rodger. Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 All of my shop sleds and jigs use shop made (wooden) runners. I have been looking at the incra runners for a new sled, but they are mega expensive. Do you guys use mostly wood runners, even though they are subject to humidity changes and wear faster than metal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 My sleds are on wood runners and I haven't had any issues. Nothing wrong with buying metal ones if that's what you want though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bleedinblue Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 Wood runners here and no problems. I've come to realize though that since my shop is in the basement my humidity level stays very consistent all year round. If my shop was not climate controlled I might be more tempted to go with other options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 I have previously used wood runners but run into issues due to humidity changes (MN) nothing that couldn't be solved but a pain none the less. Recently I made sleds for my new table saw I went with Azek a manufactured product used for wood decks and with about six months of use I am very happy with them. No swelling with the high humidity of summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 I've had issues with solid wood runners moving over the seasons even though I used QS material, so I've switched to BB ply. It's totally stable and because it's half end grain it's really tough and lasts a long time. That said...I just built a sled with a scrap of bubinga this week...but it's not a jig I expect to use indefinitely. I think the metal ones are probably worth the money if you're building an important and permanent sled, like your crosscut sled. But they're not necessary. I recommend BB ply. Use the drum sander to size it dead nuts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 I tried wood runners multiple times and never had great success because Illinois. I also hated the Incra ones. The blue rockler ones though - rock. I can't recommend them enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 Being able to ever so slightly adjust the fit of the metal ones can be crucial. Takes all the play out and I like mine to barely restrict the movement. Then I use Bostick "GlideCoat" spray. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted October 21, 2017 Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 Wooden runners is a wonderful application for red oak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marmotjr Posted October 21, 2017 Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 I would seriously hesitate to use metal runners in miter slots. They could wear down the slot itself, making all your sleds and jigs a little sloppy. ideally I would want to use a HDPE or UHMW plastic for runners, as it is super slippery and dimensionally stable. And glues and what not don't stick to them. A sheet of plastic is not expensive (<$20) and it would provide a large number of runners and other uses. Of course, that said, I have no problem using my metal runnered mitre gauge...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Eric. Posted October 21, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 1 hour ago, Marmotjr said: I would seriously hesitate to use metal runners in miter slots. They could wear down the slot itself, making all your sleds and jigs a little sloppy. The Incra runners have expandable UHMW washers so no metal is contacting metal. That said, I think it would take more than a lifetime to expand the size of a miter slot just with a metal runner...unless it was embedded with diamond grit. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted October 21, 2017 Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 1 hour ago, Marmotjr said: I would seriously hesitate to use metal runners in miter slots. They could wear down the slot itself, making all your sleds and jigs a little sloppy... Of course, that said, I have no problem using my metal runnered mitre gauge...... lol 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronn W Posted October 21, 2017 Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 Wood - hard maple with straight grain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Posted October 22, 2017 Report Share Posted October 22, 2017 7 hours ago, Eric. said: The Incra runners have expandable UHMW washers so no metal is contacting metal. That said, I think it would take more than a lifetime to expand the size of a miter slot just with a metal runner...unless it was embedded with diamond grit. pssh. Aren't yours? My runners cost $20k cause of the diamonds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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