Replies

1. 
   GeorgeC | Oct 13, 2005 03:15am | #1

   I'd say it is no different than running a dado in plywood except for the weight (MDF is heavier) and the dust.

2. 
   wendy | Oct 13, 2005 03:17am | #2

   hi again,

   forgot to ask... Is it ok to use pressboard for the base of the cross cut sled. Would MDF be better? I've heard it doesn't take screws all that well. I would prefer to build it out of plywood but I don't have any scraps hanging round.

   Should I cut the hardwood runners a little less than the depth of the miter slot dimentions? I know they have to fit fairly snugly but at the same time they must slide freely in the miter slots with no slack. just the depth I'm not sure of.

   Wendy

1. 
   ring | Oct 13, 2005 10:27am | #3

   Wendy, you won't have any problem cutting the dado in MDF.  Aside from avoiding the dust it is quite easy to machine.  Actually there are fastening systems that are quite good for MDF, specialized screws etc, but for a little project you probably don't want to get involved that deeply.  (check out McFeely's if you do).  The biggest potential problem I see is that the dados are going to wear more quickly than if you were using plywood.  Your hardwood runners will wear out the MDF in no time if the tolerances are tight.  If you're really stuck using the MDF, maybe make a hardwood track to inlay which will take the wear instead of the MDF.

   DR

2. 
   UnclePaul | Oct 14, 2005 03:14am | #5

   Wendy,

      I make the runners so they don't touch the bottom of the miter slot.

   - Paul

3. 
   wendy | Oct 14, 2005 03:34am | #6

   Hi,

    

   Thanks guys, Pretty sure my miter slots are 3/4 inch wide X 1/2 inch deep. So I'll go ahead and cut the runners to a depth of 3/8.. so they don't touch off the bottom like you suggested.

   Now all I have to do is plane and rip the piece of 1/2 inch maple I have for the runners.  Probably should have bought the Delta 12 "  planer before going out and purchasing a  router table. 

    

   Wendy

3. 
   gj13 | Oct 13, 2005 11:01pm | #4

   It cuts like buttah!