Hey guys, Brock here from Rock Hill Farms, and I’m beyond excited to finally share something I’ve been working toward for a long time: setting up my brand-new slab flattening system from TrueTrac!
I’ve watched countless videos on slab flattening, DIY router sleds, and custom gantry builds — and to be honest, most of them just didn’t deliver the kind of results I was after. That all changed when I got my hands on the TrueTrac Router Gantry System.
Whether you’re a pro woodworker, a serious hobbyist, or just a slab-obsessed weekend warrior like me, this setup might be the tool you didn’t know you were missing.
Why I Chose TrueTrac (Over DIY)
I’ve always been a “build it myself” kind of guy. When I realized I needed a slab flattener, I started pricing out materials, sourcing slide rails, and sketching plans. I even had a company lined up to send me the components.
But then I came across TrueTrac at the Paul Bunyan Show. I walked into a booth, saw their slab mill in action, and immediately thought: “Nothing I build will be this precise or efficient.” And by the time you source all your own parts and fabricate a frame, you’re not saving much money anyway — especially when you factor in time.
What really sold me? The company’s story. A father-son team, building everything here in the USA, taking pride in their craftsmanship, and still out there doing shows, talking with customers, and explaining the finer details most companies skip.
Setting Up the System: Surprisingly Simple
Before I could even unbox the gantry, I had to build a base. I followed their plan — using eight 10-foot 2x4s to build a strong, stable workstation that I could move out of the way when not in use.
TrueTrac’s instruction manual is top-tier. It’s full of clear diagrams, part labels, and step-by-step instructions. No guesswork. Even as a small company, they’ve clearly invested a lot into the customer experience.
The Gantry in Action
Once the rails were assembled and the router mounted, it was time to put the system to the test.
🔧 I grabbed a rough offcut from my slab rack — something I was planning to burn — and used it for a test run. Even though it looked pretty flat to the naked eye, the first few passes revealed just how much imperfection was hiding in the surface.
The router glide system is buttery smooth, and the crank handle adjustment offers precise control. Sure, it’s a bit slower than manually sliding the sled, but the consistency you get in return is worth every turn.
The Results: Flat, Fast, and Fantastic
I’ve seen a lot of slab flattener results online — and honestly, most of them leave scallops or ridges that require heavy sanding afterward. Not with this system.
The TrueTrac system delivered an even surface with minimal scalloping, saving me hours in post-processing. I believe part of that is due to how the system moves with the grain and keeps your passes consistent and level.
You can clearly see where we took off material, even on a seemingly flat slab — and the end result was smooth and satisfying.
Tool Talk: Let’s Talk Router Bits
I tried out three different bits during testing, but settled on a 2-inch surfacing bit with a ½” shank and removable carbide cutting edges. That’s the one I’ll be using most — wide enough to cover ground quickly, with sharp, clean cuts.
The system makes it easy to measure your passes. On mine, 10 crank turns = 1 inch, so I could make overlapping cuts with precision and repeatability.
What I Love Most
- 🧰 No fabrication headaches — setup was fast and well-guided
- ✨ Clean, consistent results — even on imperfect slabs
- 🛠️ Customizable & expandable — you can go as big as 30 feet if you want
- 🇺🇸 Built in the USA by passionate craftsmen
- 💡 Small touches that matter — like custom extrusions and smart grain orientation tips
Who Should Buy This?
If you’re doing epoxy slab tables, live edge furniture, or just want a better way to flatten rough lumber, this tool is a game-changer.
Sure, you could DIY a sled. But if you’re serious about your woodworking — and your time — the TrueTrac Gantry System is 100% worth it.
You’ll get professional results without the professional price tag.
Want One? Here’s What You Need to Know
🛒 The model I’m using is the 4′ x 8′ full-size system, which runs around $1,00 USD
📏 They offer smaller sizes if space or budget is a concern
🛠️ You can expand the rails for even larger builds
🔗 [Check out TrueTrac here »] (Insert affiliate or regular link)
I’m not getting paid to say this — TrueTrac did send me this unit to test, but there’s no commission or affiliate deal behind my recommendation. I’m just genuinely impressed with what they’ve built.
Final Thoughts
Today was just the beginning. Now that I’ve got the gantry system set up, I’ll be putting it through its paces on more complex projects — including warped lumber and epoxy glue-ups.
But even on Day 1, I can confidently say:
This is the best slab flattening system I’ve ever used.
Thanks for reading — and if you’re interested in learning more, check out the video walkthrough or visit the TrueTrac website. I’ll link a few more helpful videos below.
Happy woodworking, and I’ll see you in the next one!
— Brock from Rock Hill Farms
