I have a few slabs that are ready for milling, this will be my first time doing this. Lee Valley sells the parts for the router cradle and rollers for it to glide on EMT. Anyone have this or something like it? It’s much cheaper than some of the other jigs I’ve seen. Is there another method you use that also works well? Thanks for your comments.
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Replies
Have never done it but remembered seeing this years ago.
https://www.finewoodworking.com/2005/10/25/milling-large-surfaces
“[Deleted]”
Made from 2X material.
Rob's comment is for sure the way to go if you don't want to spend much money. That'll cost about 15 bucks and be a chore to use.
However, if you're going to be working with slabs somewhat often and already have a few, I'd just bite the bullet and buy a nice one. It really is worth it in time savings, and enjoyability.
I like my Crafted Elements sled. It comes in any size you want, from small to extra large.
To save money, you can source the parts for these yourself and save quite a bit of money in exchange for time if that makes sense for you. Linear bearings, extruded aluminum, fittings, and rails are all available part by part and are not hard to source.
I spent 10 seconds searching and found Vevor has what looks like the same bearings and rails my sled has for next to nothing. That's half the sled right there.... after seeing this, I think I might just make a couple of smaller ones myself now.
https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Bearing-Bearings-Electronic-Equipment/dp/B0C1SCPP3L?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1
Crafted Elements sled is on sale with BFCM. Not a bad time to buy a router sled.