sled questions

[63falcon757]

I am a new user, I have made a few sleds for some of the projects im working on to keep waste down. I have a few questions about construction of sleds.
1. rail height and thickness : is there a set height and thickness the rails need to be? do they have to be the same height as the project workpiece?
2. lets say the project workpiece is smaller than the width of the sled and theirs gaps between the workpiece edge and the rails, do I have to fill that void?
3. I understand the 7in rule for the compression rolers, but do i design the project work piece in designer with the xtra 7in, or design as a normal size project and let the machine place the design on the center of the workpiece when it ask to center on width? and do i add in the xtra height of the sled in the board dimentions in designer

I placed a project workpiece in a sled last nite and the screen said the project was the wrong size. the workpiece was not as thick as the sled i was useing. the rails are 3/4in thickX1in wide plywood in top a piece of luan n glued together. had to use what i had laying around to start off my sled useage. thanks for taking the time to help me out. 1000 thank yous

[CarverJerry]

Have you tried doing a search on "sled or jig" ? besure to put everything in quotes when you do a search.

CarverJerry

[Kenm810]

Also take a look at ISSUE 7 April 2008 – Carving Jigs – Carrier Boards, Sleds and Rails (http://www.carvewright.com/downloads/tips/CarveWrightTips&Tricks_Apr08.pdf)
Plus all the other Great Tips & Tricks, At -http://www.carvewright.com/2010CWweb/tips.htg (http://www.carvewright.com/2010CWweb/tips.htg)

[cestout]

The base of the sled needs to be at least 1/4" thick with the current (1.177) version. Evidently with 1/8" and a 3/4" board, the program assumes you measured wrong and will cut into your sled. With 1/4" the machine will measure and ask it .75 is good; but then say it is too thick to cut thru - do you want to continue or abort. LHR is aware of this problem and will probably have it fixed in the next version. Just chose continue. I make special purpose sleds and mark them. I have one for wine stoppers, for box sides* and ends* and for top inserts* and for 5" x24" signs to name a few. *A More Elegant Box and soon a Treasure Box.
Clint

[63falcon757]

thanks for explaining the 1/4 base for a sled. i did notice that one the first run on my sled the bit cut in the bottom thru the project. i will build a new sled with a 1/4 in base. do the rails need to be the exact same height as the project? i read the tips n tricks artical, but i didnt find that answer there. thanks