I'm thinking about building another planer sled and weighing my options. Should I go with a simple melamine plywood or MDF board—maybe adding some reinforcement with C-channel to stop sagging—or should I try making a more adjustable sled like the one in this video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_OOilqywV10? For those who have experience with fancy sleds, do you think the extra time and cost are justified? Does it really speed up setup, or is hot glue and some splints a better route?
3 Answers
I've always just used a basic plywood sled and some wedges from the local hardware store for adjustments. Works great for me, and I really don't miss the adjustable versions. Why complicate things if you don’t have to? Stick with what’s functional and get back to your actual projects instead!
True that! Sometimes simpler setups can lead to faster work and less hassle.
Honestly, I view fancy sleds as a solution to a problem that may not exist for many DIYers. If your wood's twisted, just grab some shims and use two-sided tape or hot glue. It's a cheap and quick fix that usually works better than over-engineered setups. Keep it simple!
It really depends on your needs. If you're just working with narrow boards, a simple setup with a jointer and an auxiliary bed could do the trick. But if you're tackling wider slabs, then yes, a sled is definitely the way to go. The hot glue method is really effective too; it helps secure your workpiece without making everything heavy and clunky. Taking the time to do it right can pay off with accurate results!
Couldn’t agree more! It's easy to get sidetracked by all the fancy builds online. Focus on what serves your needs in the workshop and you'll save both time and resources.