Author Topic: Router sled for surfacing slabs (Read 15185 times)

sam-tip · « **Reply #120 on:** February 27, 2019, 03:18:57 PM »

My plan is to use a 9 inch insert planner blade on the swingblade/slabber mill. Will need to adjust the blade offset so the blade is flat. 35 hp should make quick work of the slabs. I have a garage and barn full of slabs. Then use the sanding pad to finish the wood off.

Crusarius · « **Reply #121 on:** February 27, 2019, 04:05:40 PM »

That would definitely be pretty slick. And make short work of it. It doesn't really take all that long with my setup but could definitely be faster.

aigheadish · « **Reply #122 on:** December 30, 2020, 01:09:50 PM »

Thanks for this thread! Lots of good info as I've contemplated building a router sled for a while now.

@Crusarius Your sled looks smooth as butter, well done!

@doc henderson Your version looks more my speed and budget

@tule peak timber That setup and slab are incredible!

doc henderson · « **Reply #123 on:** December 30, 2020, 01:16:07 PM »

great. I made it and used it the same day. let me know if you need more details.

aigheadish · « **Reply #124 on:** December 30, 2020, 02:17:16 PM »

I will, thanks! I've likely got a ways until I've got a slab I like enough to actually use, but maybe that's an excuse to practice on stuff I don't like that much...

Crusarius · « **Reply #125 on:** December 30, 2020, 04:10:11 PM »

Thanks for the comment. The linear bearings worked great, nice and smooth. the 8020 that I was using for the other direction not so smooth. but the good news was that only move the little bits at a time while the linear bearings ran the length. it really would not take much to automate my setup either.

I am actually planning using what I learned from this experiment to build a 5x12 or at least a monster CNC for doing everything. Ultimate goal would be to cut anything and everything from wood to steel to whatever I want in between. Plus a 4th axis for doing round stuff.

busenitzcww · « **Reply #126 on:** December 31, 2020, 08:38:40 PM »

Lots of good info in this thread! I’ve had a 20” grizzly spiral head sitting in my shop for over a year with the intentions of building a 5hp 3 phs planer carriage to on my lt15 wide similar to the MP100. I debated wether to build something bigger but I can cut 36” on my mill, sand 36” with my widebelt so figured I’d just stay the same on my planer. Got bearings, pulleys, chain, acme rod, gears, etc coming in the mail and hopefully we put it all together soon.

Crusarius · « **Reply #127 on:** December 31, 2020, 10:16:27 PM »

that will be a fun build. I have toyed with making a planer for my mill bed as well. but the cost of materials is very prohibitive.

aigheadish · « **Reply #128 on:** August 17, 2022, 12:43:01 PM »

I posted elsewhere, I think, but this looks like the home for router sleds. This is mine after reading through all you's guy's stuff. I've only used it on a chunk of Ash I turned into my mantle but it worked well. It's just melamine board on melamine rails, width of up to around 40ish" and around 6' long, if I'm not mistaken. I've got a log laying in the yard that is due to be sliced up soon, so I'd imagine this will come down off the shelf for that.

Walnut Beast · « **Reply #129 on:** August 17, 2022, 04:02:55 PM »

Very nice job 👍

trimguy · « **Reply #130 on:** August 18, 2022, 07:10:54 PM »

I need to build me one of those.

Geeg · « **Reply #131 on:** September 03, 2022, 08:48:02 PM »

I built one last year that I use on my sawmill bed, when I am not using it, it gets hoisted to the roof of the sawmill shed. Like the option of having it outside as this keeps the dust down in my shop. I offer his service and since the build it has paid for itself. It is capable of planing 5.5ft x 12ft. The whole frame comes from 80/20.

Crusarius · « **Reply #132 on:** September 03, 2022, 10:04:47 PM »

That is pretty slick. I like that.

I have since built a CNC slab flattener that is currently capable of 5'x12' surfacing.

Crusarius Home built CNC in Drying and Processing (forestryforum.com)

If I had power near my sawmill I would probably have made it attach to the sawmill. But not having power out there is challenging. Especially as the sun is going down.

Larry · « **Reply #133 on:** September 03, 2022, 10:11:09 PM »

I like it. Planning on something similar but not as big.

Which direction do you get the best cuts, length wise or across?

Geeg · « **Reply #134 on:** September 04, 2022, 09:23:11 AM »

Quote from: Larry on September 03, 2022, 10:11:09 PM

I like it. Planning on something similar but not as big.

Which direction do you get the best cuts, length wise or across?

I cut length wise, this seems to give the best results. The original sled cut up to 8ft, I just add on the extension if needed for larger slabs.

Daburner87 · « **Reply #135 on:** September 23, 2022, 09:08:42 PM »

I envy some of your guys tools. Anyway, I saw a router sled build on youtube for under $25. I'll probably give it a try.

Crusarius · « **Reply #136 on:** September 23, 2022, 11:31:56 PM »

My router sled worked very well. especially since it was all from the scrap bin

But I like the CNC approach now

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Author Topic: Router sled for surfacing slabs (Read 15185 times)

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