using MDF for aCrosscut sled ?

[Jon]

I have a piece of MDF covered in Formica it is 29x35.75 would that be ok as sled material? I am also thinking of using Red oak for the rear fence and front. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[McRabbet]

Jon,

It should work just fine as long as it is good and flat. Hopefully, your red oak is straight grained and at least 6/4 (1-1/2") thick. Your biggest disadvantage is the thickness of the MDF -- if is is an old piece of counter top, then it may be too thick. I've made my crosscut sleds out of 1/2" Baltic Birch plywood because I didn't want to sacrifice the thickness. I used Hard Maple for the front and back fences on mine, but oak is fine.

 

[thrytis]

The only issue i could think of with using MDF for a sled is the weight. Mine is fairly heavy using 3/4" bb plywood. I wouldn't want to add much more weight to it.

 

[Jon]

I ended up getting some birch 3/4 plywood and some 5/4 ash. I am trying to do mine like you did Eric.

 

[Alan in Little Washington]

Don't forget to put the Formica side down- you want the sled to slide not the boards you are cutting. You may want to cut a shallow dado for the runner also. I do that anyway- I attach the runner with screws from the top. If you are using wood runners (I use 3/8" X 3/4" cold rolled steel) it makes it easier to replace runners, they can't wander, and you don't need to worry about sloppy mounting holes.