Thread: Aluminium or Acrylic Tongue

I don't know how fiddly this will be, nor practical - a photo would work wonders here - but how about to T Track mounted on the removable piece, and then on each of the fixed sections, have some T Track bolts protruding, ready to accept the T Track?

If you need to further lock it down once it's in place, some kind of latch underneath the removable piece (i.e. small door latch in the same style as a gate latch): https://www.allegiscorp.com/latches/...apn=834-3%20ZN - leave off the receiving piece, and make that a hole in your fixed bench from underneath the removable piece.

EDIT: Including the product link only to show what I'm talking about - plenty of this sort of thing available locally.

Thanks for your input! I've considered a T Track solution, but I'm looking for a more seamless join. Once in place the section will rarely need to be removed.

I'll probably give it a shot today with a 3mm bit and I guess if it's a nasty fit I'll invest in the 3.2...

Do you have a table saw? or access to one?. The vast majority of blades are 3.2mm. Cut the slot in a few test pieces until you get your fence in exactly the right spot, pretty much happy days after that.

Hadn't thought of that! But sadly, no table saw yet. I'm also guessing it would be pretty tricky running 25mm benchtops on end in that way?

I'm also guessing it would be pretty tricky running 25mm benchtops on end in that way?

I suppose that depends on how long they are. I have cut some boards, maybe 1.5m long with the assistance of some feather boards. I imagine it wouldn't be too much of a drama to knock up a jig that uses both mitre slots to clamp longer boards to.

I’m just following out of interest but damn if I can’t work out what you are asking. Photos would definitely help because what I was seeing in my mind does not need the bench top thru the tablebsaw onnits edge, but flat to flat. Perhaps I’m lost.....


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I've updated the original post with a terrible sketch but it should give some context. I've gone and bought a 3.2mm slot cutting blade and some aluminium strip and hopefully finishing the job tonight. I'll post an update later.

UPDATE: Well there was more slop than I expected using the 3.2mm bit, so a bit of a disappointment. Once glue was applied the 3mm aluminium flat bar was a very nice fit, but the piece of benchtop that will run freely along the tongue (and can't be glued) has more play than intended. VERY smooth sliding on the aluminium though.
Thanks for all the input guys.

Originally Posted by JSB

I've updated the original post with a terrible sketch but it should give some context. I've gone and bought a 3.2mm slot cutting blade and some aluminium strip and hopefully finishing the job tonight. I'll post an update later.

Well my thinking was way off!


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You could apply a low friction tape to the underside of the aluminium to remove some of the slop.

Have you considered cutting the slot with a biscuit jointer? I have done it previously and it worked out OK.

Cheers