T-slot aluminium extrusion

[Rocker]

Does anyone know an Australian supplier of aluminium T-slot extrusion (catalogue # 12K79.01 on the Lee Valley website) which is useful for jig-making? After missing out when I inquired at a Sunshine coast supplier, I have ordered from Lee Valley, since I also wanted to buy some other stuff from them. But it would be useful to know if there is a local supplier.

[zymurgy]

Capral may have something along those lines.

6 John Vella Drive, Paget (Mackay), QLD 4740
Tel 61 7 4952 5611 Fax 61 7 4952 6955

14 Leda Drive, Burleigh (Gold Coast), QLD 4220
Tel 61 7 5535 8222 Fax 61 7 5576 5997

67 Parramatta Road, Slacks Creek, QLD 4127
Tel 61 7 3209 1222 Fax 61 7 3208 8729

2 Endeavour Drive, Kunda Park (Maroochydore), QLD 4556
Tel 61 7 5445 3022 Fax 61 7 5445 5264

61-65 Keane Street, Currajong (Townsville), QLD 4812
Tel 61 7 4775 2755 Fax 61 7 4779 0547

52 Zillmere Road, Zillmere, QLD 4034
Tel 61 7 3265 5355 Fax 61 7 3865 1383

Gordon.

[Rocker]

Zymurgy,

I tried Capral at Kunda Park today without success. :(

Rocker

[zathras]

Rocker,

did you have a look at their sail track ?

[Sturdee]

Rocker,

I use the sailtrack from Capral and these are the specifications I measured for Woodchuck Canuck last week.

Outside width 22mm
Outside depth 9mm
Inside width 17mm
Inside depth 3mm
Opening gap 7.5mm
Thickness 2.5mm

The track is not predrilled, I use a small bit to drill through and then a larger bit to countersink the opening and use chipboard screws size #4 * 5/8" to attach the track.

The opening is perfect for 1/4" cupbolt bolts as the square section of the bolt is 6mm and the thickness of the head is 3mm. Most of the time they fit perfectly but sometimes a bit of judicious grinding with the bench grinder is necessary.

The cost of a 4 meter lenght is $ 10.95.

Hope this helps.


Peter.

[glenn k]

I have used the same stuff Peter. From memory I think Alcoa produce it.

[Rocker]

Zathras and sturdee,
Thanks; sounds as though the sail track is the go. But I am puzzled that Capral did not recognise this, I showed them a picture from the Lee Valley catalogue, and they said they had nothing like it. However I shall now have a look in a chandler's place for sail track.

[Sturdee]

Rocker,

They probably did not recognise it because the sailtrack is slightly rounded and the T-track from Lee Valley has square edges.

Peter.

[Rocker]

Sturdee,

I mangaged to get sail-track from Capral, and find it is ideal for jigs that need T-slot tracks. Here is a picture of the sail-track with a stop from FasTTrak (US$20)

http://www.woodworkingfasttrak.com/

on an auxiliary fence on my SCMS.

Rocker

[Sturdee]

That track looks the same as the T-track from Capral.

Peter.

[gatiep]

There was a thread on T track/ sal track source in Oz a while ago. The names Capral & Alcoa rings a bell

[Rocker]

Sturdee,

I obviously didn't make myself clear. The sail-track WAS from Capral; the stop was from FasTTrak. I probably needed an extra comma.

Rocker

[outback]

Please excuse my complete ignorance, but could I get a clearer description, (picture) of sail track, I think this is wot I'm after for an idea, ( funny wot some people need for this, most use their brain!) but don't know the name or nuffin'

Thanks
Outback.

[Sturdee]

Outback,

For details of the sailtrack see my post this thread of the 27/1/04 and for a picture see my post on my Bevel routing guide http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7210 .
The alum brackets in that post are made from that sailtrack.


Peter.

[zathras]

Sturdee, great utilisation of sail track - very impressive.

Outback, check out the dodgy close up below, you should at least be able to see the rounded ends from this shot:

[outback]

Thanks for the replies. The close up shows the profile exactly, Now with the dimensions given all I gotta do is think out a plan.

OOHHHHHH the pain!

[NOLID]

Hi ROCKER, when I post this on the U.K.Screwfix forum,sailmaker lofts are going to be swamped,we have all tried to buy this all over the place and zilch,you would think we were from mars.great picture as well,keep chippin,NOLID

[NOLID]

Hime again,also when I tried to buy what are known in the forums inAUS.and the USA.as T bolts,the snotty nose assistants just sneer and say there is no such thing,well I had to buy coach bolts andf file down to prove a point,but until this forum a few minutes ago never could find t/track,now I know where,can't wait for the stores to open t/mrr.then I will go back to the hardware shops and stick it up their B**s,NOLID

[Mike_R]

Can anyone give me contact details for a Sydney retail supplier of the T-slot aluminium extrusion that is being described in this thread ?

Thanks

[zymurgy]

Google is your friend.

Capral (http://www.capral.com.au/contact_us/) as mentioned earlier in thread has offices Oz wide.

Gordon.

[Tankstand]

I've posted info about this company before but for those who missed it... knock yourselves out!
8020 (http://www.8020.com.au/)

[paulver]

Hi all,

I know it's not much help for Australian sourcing as the article is for suppliers in the US, but the current issue of American Woodworker, American Woodworker - Issue 107 (http://www.rd.com/americanwoodworker/action.do?siteId=2222&categoryId=7006) has a full story on T-track and comparisons between the various types / brands available. I noticed this the other day at the newsagent.

I might actually contact some of the manufatcturers listed or Bunnings to see if these things can maybe be distributed in Australia? (Other than just ordering from the States).

I'll list the company web sites from the article once I get them.

Regards.

Paul.

[paulver]

Okay,

Here's the web addresses for the T-track in the American Woodworker article. Price guide is in $US and most are supplied in various lengths from 12" - 96" (300 - 2400mm for the metric amongst us) usually in increments of 300mm.

If I have any luck with Bunnings trying to carry one of these products, I'll let you all know. :)

FastTrack - www.prairieriverwoodworking.com (http://www.prairieriverwoodworking.com) $7 - $15
Incra - www.incra.biz (http://www.incra.biz) $7 - $16
MLCS - www.mlcswoodworking.com (http://www.mlcswoodworking.com) $13 - $19
Might-T-Track - www.ttrackusa.com (http://www.ttrackusa.com) $10 - $45 (two variations)
Woodstock International - www.grizzly.com (http://www.grizzly.com) $3.50 - $8
Hartville Tool - www.hartvilletool.com (http://www.hartvilletool.com) $4 -$9
Rockler - www.rockler.com (http://www.rockler.com) $7 - $13
Lee Valley / Veritas - www.leevalley.com (http://www.leevalley.com) $9 - $16.50
Woodturners Inc - www.woodturners.on.ca (http://www.woodturners.on.ca) $9 - $15
Woodworker's Supply - www.woodworker.com (http://www.woodworker.com) $9
The Woodworker's Choice - www.thewoodworkerschoice.com (http://www.thewoodworkerschoice.com) $12 - $18

The recommeded products in the article were from Incra and FastTrack.

Hope this is of assistance.

Paul.

[Glen Bridger]

Hi All,

It just so happens I have the details of Caprals Sail Track:

Cat #E4204
4 metre length $13.00 inc GST.

Glen

[stevephillips]

I use Partition extruding. It is L shaped has 2 tracks and can be used as a low fence by itself or slotted together it becomes a ridgid square with 4 slots. Ill post a pic soon.

[scooter]

"
I use Partition extruding. It is L shaped has 2 tracks and can be used as a low fence by itself or slotted together it becomes a ridgid square with 4 slots. Ill post a pic soon."

Keen to see a piccie. Where did you source this from, size & cost?

Thanks, & cheers...........Sean

[rev]

I have seen a Capral catalogue that lists a product called Lipped Channel, sold in various sizes. Cat# N4508 is the nearest thing to T-track that I have seen. It is 20mm x 15mm with 5mm returns and a 10mm gap; it is 2mm thick.

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be available at the moment. The Capral people I spoke to acknowledged its existence but simply look on the computer and say "unavailable". There must be some, somewhere in old stock. Perhaps someone out there can try their local aluminium extrusion suppliers armed with the above details and get lucky. If so please let us know - I'd love to get hold of some.

[MrFixIt]

Hi
I have seen a Capral catalogue that lists a product called Lipped Channel, sold in various sizes. Cat# N4508 is the nearest thing to T-track that I have seen. It is 20mm x 15mm with 5mm returns and a 10mm gap; it is 2mm thick.

However this is not really as practical as the smaller T-Track or the sail track as the internal size is quite large. The 10mm bolt I measured will turn slightly within the track, though in normal use it should not rotate fully. The bolt across the flats is 15.12mm and across the hex points 17.20.

I would go for the sail track as the best current option. :D

[MrFixIt]

Hi

For a mere $5000 a die can be made and 250kg of aluminium extruded to suit our needs.

If fifty of you want to send me $100, I'll design and draw up the die pattern and get the ball rolling.

Seriously, if there is enough interest I would be happy to get this underway so we can ALL have a decent T-track. I can obtain some figues on the overall quantity of T-track that can be extruded, based on the die design. We could perhaps then market it to Carbatec and Timbecon.

Anyway I only need another 49 :D I'll be the fiftieth :D

[Barry_White]

I really don't know why you would go past the Capral sail track. It is cheap enough and normal cup head bolts fit in it and all you have to do is drill and countersink the holes as pointed out by Sturdee.

It is available in all Capital cities and if you live in the country and arrange the transport they will send it to you.

Just make sure you specify marine sail track as they have another product called sail track which is used by the Awning Industry for fixing those clear vynal awnings to the wall.

[Sturdee]

Hi

If fifty of you want to send me $100, I'll design and draw up the die pattern and get the ball rolling.


With my $100 share I can buy direct from Capral 36 metres of sailtrack and still have some change left over. But even I, with all the jigs I made ;) , could only use about 12 metres.

Peter.

[rev]

I've been an admirer of Sturdee's application of sail track to overcome the problem of T-track availability.

The inside dimensions of the lipped channel #N4508 is 16mm x 11mm I think. A standard 3/8 bolt should slide nicely in this gap and yet not rotate when a nut is tightened. This also leaves room in the depth for pan-head screw fixing through the bottom of the channel without the screw head and bolt head coming into conflict when sliding the bolt along the channel. This might present some small advantages over the sail track - no need to grind any bolt heads, no need to countersink (difficult through a 10mm opening; also probably produces a more secure fixture), nice square neat finish (apologies Sturdee;) - after seeing your stuff that sounds cheeky!). The cost is probably also similar to sailtrack since it has about the same amount of metal for a given length. I imagine that had he come across this first Sturdee might have used it instead of sailtrack. Anyway the bottom line is that sailtrack is readily available the other is not.

[bitingmidge]

Interesting: The "Capral" track is in a bit of short supply in Qld. There is currently one 4m length and the guys on the Sunshine Coast tell me there is a $20.00 surcharge to order it in. I spoke to a Capral person in Brisbane who was completely disinterested and didn't even know of the existence of the section (it is listed in their own Catalogue under "Marine" Products).

The track is designed as a mast track, and takes slides made in stainless steel or plastic (available from your local chandler) if anyone can think of an application for them. There is also a heavier section listed in Capral's catalogue with a slightly larger overall dimension as well.

I have found another source (Headland Glass for those near the Sunshine Coast) who were happy to order it direct from the guys that sell it to Capral.

I'll post the company details when I get them.

Cheers,

P

[MrFixIt]

Hi

I really don't know why you would go past the Capral sail track. It is cheap enough and normal cup head bolts fit in it and all you have to do is drill and countersink the holes as pointed out by Sturdee.
You ususally have to grind/file the cup head bolts on the top of the bolt and the edge, to provide "flats" that slide in the track to make it fit properly - at least that's what I found with my bolts and track. Otherwise OK.


It is available in all Capital cities and if you live in the country and arrange the transport they will send it to you.It was only available in Perth via the local sail makers. There was no other demand for the extrusion, so only the sail makers carried it. :D

[Sturdee]

I've been an admirer of Sturdee's application of sail track to overcome the problem of T-track availability.


Thank Rev. I always appreciate getting feedback and if my ideas help others than posting them has been worthwile.



This might present some small advantages over the sail track - no need to grind any bolt heads, no need to countersink (difficult through a 10mm opening; also probably produces a more secure fixture), nice square neat finish (apologies Sturdee;) - after seeing your stuff that sounds cheeky!).


Grinding the heads of bolts and drilling countersink holes is not difficult but I have a grinder and drill press set up ready for use. BTW no apologies necessary.



The cost is probably also similar to sailtrack since it has about the same amount of metal for a given length. I imagine that had he come across this first Sturdee might have used it instead of sailtrack. Anyway the bottom line is that sailtrack is readily available the other is not.


Possibly, but now that I am using sailtrack I would not change. Which type of track you use is not important provided it is available and cheap. When I found out about sailtrack from others on this board the alternative available at that stage was 24" lenghth of T-track from Carbatec at about $24. a length. :mad: as such sailtrack was a much better proposition. ;)

Peter.

[scooter]

I ordered a length (4m I think) or this from Capral in Greens Rd, Dandenong about 6 weeks ago, cost $10.95 I think.

The guy there said different Capral "shops" (for want of a better word) carried different lines of stock, but he was willing to order it in, just wanted me to pay for the order up front which was fair enough.

It came down from Sydney I think and took about 4 days, they rang me when it came in - quite happy with their service.

Now just got to extract the digit and use the stuff!!

Cheers..........Sean

[Barry_White]

Hi
You ususally have to grind/file the cup head bolts on the top of the bolt and the edge, to provide "flats" that slide in the track to make it fit properly - at least that's what I found with my bolts and track. Otherwise OK. :DThere are different brands of cup head bolts in the market. I have actually bought some that went straight into the sail track with out grinding them. The Zenith brand have a "Z" embossed on the top and this has to be ground off. I have never had to grind of the edge to create flats and the square section under the head is what locks the the bolt in the track.

[MrFixIt]

Hi Barry
There are different brands of cup head bolts in the market. I have actually bought some that went straight into the sail track with out grinding them. The Zenith brand have a "Z" embossed on the top and this has to be ground off. I have never had to grind of the edge to create flats and the square section under the head is what locks the the bolt in the track.
Hmmm? Ok I'll check out any other cup head bolts I can find. I do realise that the square under the bolt head prevents the bolt from turning. I had to grind "flats" on my cup head bolts just to get them to fit into the track.
I have a tiny sample piece of track, I'll do a little "shopping" today.

[stevephillips]

OK so this stuff isnt quite what you may be after but for building jigs and easy fences its tops. I got it free on some office partitions that were given to me but the salvage yards have it and no doubt the people who make partitions and the like can sell it to you. Ive used it as a fence on a drill press bench top that cost me nix and is based on an item from a well known woodies store that costs $149.95

[davo453]

Found this link http://www.schsons.com/jigs/mini_channel.html it's for galvanized steel track and seems to be pretty cheap, can't think of a reason why it really needs to be aluminum.

I guess there might be the usual problems with shipping though. They also sell various fittings for it.

Cheers Dave

[Bob Willson]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=440 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD height=8>
http://www.schsons.com/jigs/mini_channel.html


</TD></TR><TR><TD>http://www.schsons.com/jigs/images/300mc.jpg (http://www.schsons.com/jigs/images/larger_views/300mc.jpg)Mini Channel is made of galvanized steel, making it extremely durable and 1/5th the price of aluminum</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
60" Length
#300MC-60 $9.95


Can't really see that it is cheaper than sail track. Unless of course it includes all those fittings.

[Wayne Davy]

I was at Scurrs Mitre 10 at Mt Gravatt Brisbane this morning and noticed a pile of old Alum Extrusions. Upon closer inspection I could not believe my eyes, it was about 20 3m lengths of proper T TRACK!! They look like they are second hand and probably were part of some old display stands I guess. I asked one of the sales guys and he could not find them in the Computer so we ended up agreeing on $5 per 3m length (I got 3 probably should have got more - so cheap).

Attached are some pic's with 1/4" cup head bolts in the track. I have also included a pic of the Capral Sail Track for comparison. Also a pic of the manufactures sticker which says it is "Centor A10 Cabinet Track".

The dimensions of the track are:
12mm high
19mm wide
7mm gap

If you are looking for them, I found them on the third landing of the staircase just above the tool/hardware section.

[bitingmidge]

Crikey Wayne, I reckon your a better shopper than my missus!!;)

Well done on the track AND the price... I just took delivery of 8 metres of sail track yesterday, so I really don't need any more for a week or two. :(

The section had to be out there somewhere, it looks as though it is the head of a sliding door section.

Centor are at Eagle Farm I think Centor (http://www.centor.com.au) ...Yep!!

It may be worth a bit of a poke around their catalogue......but I don't think they'll match that price!!!

Cheers,

P

[Wayne Davy]

Thanks Midge - I do seem to be on a roll of late (touch wood). Also picked up some cheap Meranti this morning 68mm x 42mm at $4.10 pm. Just had to have something to feed the new Table Saw and Drum Sander :D

[Sturdee]

Very good find Wayne.
You probably should have got more than 3 as you can always find more uses for them as time goes on.


Peter.

[Wayne Davy]

You probably should have got more than 3
Peter,

Well I got 3 which is 9 metres which should do me for a while as I have already made most of the neccessary Jigs using the Sail Track. I actually would have love to have bought the lot but I thought SWMBO would have killed me after the spending spree I had at the Wood Show the other weekend. Also, I thought I had better leave some for the other Brissy Woodies (I'm such a nice guy ;) )

[Wayne Davy]

I just notice how many views this thread has got - 2,326. Maybe some importers/manufacturers should take note.

[rev]

Maybe some importers/manufacturers should take note.
Amen to that!
Carbatec get in some INCRA stuff. Incra and others also make some excellent looking extrusions with scales available at very good prices in the US. I'm sure there would be a good market for them here. http://www.woodpeck.com/ttrackmain.html

Anyone from Carbatec listening (PLEASE)?