larger panels. This new version solves that problem with a wider platform and more flexible setup.
The addition of dual adjustable fences lets the user fine-tune angles for consistent tapers or clean up edges on rough boards. This setup is especially useful when milling reclaimed wood or prepping boards that aren’t jointed yet.
Material and Clamping Choices
The sled base is built from melamine shelving, chosen for its smooth surface and stiffness. While not as durable as high-end plywood, it’s affordable and flat—perfect for this type of jig.
To hold the workpieces in place, Jodee uses Microjig Matchfit dovetail clamps. These work in custom dovetail grooves routed into the sled’s surface. The clamps are strong, adjustable, and stay out of the saw blade’s path, which improves safety and usability.
Cutting the Dovetail Grooves
The first part of the build involves routing the dovetail grooves for the clamps. Jodee lays out center lines, then drills plunge holes at each end of the groove path to prevent over-travel with the bit.
Running a cleanup pass in reverse with the router helps clean up the fibers and produce a crisper groove. This extra step improves the sled’s finish and ensures the clamps move smoothly in the track.
Building and Adjusting the Fences
The sled’s two pivoting fences are made from half-inch plywood. These are mounted into slots that let them swing freely to almost any angle. Once a position is set, they’re tightened down with star knobs.
Paste wax is applied inside the dovetail tracks to reduce friction, making adjustment easier and extending the life of the sled. These small touches go a long way toward improving everyday use.
Because the fences pivot independently, users can create matched tapers on both sides of a board or run angled cuts without complex jigs. It’s a huge time saver, especially during repetitive cuts.
Testing the Sled in Action
To put the sled to the test, Jodee uses it on a wide panel glue-up. The adjustable fences and Microjig clamps handle the size easily, keeping the board locked in place and guiding it smoothly through the cut.
An auxiliary fence is also mounted to the saw, which adds stability for longer workpieces. Combined with the sled, this setup makes straight-line rips on oversized stock far more manageable and precise.
Batch Cuts and Repeatability
One of the most powerful features of this sled is its ability to handle batch processing. Once the clamps and fence are dialed in for a particular angle, they hold that setting while you swap out new pieces.
This is especially helpful for repeatable taper cuts or matching furniture legs. The ability to maintain consistency across multiple workpieces can save hours during production runs or detailed builds.
Material Considerations
Using melamine or particle board for the base may raise concerns about long-term durability. However, Jodee points out that it’s inexpensive and good for experimentation. If it wears out or warps, it can be rebuilt without much cost.
Skipping the miter bar or fixed runner also adds flexibility. This lets the sled rest against the rip fence instead of riding in a single miter slot, which expands the size of materials it can support.
Safety and Versatility
Routing in the plunge holes for the clamps is a smart safety measure—it keeps the clamps from sliding too close to the blade. Combined with the consistent grip of the Matchfit clamps, this design emphasizes control and peace of mind during use.
Jodee’s version of the sled doesn’t require fancy hardware or plans. With a bit of care and some common shop materials, it’s easy to replicate the concept and adjust it to your own needs.
A Great Add-On for Any Shop
Whether you’re milling rough stock, cleaning up live edge slabs, or just looking for more accurate tapers, this sled can handle it. Its simple layout and adjustable features make it a valuable upgrade for nearly any woodworking setup.
Jodee’s tip is a great reminder that sometimes the most useful jigs don’t come from a store—they’re the ones you build to fit your workflow.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.