How to Flatten Wood with Linear Rail Router Sled 

Thank you so much!!!!!!

I appreciate your comment. I hope everything is going well with you.

Thank you so much!

I hope you can have a great jig.

Danke sehr!

Thank you for your comment. I think that's not enough explanations though.

@@makefurniture1 To me it seems just right. Thank you for your effort!

Thank you so much!! I hope you will fix it soon.

My cross rails are 1200mm. I have flattened the 878mm width of the slab in this video. I think so it is enough. If the sled doesn't reach the edges, there are two ways. You can move either your slab or setup like this video.

@@makefurniture1 thank you so much!!!! I really appreciate your help.

I will think about it. Thanks!

@@makefurniture1 it doesn't matter, right? You're cutting height not square. Whether or not your rails are skewed doesn't change the bit's height so the rails don't need to be pinned down.

www.aliexpress.com/store/group/SBR10-12-16-20-25-30-35-40-50/4997273_515245698.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_home.pcShopHead_49400883.1_1_6 This is the seller I ordered. But you can find them on Amazon.com too. Just type SBR20 on that. Mine are SBR 20 : 1850mm, 2pcs, SBR 20 : 1200mm, 2pcs, SBR 20UU : 8pcs Thanks.

You have a keen eye. Yeah, I am using only one screw per block. Because I had to use existing holes. Actually, there is another chance to screw one more on the aluminum support of the rail if you can make a new hole on that. But I think the single screw is strong enough to hold the block and of course, I have no issue with that until now. And I have not experienced any flex, wobble, or support issues using this setup by this time. Thanks.

I'm using 1850mm(the long ones)and 1200mm(the short ones). I haven't experienced any issues like sagging, flexing for my router until now. My linear rails are SBR20. It means that the diameter of the rail is 20mm. 2000mm for the short ones is quite long. I'm not sure they can stand without any sagging. Hardnox(a logo of cowboy) ordered 1800 and 4000mm two months ago. Please see the below comments. Why don't you ask him? Thanks.

These are called SBR20. It means 20mm in diameter. Thanks!

www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001631419573.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_groupList.8148356.15.26722a54jIs6vi I got the rails and bearings from this seller. I don't sell any jigs. You can find them on aliexpress.com or amazon.com. Just type SBR20 on these sites. I think aliexpress.com is cheaper than amazon. Thanks.

Thank you for your comment. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-We0CzFxnQXo.html This is the video on how to build a cradle for the router. That's not the same cradle in this video but the same way to make them. Thanks!

@@makefurniture1 Hey just wanted to say thank you for all of your help, my cradle and sled came out great.

@@feraligatrs That sounds great!

In my case, I have been using only one screw. Thanks!

Usually, I use the long rails without clamps. But in some situations I use them. My cradle is made of 12mm birch plywood. There aren't any problems with using this sled for now. If you want some closeups just give me an email, I'll take pictures and send them. acgari1@gmail.com

You have the solution if you see the point at 7:41 in this video. You just put plywood or 1x , 2x lumbers under the rails.

@@makefurniture1 sorry, yes, I watched the entire video later on yesterday and noticed my question was answered. Thank you for still responding! Final question - what did you do to make your work top flat for where the boards rest?

@@rickhickman2730 When building my work bench I took the time to meticulously level the base under the bench top using several leveling techniques such as shims and planing. And I used 30mm birch plywood as the bench top because it is quite stable.

Unfortunately, I don't. Sorry for that.

www.aliexpress.com/item/33020810063.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_groupList.8148356.11.57e42a54pDzr7Q It might help you.

The RPM depends on the material and the operating conditions(the diameter of the bit etc.) My router, GOF 1600 CE has 6-speed steps. 1 is low and 6 is high speed. And my bit's diameter is about 32mms. I usually set it at 2~3. It would be best if you did testing before the operation. The depth of the bit is the same as RPM. I wanted to buy a FREUD Solid wood surfacing bit but it's too expensive. www.aliexpress.com/item/4000070506541.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.240.6e321802gId1mh This is the same as mine. I bought it for 67 dollars 2 years ago!! So cheap! I think Carbide Inserts type is better. Thanks!

Thank you very much for your response and once again for your videos. Brest regards.

www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001631419573.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.727d6c768V1wxL&algo_pvid=eeb16706-fc6c-4183-b2ce-a2a6ffbd724f&algo_exp_id=eeb16706-fc6c-4183-b2ce-a2a6ffbd724f-21 You can find them(SBR20, SBR20UU) on Amazon.com. But aliexpress.com is much cheaper than others.

I used Hex Socket Cap Head Screw Bolt, M6(15mm length, 1mm pitch). I think you can use from 12~16mm M6 any bolts(1mm pitch).

@@makefurniture1 Thank you so much for the quick reply. I'm going to be using a Triton 3.25 hp router over a 1200mm span sitting on a 2200mm bottom rail (4' x 8' table). I think using the SBR25 for the top rail will eliminate any flex over that long of a span...

@@barryinny That's a good idea.

First, measure the distances between the holes on the bearing blocks. Then draw the middle points of the holes on the plywood. And drill the holes. That's all.

Block bearing is 48*50*38mm. And the plywood I used is 12mm. So, my cradle is 300(60:48+12, 180:router's base, 60:48+12)*200*50(38+12)mm. If I had your email address I could send my cradle photo with the dimensions to you. SBR 20 : 1850mm, 2pcs SBR 20 : 1200mm, 2pcs SBR 20UU : 8pcs Thanks!

I don't feel any flex during my job for now. I use SBR20. It means 20mm diameter of the rail. I think it is strong enough for my router.

@@makefurniture1 Awesome thanks! Been thinking of making a similar sled, but on some U-Groove wheels on steel pipes.

Yes, it is. I think it's possible. Thanks!

Well, I have not been using anything to hold the long rails until now. Because they are heavy enough to eliminate any moving. But if there are any reasons, you can use clamps or screws.

Thanks for the reply! Keep up the videos.

www.aliexpress.com/store/group/SBR10-12-16-20-25-30-35-40-50/4997273_515245698.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_home.pcShopHead_49400883.1_1_6 This is the seller I ordered. You can find them on Amazon.com too. Thanks!

I have not failed to secure the work during a cut until now. It is important to secure the work for flattening slabs like a lightweight. That's why I used CA glue on the no.1 slab. And the no.2,3 are enough heavy without any wedges or CA. Thank you.

@@makefurniture1 Ok, thanks, I did not see you use the CA glue. Good idea, I will try that.

www.aliexpress.com/store/4997273?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.400.76d91802dpislv You can find them on Amazon.com too. Just type " SBR20 " on the site. Thanks!

I am not sure but I think SBR12 would not be stable enough. Thanks.

@@makefurniture1 thanks👍

Wow, 4000 and 1800mm! Great, you must be a professional. I use an air gun for the cleaning of the bearing sometimes. I have not had any issues while using this setup until now. If you worry about dust you can use the block bearings with dust covers.

Where did you bye them?

@@morteno5775Sorry, I don't remember. I searched everywhere for the 4000mm (10'). The company was in California. They took a few months to get. Two piece rails might work but I was concerned about a slight misalignment resulting in a bump. The two piece rails are cheaper and are available on Amazon.

I think so. Thanks.

@@makefurniture1 Thank you!

Mine is 200x294mm, 12mm birch plywood. 294 was a little bit short. That's why I had to carve one side for the dust collector. (3:47~3:49) So, it should be 200x310mm.

www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001631419573.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_groupList.8148356.15.26722a54DPePIG This is the dealer I bought them from here. And you can find them on Amazon.com if you put SBR20 or linear rail guide on the site. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-P9_bXaKoRyk.html This video might help you.

I think Aliexpress is cheaper than Amazon.

It depends on the situation. In my case, until 34 inches is okay.

The plywood(on the table saw) was not flat when you see the rail bending. But those chopping boards were small that they were flattened. My workbench(next to dark plywood) is almost flat so there is no bending. If you don't have a flat workbench you need to prepare flat lumber that is used as a base of the rail.

@@makefurniture1 Thanks for the reply. Hope to see more videos from you :)

Router Cradle

You just need only 4 linear rails, 8 bearing blocks. And some bolts and plywood. SBR 20 : 1850mm, 2pcs SBR 20 : 1200mm, 2pcs SBR 20UU : 8pcs

Where did you purchase them? Amazon or other supplier. There seems to be a large range of cost. Any information is appreciated.

@@matthewjones1420 www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001631419573.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.727d6c768V1wxL&algo_pvid=eeb16706-fc6c-4183-b2ce-a2a6ffbd724f&algo_exp_id=eeb16706-fc6c-4183-b2ce-a2a6ffbd724f-21 You can find them(SBR20, SBR20UU) on Amazon.com. But aliexpress.com is much cheaper than others.

www.aliexpress.com/item/4000070506541.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.295.3f08180292YSkx You can find them on Amazon.com too. Just type Spoilboard Surfacing router bit. Thanks!

www.aliexpress.com/store/group/SBR10-12-16-20-25-30-35-40-50/4997273_515245698.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_promotion.pcShopHead_49400883.1_1_6 This is the seller I ordered. You can find them on Amazon.com too. Just type "SBR20" Thanks!

BOSCH, GOF1600CE

Mine is LIVTER Carbide Insert Spoilboard Surfacing Milling Cutter Head on the Aliexpress.com. Just type Spoilboard Surfacing router bit on the Aliexpress.com or Amazon.com. I think Aliexpress.com is much cheaper than Amazon.com.

www.aliexpress.com/store/4997273?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.68041802orjU2K This is the seller I ordered from. The block bearings are called SBR20UU. You can find them on amazon.com too. Thanks!

Thank you!

www.aliexpress.com/store/4997273?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.15e31802MCE3gH This is the seller I ordered. You can find them on Amazon.com too. Just type SBR20 on that site.

You can choose two kinds of router bits. The first one is bottom cleaning bits. The second one is spoilboard surfacing router bits. Thanks!

@@makefurniture1 thank you sir

Well, I haven't tried drawing something with this yet. I guess if some drawings are so simple they could be drawn by this. That's so irritating I guess.

@@makefurniture1 ok thanks alot bro..

Nope, I guess even the concrete floor is okay. If the surface of the concrete floor is terribly uneven, you should put flat 2x4 or something similar between the rail and the floor.

@@makefurniture1 ok thank you . And where do think I could buy?

@@darrengarlough5121 www.aliexpress.com/item/33020810063.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_groupList.8148356.1.26722a54P8gTg1 This is the dealer I bought them from here. And you can find them on Amazon.com if you put SBR20 or linear rail guide on the site. I think Aliexpress is cheaper than Amazon.

BOSCH, GOF1600CE.

@@makefurniture1 thank's

That's a good idea! Thanks!