Thread: T Track alternative

I have also seen T-track router cutters. Again not sure how strong a track routed in timber would be. I think it would clamp OK but maybe not hold as much force if there was a jig or fence etc that would try and lever up out of the track.

Peter

T Track cutter router bit
I use it when I make fences for my router and saws.
Depends how deep you make the T slot into the MDF
how strong it is.Have not had any troubles at all.
When it gets worn,I just make a new MDF fence.Also use when making a jig .Can throw it away after use as they dont cost megabucks for track etc.Has saved me a lot of time and money.
Got mine from MCJING .Cant remember price ,but think around $20

don't know about in other states but in qld the back of some road signs use varying sizes of sign track, some of which is similar in size to t-track but a little deeper. i managed to pro-cure some(19mm W x 17mm D) from some-one who works in the industry (recycled to me and not the scrap merchant) and used it on my router table top and fence (yet to be completed, will post pics when done). have tried to find the distributor of this but as yet have had no luck so is possibly a special extrusion.

I am with Aussie on this one. I use a pair of cutters, one to make the original slot and the other to cross the tee. How well they work is dependant on two factors. One is depth but the other is the material used. For example my drill press has a jarrah fence and as we all know jarrah is hard. Won't wear out that slot. Haven't used it on mdf, but then I don't use paper very much, I prefer wood work.

Jerry

War does not decide who is right. War only decides who is left.

Originally Posted by jerryc

. . . . . and as we all know jarrah is hard. Won't wear out that slot. .

Actually, Jarrah is not that hard and is one of the softer Australian Eucalypts.

Jarrah has a Janka hardness of 8.5 kN, whereas something like Spotted Gum is 11 kN, Tassie Blue Gun is 12 kN, and CookTown Ironwood and Gidgee which can go as high as 18 kN - now these are HARD.

As for wooden T-tracks, short ones eg up to 8 - 12" long can be made using a long drill and a saw. Drill a hole through the wood the width of the T-head and the then cut through to the hole with a saw, two cuts may be needed to open up the lot - the end result is more of a keyway than a slot but it can still work OK.



I've done this on several tools including this one and it works fine. BTW that is Jam wood - now that's hard!

Well hush mah mouth. Jarrah ain't hard. Thankee kindly BobL. Seems we have have to learn something each day.

Jerryc

War doesn't decide who is right. War only decides who is left.

I've done a bit with 40 year old iron bark. Trust me, Jarrah ain't hard.

Pretty pieces those. Nice grain...

Yeah, you can get a nail into Jarrah without a pilot hole

Peter

Got da message, folks. Jarrah ain't hard.

Jerryc

War does not decide who is right. War only decides who is left

Jerryc, jarrah ain't that hard.
lol.
srry i couldn't resist.

Is this the bit you were talking about Aussie?
http://www.mcjing.com.au/routerbits/index.htm

Originally Posted by BobL

I've done this on several tools including this one and it works fine. BTW that is Jam wood - now that's hard!

Pardon my ignoramous self but what is that fine looking Jig you have made?

I like to know also
les

Originally Posted by Hickory

Pardon my ignoramous self but what is that fine looking Jig you have made?

Look here