I'm looking to build a flattening sled and I'm curious about the best type of wood to use. I know plywood might not be ideal for this, and I have a decent supply of cherry, ash, and walnut on hand. Any suggestions on which wood would work best for this project?
3 Answers
If you're making a planer sled, I’d advise against hardwood since it can warp. I usually go for Baltic birch plywood, MDF, or melamine because they slide well on the planer bed. I’ve also experimented by adding Formica on both sides of my plywood and MDF for better sliding, plus I use hot glue to keep the shims steady. This setup also works great for running veneer through.
Many enthusiasts recommend using Baltic birch plywood or beech for flattening sleds. Cherry tends to move a lot, and while ash can be too flexible, walnut is a softer option, which might not hold up as well. It's important to consider stability when choosing your materials.
Thank you for the insight!
I typically use MDF for the base, but I add hardwood rails on the sides for support. Using something like 3/4 x 2" poplar screwed into the sled helps keep it rigid and effective.
No, I'm actually making a router sled, but thanks for sharing!