As versatile as they are, table saws just can’t do precise repetitive cuts or crosscuts well – at least, not without some assistance. A table saw’s fence runs parallel to the blade so there’s no support as you push the piece through. This makes “freehand” cutting inaccurate and exceptionally dangerous. Just don’t.

You could try using a miter gauge fence as support to push the piece, but it also leaves extremities exposed, and a higher likelihood of kickback as the piece experiences friction both from moving across the surface of the table saw and from the blade itself. The best crosscutting tool is a miter saw as the backward spinning blade pulls the workpiece towards the fence, holding it in place. However, you can do cross cuts on a table saw (with a sled), but you’ll never rip on a miter saw.

The next best tool for crosscutting is a table saw sled. This jig is also the best tool for cutting smaller workpieces and for making repetitive cuts on a table saw. Unlike using a miter gauge or cutting “freehand," the workpiece rests on the sled and is held firmly by the back fence as it goes through the blade. It’s the safest and most accurate way to do crosscuts on a table saw.

The main problem about sleds is that you’ll likely need more than one to get the most out of your table saw, starting with a bigger sled for cutting 2×4, and a smaller sled, possibly with an inlaid track to add clamps. There is no one-size-fits-all sled; and the ones that try to be can cost upwards of $200. Imagine what you could buy with three store-bought sleds!

POWERTEC Table Saw Sled Kits give you the basics for building sleds (two HDPE runners, 12” of t-track, and the fixtures to make a stop) which you can customize to your needs. 

POWERTEC Table Saw Sled and Blade Guard Kit is an all-in-one package for you (24” universal t track, 19” HDPE miter bars, 3” flip stop, blade guard, flat head wood screws, hex head bolts, and nuts) which you can also customize to your needs.