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T-track is a flexible product that has many nice makes use of across the store. It could be hooked up to the fence of a chop noticed, drill press or router desk to supply a fast, safe place to connect feather boards, stops and hold-downs. It additionally makes an ideal addition to jigs and fixtures with components that should be adjustable or simply eliminated.
At first look, all T-tracks look just about the identical. There are, nonetheless, a number of delicate however essential variations amongst manufacturers.
Sizes and Prices
T-track is available in lengths from 1 ft. to 12 ft. and averages about $4.50 per linear foot. It is normally offered in 1- or 2-ft. increments, however some manufacturers could be particular ordered to a selected size. Most T-tracks are roughly 3/4“ extensive with a thickness of both 3/8“ or 1/2“. Almost all are product of extruded aluminum. There are just a few key options to search for.
We like T-track that accepts the hex head of a typical bolt. It will prevent from having to purchase the particular connectors that some tracks require.
Accepts Standard Hardware
T-tracks that settle for commonplace hex head bolts and nuts as connectors are an enormous plus, as a result of commonplace nuts and bolts are available at {hardware} shops. This means you received’t get caught in the midst of a undertaking since you don’t have the proper connector. Some T-tracks require particular connectors which might be solely out there from one provider.
Some T-tracks have a deep slot to simply accept a hex nut. It’s a characteristic that can enhance your connecting and fastening choices.
Pre-drilled for Easy Mounting
We want T-tracks which might be pre-drilled and countersunk to simply accept No. 6 or greater wooden screws. It’s additionally good to have screw holes spaced not more than 5“ aside. Closely spaced holes imply extra holes for extra mounting screws and fewer threat of pulling the T-track off the mounting floor. Also, if you want to minimize the T-track shorter, you’ll nonetheless have a gap close to the top.
T-tracks pre-drilled to simply accept No. 6 or bigger screws have higher holding energy than the tracks which might be drilled for No. Four screws.
If you want to add screw holes to a T-track, you possibly can drill them your self. It’s a little bit of a problem however not tough. Some T-tracks even include a groove that can assist you middle the drill bit. A groove on the underside is greatest as a result of drilling the shank gap from the highest leaves a burr on the underside that should be eliminated with a file.
Drill the shank gap from the underside of the T-track with a 5/32″-dia. bit. Some T-tracks have a groove to assist middle the bit; it’s useful however not important. A pencil line and middle punch additionally work effectively.
Make the countersink for the screw head with a 9/32″-dia. drill bit. Make the countersink simply deep sufficient so the screw head is flush with the within of the T-track.
Grooved for Glue
Glue grooves or lips on the perimeters of T-tracks present a mechanical bond when gluing a T-track right into a dado. Gluing is one of the simplest ways to mount a T-track in a dado when the fabric beneath the dado is simply too skinny to carry screws.
Glue grooves or lips on the perimeters of T-tracks assist lock the T-track into the dado
Undrilled T-tracks have one benefit right here: There aren’t any screw holes for glue to squeeze up by way of. If your T-track has screw holes, simply cowl the holes on the underside aspect with small items of masking tape earlier than gluing.
Hold the T-track in place with a dowel and a few weight when gluing it right into a dado. Epoxy is the glue of alternative as a result of it bonds to each wooden and steel.
Fits in a Miter Slot
Some T-tracks will match into miter slots on desk saws, bandsaws and router tables. Some T-tracks can be utilized with the slot up or down, whereas others should be by hook or by crook to get an excellent match.
T-tracks that match into miter slots make helpful runners for sleds or jigs
The 3/8“-thick tracks are your best option to be used in miter slots. Thicker tracks will prolong above the miter slots and you’ll have to minimize a dado within the backside of the jig you’re making.
Specialty T-Track
Many woodworking device and provide corporations additionally promote quite a lot of special-application T-tracks. Some have a number of slots, distinctive shapes or perhaps a built-in tape measure. One sort is the miter-slot T-track, which is designed to simply accept the bar of a typical miter gauge. In addition to those specialty T-tracks, an enormous choice of ready-made jigs and fixtures is on the market that you would be able to add to your T-tracks.
Whether you’re constructing a miter noticed station or a easy crosscut jig, getting conversant in the makes use of and purposes of T-track will make your life as a woodworker simpler.
Product Recommendations
Here are some provides and instruments we discover important in our on a regular basis work across the store. We could obtain a fee from gross sales referred by our hyperlinks; nonetheless, we have now rigorously chosen these merchandise for his or her usefulness and high quality.
