Also think about making a panel sled. Use Tim's idea but put the fence on
the front rather than the back. Think of the fence leading into the cut. It
great for sqaring up large panels like sides of cabinets and such. Mine has
a long runner sticking out the back. That way when I'm cutting a wide panel,
I still get good indexing in the miter slot while the fence of the sled is
way past the blade already. I used the Incra metal slides, but a well fitted
hardwood one would work just as good.

Regarding the width of you back fenced sled, I'd make it what ever width you
think you'll need. The only rule of thumb I can think of is to make sure the
blade is in the middle. That way if the sled is wider than the top of the
saw, it will stay balanced.

Bernie

"TDUP" wrote in message
...
The trouble with a big crosscut sled is that they are heavy and you can't
cut a very wide board without the sled falling off the front of the saw.
If
you make one that runs in the left miter slot and has the fence only in
the
back you can cut a very wide board without the sled falling off the table.
You can make it zero clearance so you always know where your cut will
fall.
You also don't have to remove your guards when you use it.

Tim


"Marshall Dugger III" wrote in message
...
Hello,

I have a Craftsman's Tablesaw, circa 1950, and want to build a full
size
(use both miter slots) crosscut sled for it. The tabletop measures 21"
W
x
27" D. I intend to make it 24" deep but was wondering if there is a
"rule
of thumb" for the width? Thanks for any advice.

yos,
Marshall