Sorry to dig into an old topic, but first thanks
@Richard/RMW this has been an invaluable resource - over 66,000 reads!
I've likewise been working on plans for a (safer) more reliable router sled based on your tectonic wizardry
[ seen here ]This will be my 3rd and final* - no details on Sled#1 as it makes hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Sled #2 was based on
Nick Offerman's version - while it felt much safer and provided a better finish, the limitations on wide pieces and ability to make consistent, uniform passes got me planning again.
I've been pricing profiles from 8020's Garage Sale and using
https://openbuilds.com/ as a starting point for how I'd like this sled to function - conceptually a gantry system with adjustable widths and locking router plate. The idea is, rather than stretching across a width of the table back and forth (typically across grain), I'd include incremental-locking stops on the router plate with the primary motion being the length of the work piece, with the grain. Buildlog hopeful...
I've gathered the 15 series best suited for bench projects based on adaptability - the majority
OpenBuilds Store platforms are based on the 20 mm profiles, I was shocked at how much more expensive the 15 mm profile is in comparison to the larger 20??? So this is the route I'll be taking for the sled application.
8020 Garage Sale is better than wholesale I suppose, but the shipping is still brutal. I'm now looking at Grainger who distributes 8020, shipped to store in 7 days for pickup, pay just TAX! Has anyone used
Grainger as a supplier? I may be missing something but this seems like the most economical route, anyone?
@deepcreek keep me in the loop on your build