Securing Project Piece to Sled - Best Method?

[Cgav34]

What's the best method to secure a project piece to a simple sled --- and to secure the end pieces (that will stay under the rollers) to the sled as well?

Masking tape wrapped around? Double sided tape?

[DianMayfield]

In the example in your picture, I glue down one end. In quick and simple carves I wrap tape around the far end, add my carving board and wrap a couple of laps where they meet at both ends. With long, or aggressive carves, I would use screws on the far end. If the sled is long, where there might be some bow as it travels further out the machine, I add a couple laps along the carve board. I use blue painters tape from Harbor Freight. For this purpose, I find it wraps and releases from the board better than the 3M..3M has a tendency to snap apart as you wrap the sharp edges of the board.

When you wrap, don't go over the same spot too many times, causing a high spot, make slight diagonal, overlapping wraps.

[DickB]

I glue or screw the end pieces to the base of the sled. I also fasten 1" rails to the base. My project boards are held in place with a couple of thumbscrews. Scraps are used to accommodate smaller project boards. This type of sled is quite versatile.

[DianMayfield]

Dick, I like your rail push pieces!

[fwharris]

Masking tape or a pin nailed.

[Cgav34]

Excellent ideas. Thanks y'all!

[Sliverfoot]

Carpet tape would be another option.

[rnichols]

I use most of the suggestion listed above. I use the double sided tape but it is turning tape, this has fibers in it, I also use the blue tape but just one stripe each end. I do not wrap it around the sled. I also cut the sled width to the size of the project board. But I have some 1/8 inch plywood that I took out from dressers etc. I have never had a problem doing it this way. Oh forgot to mention, I also tape the project board down with the double tape to the sled.

[gwhiz]

Like Dick, I glue the end pieces and use side rails. I fasten the project board to the sled with carpet tape. I also have a couple sizeable holes in the sled so that I can push the project board apart from the sled.

[shortyscwater17]

So I have never built a sled before but I see the picture that Dick put up. When it comes to the sled, I would make the sled have 3.5" end pieces and maybe some side rails for support, then just screw or carpet tape the project board to the sled in the area that will not be used? I just made my first Jesus Cross last night and think I want to batch a bunch out but don't want to have the 7" of waste with it. I finally got my new board sensor so i'm aching to get the carving.