2 (2-by-4-foot) pieces of ¾-inch plywood.

If you do not, or are otherwise uncomfortable with anything described here, don’t attempt this project. If you’re using power tools, you must know how to use them safely and correctly. At minimum, that may include safety glasses, a face mask, and/or ear protection. Before proceeding with this or any other project on our site, ensure you have all necessary safety gear and know how to use it properly. Warning: DIY projects can be dangerous, even for the most experienced makers. While you can add all kinds of upgrades, such as hold-down clamps, integrated stop blocks, and miter jigs, every woodworker should build a basic crosscut sled, and anyone can. I use my miter saw to cut wood to a rough length, then grab my crosscut sled to trim those boards down to their final size. Of course, you can do the same job with a miter saw, but I’ve found that the crosscut sled offers more control and gives a better cut.

When I’m cutting wood for drawers, for example, I always use my crosscut sled to ensure all the pieces are the same size. What’s more, by adding a stop block, you can make quick, repeatable cuts-perfect for batching out a lot of same-sized pieces. Crosscut sleds allow you to accurately and safely cut wood down to a precise length.

3d printing miter slot runners