T track table and clamps

[Doc]

Hi everybody.

I do hope this is the right place to post this. It is one giant 'tool' in my toy workshop that I actually use a lot.

I measured (sort of!) where I wanted to run some track on my workbench (a converted freezer with layers of MDF, pine and ply and finally melamine for a top).

Being a cheapskate, I thought I would see how much use I got to decide whether or not to 'upgrade' to real t-track. I actually have quite a few metres of t track but I'm too cheap to 'waste' it on this project.

I firstly made a deep groove with a router bit, in a few stages. I then did the final routing using a t-cutter router bit. 'Precutting' most of the work before using the t-cutter allows for less strain on the bit.

Anyhoo, I made up a few hold-down thingies that slip and tighten into any of the slots and basically keep my work steady and my hands free for more important tasks.

Like holding my coffee cup

I intend to add a light/lamp holder that can clamp too, as well as a few other doodads - moving support tower for my dremel tool or my VDO camera, or...

I need more hours in the day.

Regards

Doc

[Doc]

Probably helps if I show a piccy of the t cutter router bit I was referring to...

Sorry

Doc

[kbalch]

Thanks Doc! I've added your T-Track Table to our Clamps and Woodworking categories, as well as to your builder page: Doc's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

T-Track Table by Doc

tags: clamp, hold down

[Hotz]

ingenious ...

[PJs]

Thanks Doc for the inspiration. Been trying to figure out a way to do something like this on my removable wood table for my drill press to use Destaco type clamps. This is great and should hold up pretty well if not over stressed. ~PJ

[Doc]

I find they seem to hold up quite well - I'm dealing with wood that just needs to be held 'firm' rather than totally squished like I do when I put something in the big metalwork vise.

I did promise myself that at the first sign of undue stress to the tracks, I would replace at least the area concerned with real t track since I find I actually only use a small part of the table track setup anyway.

Regards

Doc

[jere]

Pretty neat, what is the real t track, drawer slides or something like that or a special purpose only kind of stuff?

[PJs]

Try Amazon...pretty inexpensive actually.

[PJs]

The other nice thing about your design is the grid pattern gives you lots of possibilities over T-Track and would need to be mitered or milled to create your open pattern! I'd mostly be using it for wood and acrylic so it should hold up fine. Thanks again Doc! Hats off to you....

~PJ

[Doc]

You're welcome PJs.

Jere, it's a track shaped like an upside down 'T' and bolts can slide through it with ease along it's channel.

Here in Australia it's quite expensive (except from fleabay) but it sounds like you can get it just about anywhere in the US.



From ptreeusa.com for example.http://www.ptreeusa.com/ttrackproducts.htm#1018

Regards

Doc