logos Posted July 19, 2016 Report Share Posted July 19, 2016 So I've been a big proponent of making your own sleds. At one time I had 5 cross cut sleds. I'm sure others have more I had some "honey do" mirrors and frames to make this month. A couple of the frames were a bit to big for my miter sled. Was about to make a monster sized sled when I saw the rockler incra 5000 sled sale price. Had a birthday gift card that I've been saving so I figured I'd give it a try. I also have a good buddy who kept telling me his miters were dead on with it I was skeptical! It took almost as long to set up and dial in as to make a new picture frame sled but once set up it is pretty dead on. After making 4 frames from 8 to 40 inches I can recommend this sled! Was going to do a bit more of a review with pictures but I'm tired. Anyway, incra made a great product and I recommend it for anyone considering this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted July 19, 2016 Report Share Posted July 19, 2016 I have that same sled. It's incredibly accurate if you dial it in and set it up properly the first time. I made a segmented bowl with it, and the glue joints were exceptional. Another recommendation for the Incra Miter 5000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Posted July 20, 2016 Report Share Posted July 20, 2016 I was in the camp of buying this for a while, but I'm concerned about the fact there isn't any backing at the cut. Do you guys just slap some mdf or something on there, does that make it more difficult to use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
logos Posted July 20, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2016 I did not add a backer. Did not have zero clearance, but did not get tear out. However I'm sure my sharp blade and 3hp saw helped. It would be easy enough to add a mdf or plywood back which I will prob do in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted July 21, 2016 Report Share Posted July 21, 2016 I never added backing to it. I have the off cut sled on one side for zero clearance, and I use an 80 tooth Freud Ultimate Cutoff blade which leaves an incredibly clean cut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted July 21, 2016 Report Share Posted July 21, 2016 A lot of the time you can get away with not backing up cherry, maple, walnut when crosscutting with a nice sharp crosscut blade...but try that with wenge and you'll be sorry, I promise. I almost always slap a plywood or MDF backer on my Incra with some double-stick tape and toss it when it's chewed up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Posted July 22, 2016 Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 Maybe I need to sharpen my combo blade. Or use a dedicated crosscut.. I get pretty crappy tearout with my kreg miter bar system Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-MattK- Posted July 22, 2016 Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 11 hours ago, Cliff said: Maybe I need to sharpen my combo blade. Or use a dedicated crosscut.. I get pretty crappy tearout with my kreg miter bar system Cliff, have you cleaned your blade? I've cut a lot of pine, cedar, and plywood for outdoor projects lately and I noticed my tablesaw and tracksaw blades getting really gummed up with funk. They cut a lot better once cleaned. I've used the Boeshield Blade & Bit cleaner in the past - it works well: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N9YLWK/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687522&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000GPF4NC&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=FEEQJHVWB8GRNA6Y7FA4 More recently I got a blade and bit cleaning kit from Rocker - it comes with a round plastic tub you can soak the blade in... I didn't have anything big enough to do that, and using the sink was a bit wasteful (needed a LOT of cleaner to get the blade covered), and I was always worried I'd either hurt my blade's cutting edge or scratch the sink. It also comes with a smaller tub for router bits. The cleaning solvent doesn't seem all that special, I'll probably go back to the B&B cleaner once this is used up, but it does work. The kit also has a wire brush. I generally don't go crazy for Rockler's gimmick-y products, but I'm pretty happy with this one for $28. http://www.rockler.com/router-bit-and-saw-blade-cleaning-kit?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=pla&utm_campaign=PL&sid=V9146&gclid=COqc_6uJh84CFcZbhgodTnkCkA 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattbu Posted July 22, 2016 Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 I have been thinking about buying the Incra 1000HD since it's also on sale at Rockler. I have also been wanting to build a good crosscut sled similar to Nick Ferry and William Ng's designs. Would I be better off just going ahead and spending the extra to get the Incra 5000? It seems like the price difference between the 5000 and 1000 would be pretty similar to what I'd have to spend in hardware to build either of those sleds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted July 22, 2016 Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 3 hours ago, -MattK- said: The cleaning solvent doesn't seem all that special, I'll probably go back to the B&B cleaner once this is used up, but it does work. The kit also has a wire brush. I generally don't go crazy for Rockler's gimmick-y products, but I'm pretty happy with this one for $28. http://www.rockler.com/router-bit-and-saw-blade-cleaning-kit?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=pla&utm_campaign=PL&sid=V9146&gclid=COqc_6uJh84CFcZbhgodTnkCkA I have that kit too and it's very convenient. I agree that the solvent isn't the greatest but that's because it's not as caustic as some of the others. It's that kind of citrus smelling stuff. Just leave your blades and bits in the bath a bit longer and it all comes off. The more cost effective way would be to find an appropriate sized Tupperware container at Big Lots, and use your own solvent. Matt is right...try cleaning your blade. I find more often than not when I get a dull blade that it just needs a cleaning and not a sharpening. If you clean it and it's still cutting like crap, then you know what to do. And honestly, I wouldn't judge if a blade is dull by whether or not you get tearout crosscutting a board without a backer. If you DON'T get tearout doing that, just consider yourself lucky. Best practice is to back up every single cut, always. I'm guilty of gambling from time to time too, but when you lose the gamble you've got no one but yourself to blame. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted July 22, 2016 Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 Fantastic cleaner works very well, but is a little hard on the skin. Simple green works almost as well & is a lot gentler. Cheap too if buy i by the 4L jug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
logos Posted July 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 I have been thinking about buying the Incra 1000HD since it's also on sale at Rockler. I have also been wanting to build a good crosscut sled similar to Nick Ferry and William Ng's designs. Would I be better off just going ahead and spending the extra to get the Incra 5000? It seems like the price difference between the 5000 and 1000 would be pretty similar to what I'd have to spend in hardware to build either of those sleds. I would prefer a cross cut sled if I was only doing 90 degree cuts. I was also satisfied with my shop made picture frame sled but I had a size limitation. My main reason for buying the incra sled was being able to do really large pieces at perfect 45 degree cuts, being able to easily set up for odd angles, easy repeatability with a incra stop, being able to free up some wall space by replacing my 3 main sleds, and sale price of sled I had a bit of tear out with some fir yesterday but some tape fixed that problem Made this 41 inch frame 3 days ago. Didn't need to sand with glue at the miters as the joints were dead on. Also could easily use dowels for the joints due to the accuracy. I always have probs adjusting dowel miter joints if the joints arent accuarate 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted July 22, 2016 Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 I clean my blades with orange cleaner and water, and I soak them in the cleaner and hot water in a 14" planter saucer. I use a stiff bristle nylon brush after 10-15 minutes of soaking. Blades come out nice and clean. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Posted July 22, 2016 Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 8 hours ago, -MattK- said: Cliff, have you cleaned your blade? I've cut a lot of pine, cedar, and plywood for outdoor projects lately and I noticed my tablesaw and tracksaw blades getting really gummed up with funk. They cut a lot better once cleaned. I've used the Boeshield Blade & Bit cleaner in the past - it works well: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N9YLWK/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687522&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000GPF4NC&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=FEEQJHVWB8GRNA6Y7FA4 More recently I got a blade and bit cleaning kit from Rocker - it comes with a round plastic tub you can soak the blade in... I didn't have anything big enough to do that, and using the sink was a bit wasteful (needed a LOT of cleaner to get the blade covered), and I was always worried I'd either hurt my blade's cutting edge or scratch the sink. It also comes with a smaller tub for router bits. The cleaning solvent doesn't seem all that special, I'll probably go back to the B&B cleaner once this is used up, but it does work. The kit also has a wire brush. I generally don't go crazy for Rockler's gimmick-y products, but I'm pretty happy with this one for $28. http://www.rockler.com/router-bit-and-saw-blade-cleaning-kit?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=pla&utm_campaign=PL&sid=V9146&gclid=COqc_6uJh84CFcZbhgodTnkCkA I like the looks of that kit. Think I'll pick it up. Thanks for the tip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
logos Posted July 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 I use the rockler kit as well. Has anyone ever used the dishwasher with a gentle soap? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted July 22, 2016 Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 I use the rockler kit as well. Has anyone ever used the dishwasher with a gentle soap? Not actually using the dishwasher, I just soak mine in hot water with a few drops of Dawn. Then the gunk wipes right off. Rags tend to snag on the teeth, so I use a nylon brush, but no hard scrubbing is needed. I bet the dishwasher will work, just don't let the wife catch you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
logos Posted July 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 Ha! I'm already planning to do it while she's at work. If it goes well I'm going to load the washer up with blades, router and drill bits Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted July 23, 2016 Report Share Posted July 23, 2016 7 hours ago, logos said: Ha! I'm already planning to do it while she's at work. If it goes well I'm going to load the washer up with blades, router and drill bits Just remember to take the bearings off the router bits first Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted July 24, 2016 Report Share Posted July 24, 2016 I wouldn't put a table saw blade in the dishwasher. The dry cycle can get rather hot without releasing the heat and can possibly cause the blade to go out of wack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted July 24, 2016 Report Share Posted July 24, 2016 Or use the air dry (no heat) option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JosephThomas Posted July 24, 2016 Report Share Posted July 24, 2016 You guys wouldn't be worried about rust? Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted July 24, 2016 Report Share Posted July 24, 2016 I think in a dishwasher they would dry fast enough the it wouldn't rust. especially if you take them out as soon as the was cycle ends & wipe them off. I've never used the dishwasher, but blades have never rusted when I cleaned them in the laundry sink. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted July 24, 2016 Report Share Posted July 24, 2016 I don't think I would use the dishwasher as I would feel the wrath of my wife's displeasure. I remember when I was into fresh water fishing as a youngster storing maggot pupae (casters) livebait in a container in the fridge and feeling the lash of my mothers tongue when she found out. I didn't do that again! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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