Flat Sled for planing

[Jerry Herndon]

I am building a flat sled to mount lumber on and run it through a planer.  I am using 3/4" cabinet grade plywood from 'The Borg" aka Home Depot. 

I cut the 4x8 sheet down to 3 sections of 10" wide by 8' long and glueing the three pieces together... on on top of the other.

I am now going to cut 2 pieces of 2" strips (8' long) from the same 3/4 plywood to attach to the sides of the sled to keep it from bowing... hoping the 2" side pieces will give the sled more rigidity and keep it very flat.

Does anyone know of a better way to make a very flat surface to use as a 11" wide sled 8' long to run through a Jet 12" table model planer?

 

 

[Ken Darga]

2'' wide strips will not prevent the long boards from bowing.

You'll also need infeed and outfeed stands or tables.

Alternate:

use infeed and outfeed stands or the like,

without having to put the workpiece on the auxiliary bed.

I find this type stand most useful.

The low-friction slide surfaces won't pull your work away from fence, like experienced with rollers.

It features a height adjustment and the pivoting head allows for uneven floors.

A 2x4 can be inserted in the channel, to support wider stock.

 

[Jerry Herndon]

Yes,  Infeed and outfeed tables I agree.  I'll have to check the stability of the overall sled once I finish.  I can add another 2" strip to both sides for added structural integrity.  Ken, keep in mind these are 3/4" plywood strips 2" wide and 8' long that are glued along both sides.  Thoughts?

[Ken Darga]

Jerry,

The boards will sag/bow under their own weight, if unsupported on the underside.

Side boards of 6'' min, will be needed to prevent the (3) 10'' x 8ft long boards from sagging.

About the only good a 2'' wide strip will do, is keep pinewood derby cars from running off the boards.

[Jerry Herndon]

:)