Making a sled more slippery

[Iwf]

Hi

I'vebuilt a home built table saw built from a Makita site saw with a 25mm ply surround into which I've cut a mitre channel for a sled.

However I'm finding the sled sticks slightly as I push it across the table. It's not the runner, as that's metal , it's more the friction between the table base and table top. I've not treated either the top or sled base yet. Given I've got both a pressed steel section ( around the blade) and the ply how might I make the whole thing more slippery .

Thanks

 

[thick_mike]

Candle wax?

 

[MattRoberts]

Most waxes will do the job well - I use briwax.

 

[Iwf]

Ah , a simple solution

Great thanks

 

[sploo]

Liberon Lubricating Wax would be my choice (the hint is in the name )

 

[skipdiver]

Always keep a candle in my workshop for such things, although i also use Briwax for some stuff. Candles are good for the soles of planes.

 

[Bodgers]

As well as wax etc, I would make sure the ply runner is sanded very smoothly as well - down to at least 240, maybe even 400. I have bamboo runners on my sled, and I found that makes a difference.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Hemsby]

Similar post

dewalt-dw745-sled-t97969.html

My solution was
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1

Still working well

 

[skipdiver]

Not seen that before Hemsby, so thanks, i'll get me some of that as it looks very useful for a number of things.

 

[Hemsby]

It is really very useful & tough. I have used it on a number of sliding jigs. Also on the base & sides of some rustic draws, even fully loaded they slide effortlessly.

 

[Iwf]

Will be getting myself some of that, pronto . Great solution

 

[rafezetter]

Another thing you might want to consider is sealing the edges of the slots with thin grade CA - superglue - poundshop stuff is fine. It wicks into the fibres of Plywood like a sponge and sets the fibres rock hard. Slide some 120, then 240 along the edges with a bit of square stock and it'll make them very smooth to the touch. Adding wax then will make it glide even better then.

 

[skipdiver]

Another thing you might want to consider is sealing the edges of the slots with thin grade CA - superglue - poundshop stuff is fine. It wicks into the fibres of Plywood like a sponge and sets the fibres rock hard. Slide some 120, then 240 along the edges with a bit of square stock and it'll make them very smooth to the touch. Adding wax then will make it glide even better then.

Another good tip, cheers.

 

[Iwf]

The UHMW tape arrived today. What a difference that made. Perfect solution.

The other suggestions wouldn't work for me, as I've a metal slot and metal runner. I will be waxing the ply on the table though.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[MattRoberts]

Glad the tape worked. For future reference, the wax works just fine on metal too

 

[sploo]

Glad the tape worked. For future reference, the wax works just fine on metal too

Indeed - the Liberon wax is what I use on the cast iron tops of my table saw and bandsaw - keeps both smooth, and fights off the rust.

 

[kelsallcustombats]

good ideas, i'll have a go with mine tomorrow.