JET Table Saw JTS-250(S) making a sled for this, help please

[Charlie Woody]

I have a JET Table Saw JTS-250(S) (quite and old model with the sliding table) and want to make a cross cut & mitre sled for it. The sled will be similar to http://www.eaglelakewoodworking.com/pos ... -Sled.aspx

If you are familiar with this saw there are two features which impact on making a sled (1) there is only one mitre slot to the right of the blade (2) The instructions for mounting the sliding table require this table to be 0.4mm higher than the main table.

I have tried to get the two tables level with each other but have failed. The sliding table just does not want to lower level with the main table .... if one end goes level then the other moves out of level!!

So I wonder has anyone else made a cross cut sled for this saw and how did they overcome this problem?

All suggestions welcomed

 

[JakeS]

Strictly speaking you only need one rail, so long as it's parallel to the blade, right?

As to the 0.4mm height difference, could you not just find some suitable material to shim the bottom of the sled with? Obviously you'll need to make sure you apply it evenly - or at least sufficiently to support the sled and remain parallel to the surface of the table. Actually, the first thing that comes to mind is that I wouldn't be surprised if UHMW tape is around that thickness, and as a bonus it'll help the sled slide better! ;-)

 

[Bluekingfisher]

Charlie, I had this saw, when I bought it it came with the fixed wing. I used this and never actually used the sliding table. I therefore had two slots (one each wing/main table) However, by building a "traditional" cross cut sled you limit yourself to the width of board you can cut.

I copied the panel cutter used by "Norm" of the NYW. It is much simpler to build and allows you scope to cut larger panels with better support.

The main difference is that the fence on the sled is at the front, therefore the table supports the panel as the fence is up near the blade when you start your cut.

How to build, it's very easy - Lower the blade beneath the table, Drill and conter sink a series of holes along your runner/guide. Drill a hole close to each end of the runner (about 30mm) then set your runner (made or purchased) in your case in the the right hand mitre slot. Make sure you pull your runner back far enough beyond the front of the saw table revealing the first of your drilled holes.

Lay your panel on the table over the runner and make sure there is an inch or so overhanging the blade too. The panel doesn't have to be dead on square at this stage but I used the front of the table to line the panel up. Then screw the runner to the panel using the first hole (at the front only). Next push the panel and runner to the back of the saw so that the first drilled hole is beyond the back of the saw. Now screw the runner to the panel at this end. You now have a basic sled. You can add screws along the runner accordingly to suit, I have five screws in mine, which helps adjust the fit in the mitre slot. I would also leave 20mm or so of the runner protrude beyond the front and rear of the panel. This is just so that you know where the track is and can locate it more easily in the track when you go to use it.

With the panel in this position, turn on the saw and gently raise the blade up through the panel and trim off flush with the blade (you will have to remove your blade guard for this operations so be careful).

The panel/sled will now be tight to your blade. Shut the saw off. You can now fit your fence. I used a 19mm strip of ply. (you don't need a tall fence 19mm is tall enough) Using a square, set your fence at right angles to the blade and screw to the panel (Remember the fence is at the front of the panel, or nearer the the back of the saw) Leave the fence a little longer than the panel and trim off by sliding it past the blade.

You now have a panel sled using just the one track.

Dead easy build, all you need to do is work out how big a sled you need. I think mine is 500 x 800mm

Good luck.

David

 

[Charlie Woody]

Hi David

Thanks for that.

I had seen this type on Norm's tv show. The reason I was attracted to the Eagle Lake one is because it will do crosscuts & mitres, plus has you can use hold downs etc so when machining small parts you can keep your fingers away from the workpiece.

So I might just go with Jake's suggestion of trying to find some 0.4mm slick tape to pack the underside of the right side of the sled.

 

[Charlie Woody]

As to the 0.4mm height difference, could you not just find some suitable material to shim the bottom of the sled with? Obviously you'll need to make sure you apply it evenly - or at least sufficiently to support the sled and remain parallel to the surface of the table. Actually, the first thing that comes to mind is that I wouldn't be surprised if UHMW tape is around that thickness, and as a bonus it'll help the sled slide better! ;-)

Hi Jake

Thanks for your suggestion.

I just Googled UHMW tape and it is very expensive ..... starting around £100. Cheapest I could find was this "Thickness 5 Mil, Width 1/2 In, Length 5 Yd," just over £23 delivered and far too thick.

Was this the sort of thing you had in mind? Do you know of a 0.4m thick tape that is approx 600mm x 800mm?

 

[marcros]

somewhere I have some ptfe self adhesive film. Somewhere else, I have a set digital calipers! If I can locate both this afternoon I will have a measure up of what I have. You may be lucky! looking online they do a 0.13mm, 0.25mm, 0.40mm, 0.50mm and I think it will be one of the latter two.

 

[JakeS]

Was this the sort of thing you had in mind? Do you know of a 0.4m thick tape that is approx 600mm x 800mm?

I wouldn't cover the entire base of the sled - just two or three strips across the width. I must admit I've not measured the UHMW tape I've got, but it's certainly in that kind of region.


For what it's worth, though, 5 mil is apparently 0.127mm - so rather than too thick, it's too thin for your purposes.


(And really, anything that's not going to stick to your table more than the wood would will suffice, of course.)

 

[marcros]

somewhere I have some ptfe self adhesive film. Somewhere else, I have a set digital calipers! If I can locate both this afternoon I will have a measure up of what I have. You may be lucky! looking online they do a 0.13mm, 0.25mm, 0.40mm, 0.50mm and I think it will be one of the latter two.

my film is .66mm unfortunately. Offer still stands if you need some though, just let me know.

 

[Charlie Woody]

somewhere I have some ptfe self adhesive film. Somewhere else, I have a set digital calipers! If I can locate both this afternoon I will have a measure up of what I have. You may be lucky! looking online they do a 0.13mm, 0.25mm, 0.40mm, 0.50mm and I think it will be one of the latter two.

my film is .66mm unfortunately. Offer still stands if you need some though, just let me know.

That's very good of you Marcros .... think I need to get a bit closer to the 0.4mm tape. Where did you look online please as so far I have n't managed to find anything?

Sorry for delay in responding being away for a week's hols in Cornwall.

 

[Charlie Woody]

Was this the sort of thing you had in mind? Do you know of a 0.4m thick tape that is approx 600mm x 800mm?

I wouldn't cover the entire base of the sled - just two or three strips across the width. I must admit I've not measured the UHMW tape I've got, but it's certainly in that kind of region.


For what it's worth, though, 5 mil is apparently 0.127mm - so rather than too thick, it's too thin for your purposes.


(And really, anything that's not going to stick to your table more than the wood would will suffice, of course.)

Jake, sorry for the delay in replying ..... just back from a week's hols in Cornwall. I am still looking for something suitable, so if you have any further suggestions I would welcome them.

 

[marcros]

somewhere I have some ptfe self adhesive film. Somewhere else, I have a set digital calipers! If I can locate both this afternoon I will have a measure up of what I have. You may be lucky! looking online they do a 0.13mm, 0.25mm, 0.40mm, 0.50mm and I think it will be one of the latter two.

my film is .66mm unfortunately. Offer still stands if you need some though, just let me know.

That's very good of you Marcros .... think I need to get a bit closer to the 0.4mm tape. Where did you look online please as so far I have n't managed to find anything?

Sorry for delay in responding being away for a week's hols in Cornwall.

I just searched ptfe film i think. This stuff was horrendously expensive, I remember them saying I could have an off cut but it was £500 a roll, so don't take half of it!

Why not take your calipers wherever you go and check any tapes you see for the next few days- for instance is normal insulating tape etc anywhere near? gaffa tape will probably be a bit thick, but there must be other household tapes to give you a thin strip or two

 

[Bluekingfisher]

If you only need to raise the bed of the sled enough to clear the sliding table why not use some strips of brass shim? It comes in various thicknesses. and consistent across its gauge. I believe it is used by model makers and engineers. I have seen it isold in sheets and rolls. I'm sure a thin smear of adhesive would hold the brass to the base of the sled. The brass is softer than the cast iron table top so won't score or damage your saw. A wipe over with some paste wax would keep it slick and prevent it from oxidising.

Just a thought