I have a pretty good stack of 1/4" Lexan sitting around doing nothing right now. I have some future projects in mind but its original intent is history. Anyway, would this make a suitable sled? If 1/4 is too thin I could always stack more than one. If no one has experience with it I’ll probably give it a go and see what happens. I’m not sure if it would be any more durable or have any less friction than plywood though.
I would say to go about it with great caution. I’ve done some work with PC and it’s strong until it fissures it will fail quickly. I’d hate to see a router fall when wood is so easy to use.
just my 2cents
Thank you
I made my sled and frame months before delivery. My sled is 1/2" plywood on the bottom and .220 polycarb on top. (what I had on hand) I feel the wood gives me rigidity and the same material touching my work surface had I made it all out of plywood, and the polycarb gives me something better to anchor the various fasteners on top (Z-axis brackets, router base etc) So far so good. I’ll snap a pic when I get a chance
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Thanks. I used the PC for years in combat robotics so I’ve seen it fail rather spectacularly. That said, it took a fairly violent hit to start the fracture unless you left stress risers like unfinished corners.
@Gordo, I’d love to see that.
I’d really like to get my hands on some UHMW to line the bottom. I think that would offer high abrasion resistance and very low friction. I’ve seen it discussed here before and have used it myself in robot parts. I just haven’t found an appropriately sized piece yet that was a price I didn’t mind paying for it.
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If you have any sign making shops nearby, you might hit them up. You might find everything you need as a dumpster dive 
Thank you
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Thanks @Bee!
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My sled is 1/2" Polycarb and it’s nice and slippery. I like that it’s clear and I can see the work.
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can you share a picture?
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I too had some extra polycarb laying aorund the garage, and have made my sled out of it. I am still waiting for ring to finish it off. Work in progress: Z Axis with lift rails
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Now I’m inspired to make a Polycarb. sled.
Thank you
Whoa! Cool! I like that bike tire!
It doesn’t look like you’re having any problem with scratches
Thanks guys. No scratches, but it hasn’t been used too much. The photo is vintage Maslow, taken just about one year ago. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to get back to the Maslow since last Spring. I’m still on v0.73! I’ll have to wait until I get a break this upcoming Spring/Summer to get back to it. I’ll finish the sled, update the frame, and add all the new upgrades that have come along since last Spring.
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Too busy building stoves and keeping warm? Ran out of wood here and had to shovel out the Husky 61
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Finally got the camera thawed
Diameter ended up being 15 inches because that’s the largest piece of scrap I had. I’m not sure if I’ll go the full 18" when I try the ring. I am happy with it overall.
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