I recently built my first crosscut sled using a piece of 3/4 inch Baltic birch that my neighbor generously gave me—he's a great guy! The sled works perfectly, but it's a bit on the heavy side. I'm considering drilling some evenly spaced 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch holes in the base to lighten it up a little, kind of like bench dog holes. Do you think this is a smart move, or is it a foolish idea?
3 Answers
I wouldn't go crazy with the drilling. While reducing weight can seem appealing, remember that some heft is good for stability and reducing vibration. If it feels too heavy, you might want to consider making the sled smaller or trimming back the corners instead of drilling holes. That way, you can keep it solid without compromising the structure too much.
Just leaving my two cents here: drilling can definitely affect the accuracy, which is crucial for a sled. If it's manageable, I think keeping it intact is best. If it's really a hassle, maybe try making it a bit shorter rather than drilling?
Honestly, if it's sliding fine and you're not struggling with it, I wouldn't worry about weight. More weight can mean better stability. And if it does feel a bit too heavy, maybe try using some paste wax on the bottom for easier sliding instead of drilling holes.
Totally agree! A bit of wax can work wonders without sacrificing the sled’s integrity.
Exactly! Also, check out tutorials on places like 3x3 Custom—they've got tips on modifying sleds for weight without impacting function.