5-Cut Method Table Saw Sled Calculator
Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing all you need to know about the Simple 5-Cut Method for Table Saw Sled calibration:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To square the fence of a crosscut sled to the table saw blade with high precision |
| Equipment Needed | Table saw, crosscut sled, rectangular piece of plywood/MDF (approx. 12″ x 6″), calipers, feeler gauges |
| Steps | 1. Make initial cut 2. Rotate and cut three more times 3. Make final cut, removing a thin strip 4. Measure strip width at both ends and length |
| Measurements Required | 1. Width of strip at end A 2. Width of strip at end B 3. Length of strip 4. Distance from pivot point to correction point |
| Calculation | Error = (Width A – Width B) / (4 x Strip Length) |
| Adjustment | Pivot fence towards or away from blade based on calculated error |
| Pivot Direction | Depends on which side of the fence the pivot screw is located |
| Accuracy Goal | Error under 0.001 inches (one thousandth of an inch) |
| Repetition | Process may need to be repeated for optimal accuracy |
| Benefits | Achieves extremely high accuracy in fence squareness |
| Common Mistakes | 1. Not marking ends A and B clearly 2. Incorrect pivot direction 3. Inaccurate measurements |
| Tips | 1. Use a calculator to avoid math errors 2. Ensure saw blade is perfectly aligned before starting 3. Use high-quality measuring tools for best results |
This method, popularized by William Ng, is considered one of the most accurate ways to square a crosscut sled fence. It allows woodworkers to achieve precision within thousandths of an inch, which is crucial for high-quality joinery and accurate cuts.