Bandsaw Sled to Cut Slices

In this Instructable, I will show you how i made a Bandsaw sled to cut log slices.

Please do not cut logs freehand, I lost a good bandsaw blade, but got lucky and didn't get hurt.

You will need the following: Plywood ( I had some scrap pieces laying around)

Plywood ( I used on 1 piece 15" wide x 41" long, 2 pieces 7 1/4" wide x 41" long, 1 piece 26" long x 11" wide)

1 piece of Hard wood ( I used White Oak ), ripped down to 3/8" x 3/4" to fit your T-slot

2 Lawnmower wheels

Bolts to fit the wheels

Screws

Drill and drill bits

Countersink

Table Router and Router bits

Tablesaw or Circular Saw

Level

Measuring Tape

Step 1: Do Not Try This

I first tried to free hand cutting on the Bandsaw, DO NOT TRY THIS

I was lucky, I didn't get hurt and only ruin a bandsaw blade, that is when I decided to build this sled.

Step 2: Step 1

I had some plywood laying around the shop, It was 15" wide and 41" long, I used it for base, then ripped down a couple of pieces, 7 1/4" wide x 41" long. Also ripped another piece 26" long x 11" wide. From the scraps left over, I made the angle pieces.

Then I drill and countersink the holes for attaching to the angle bracing.

Step 3: Step 2

I then ripped down a piece of White Oak to fit my T-slot on the Bandsaw. Note you can used any type of wood for this, But a hardwood is preferred. I attached it to the board that was ripped down to 26" long x 11" wide, with glue and screws, as shown in the pictures.

Note make sure that your wood piece fits the T-slot just right, its better to make the piece a little bigger and sand down to fit.

Step 4: Step 3

I then drill some holes on the bottom side and used a counter sink bit. This is to attach it to the base.

Step 5: Step 4

Now I used a level, to put the rest together.

Step 6: Step 5

Now drill some holes for the lawn mower wheels, and bolt them on. I also used my Table Router to make some slots.

Step 7: Log Cutting Time

Now we can cut logs, without hurting ourselves. Hope you liked this Instructable.

Note Please don't cut Free Hand like I did at first, I got lucky, and only hurt a Bandsaw blade.

Comments

[jeanniel1]

I like the idea of the sled, but wish there was one that supported both sides of the log while cutting so that there's not an unsupported section at the end being cut.

[MikB]

Although you say you "lost a bandsaw blade", you didn't say what was so bad about the freehand cut, after all -- people freehand cut flat and square pieces of wood on bandsaws and "it's just fine!"

Having had the same experience (trying to cut small log-cookies) freehand: The problem is that no matter how well you think you are holding the branch/trunk, the natural tendency of the bandsaw blade pulling down is to catch and rotate the log away from you. It rolls toward the blade. Meaning that when the blade catches, it gets a mouthful MORE of the wood shoved at it, which is the last thing you want.

In my case, it just went "bang" and pushed the blade back far enough it came off the lower wheel, jamming behind it, stalling the motor. Blade was not damaged, but some annoyance at having to un-jam and re-lace everything. I can see it would possible to snap the blade, and if hands were too close, to be pulled in.

Your solution is great, but even just clamping the log securely to a flat/right angle corner is a HUGE improvement (see pics) giving you more to hold on to, and no chance of it turning.

[Whyteboar]

The use of the wheels perplexed me until I realized you use the to support the end of the sled not supported by the band saw table. I photo of the entire device would be helpful, just a thought. Once I saw what you did, it made more sense. I may need to make one - thanks!