Looking for a versatile miter sled that can handle both panel cuts and angled cuts? This rotating miter sled design by Fanger Woodworking is perfect for you!
Materials & Tools
- 20” square piece of plywood (or desired size)
- 2 bolts (one fixed, one adjustable)
- Router and router bits (including a 15/32” bit)
- Chisel
- Miter bar
- Washers
- CA glue
- Sandpaper
- Water-based polyurethane for finish
- Table saw
- Beam compass
- Protractor
- Framing square
Step 1: Cut the Base
Start by cutting a 20-inch square piece of plywood to serve as the base of your sled. This size is adjustable to fit your specific table saw.
Step 2: Prepare the Fence
Next, determine where to install the bolts for the fence. Place one bolt a couple of inches from the end of the sled. You will have two bolts: one fixed and the other will slide through a slot.
Step 3: Create the Adjustable Slot
Using a beam compass, draw the curve for the adjustable bolt. Limit the rotation to 60° for safety. Use a protractor and square to mark the endpoint for the slot you will route out.
Step 4: Route the Slot
Route out the curve using a router. After this, switch to a 15/32” router bit for the bolt head recess.
Step 5: Create the Pivot Bolt Recess
Trace the bolt head and use a chisel to carve out a recess that will keep the bolt from spinning as you tighten the knob.
Step 6: Attach the Miter Bar
Attach the miter bar using washers to raise it to the correct height. Temporarily fix it with CA glue while you ensure it is square with the sled.
Step 7: Cut the Fence
Cut strips for the fence that are 19 inches long. You will create a 2-inch high and a 2.5-inch wide strip for the fence.
Step 8: Mark Bolt Locations on the Fence
Start with the pivot hole, which should be a 1/4 inch hole an inch from either edge. Then mark the location for the adjustable bolt.
Step 9: Set the Zero Degree Line
Using your table saw fence and a framing square, mark the zero-degree line on the jig. Cut out a protractor shape to help with angle measurements.
Step 10: Add Sandpaper for Grip
To improve grip, add sandpaper to the fence. This will help keep boards in place while cutting.
Step 11: Finish the Sled
Apply a water-based polyurethane finish to protect the wood and the sandpaper from wear.
Step 12: Correcting Mistakes
Be aware that you might need to adjust your protractor alignment. If the angles don’t line up correctly, you may need to sand off the protractor and draw new lines.
With these steps, you will have a fully functional, rotating miter sled for your table saw, allowing for both panel cuts and angled cuts.