Axminster sledge help

[CraigyBoy]

Morning,

I was having problems getting good quality cross cuts on my router table so I bought the following sledge from Axminster:

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Axmi ... 580304.htm

I was expecting it to have some attachment that goes in my mitre slot, but it doesn't have anything. The base is totally flat and there are no fixings to attach anything to it. I could cut a strip of wood and screw it on, but it seems a bit amateurish.

I'm probably missing something blindingly obvious, but it didn't come with any instructions at all. Any advice as to what to do?

Cheers Craig

 

[OPJ]

I think it's designed to run against your fence, which you set to give you the depth or width of cut. This eliminates the risk of 'binding' where the fence may otherwise not be parallel to the slot.

 

[9fingers]

Having seen the demonstration at Ye Olde Kentish Bashe yesterday

I don't really see any need for a track in the direction of normal cutting.

I'm seriously considering not fitting one when I build my table.

Bob

 

[WellsWood]

Yes this exact subject was covered by Colin Searle yesterday. The point being that by running against a fence rather than in a slot, the process is greatly simplified. The fence doesn't have to be set parallel to the slot and can be used just to dictate cut distance from the edge of the work.

 

[wizer]

This is a good example of what we was saying to Steve M yesterday. That jig could be made quite simply by any woodworker. But I wonder how many Axi have sold? Lots I'd bet.

 

[flounder]

If you click the 'enlarge image' button it shows a couple of photos of it in operation!

 

[Karl]

Interesting - they don't show what you're supposed to do once the plastic blocks have been cut away by a particular profile :?

As said, much better to make your own with replaceable sacrificial blocks.

Cheers

Karl

 

[OPJ]

I don't really see any need for a track in the direction of normal cutting.

I'm seriously considering not fitting one when I build my table.

There's only one exception I can think of and that's for finger jointing.

 

[9fingers]

I don't really see any need for a track in the direction of normal cutting.

I'm seriously considering not fitting one when I build my table.

There's only one exception I can think of and that's for finger jointing.

Ah! but I would use a dado blade and TS jig for that!

running & ducking (from flying dado chippers)


Bob :lol:

 

[CraigyBoy]

Thanks for the comments guys.

If the work piece is fixed in the sledge, and the sledge runs in the mitre guage track, then why do I need a fence? Surely you only need one or the other. Plus, I don't want to cut bits of it away every time I use it. This wasn't intended to be a disposable item!

I did look at the enlarged pictures, but if I showed you a picture of me in a plane cockpit, it wouldn't mean you'd suddenly know how to fly a plane!

Assuming I want to run it in my track, does anybody know where I can buy strips from of the right size?

Cheers Craig

 

[Krysstel]

I bought the mentioned Axi sled last year - a very expensive impulse buy :shock:
I wouldn't recommend it. The base plate is so flimsy that it bends upwards when you lock down the toggle clamp even with the minumum of pressure required to hold the piece being worked.
Second time I used it I took an ugly lump out of the perspex base plate with the cutter. Probably my fault but still....................
I'll soon be making a better version in MDF and robbing the Axi one for parts - handle, clamp, plastic blocks etc.
My advise to anyone who needs such a sled is to make your own.

Mark

 

[Jamesc]

Hi Craig,

If you follow the link in your first post and then click on the video it shows it in action. As you say it may well not meet your needs but against a fence is how it's meant to operate.

Regards


James

 

[CraigyBoy]

Yes I did see the video, but I didn't think this would be the only way to use the sledge.

Shame. I thought this was going to be a good buy, but having to cut into it every time seems plain stupid to me.

I'll have a play. It will be running in my mitre slot soon!

Cheers Craig