Extension Table with a T-Track

[curiousgeorge]

Chuck, Ed, thanks for your replies. The reason I was leaning toward the three vertical with the one horizontal is, like Ed, I like using pocket screws also and that seemed like it would afford the best configuration for that purpose.

Ed, I don't think that getting them squared will be that much of a problem. I will use a couple of "All-In-One" straight edge clamps with the t-channel between to set the spacing. Square them up, clamp them down, remove the channel and you have a guide for the top bearing router bit to ride on giving you a perfect (I hope) fit for the channel.

If I don't get in too big a hurry and forget, I will take some pictures of the process and post them.

Dusty, it just dawned on me that I am hijacking your thread. Please forgive this blunder and any future posts on this subject will be on a separate thread.

[dusty]

No apology needed. This sort of discussion is what the forum is all about.

[Ed in Tampa]

I was wandering around in Lowes today when it dawned on me, perhaps mounting SS t-slot track in my work bench might not be the smart move.

For my workbench I might use t-slot track from Rockler, Kreg or some other manufacture that produces the standard size. What made me start thinking this way is Lowes is now carrying some "Kobalt" clamps that are used in standard t-slot track.

I have to think on this a bit longer. I'm reasonably sure for any jig, fixture, or attachment that will go on my SS I will use SS track but for my work bench, and or anything that really isn't connected with the SS I may use the standard track.

I love the idea of having two different sizes. NOT!
Ed

[fjimp]

[quote="Ed in Tampa"]I was wandering around in Lowes today when it dawned on me, perhaps mounting SS t-slot track in my work bench might not be the smart move.

Ed,

I rather agree in that I decided not to build T Tracks into my work bench top. I prefer having a seperate flat surface that like a jig can be clamped to whatever surface I desire using it upon. I would like one that allows me to do things like use my router at what ever angle and for as long or short a distance as I wish. I would also like something that allows repetitive motions with ease. With one recent project I cut out a rectangular box to hold my colt router's faceplate within a specific area. It needed to be moved and the angle measuremant confirmed for each cut. It did allow the repetition I sought. With each repetition I found myself designing a T Track arrangement that would simplify the process. Given my weakness at math I hasn't happened yet. One day it will come together:p . Jim

[curiousgeorge]

Ed,
For standard size (3/4") t-track check out Peachtree Woodworking Supply (http://www.ptreeusa.com/ttrack_list.htm) or, believe it or not Harbor Freight (http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisear ... Submit=Go). It's hard to beat the HF price.

[Ed in Tampa]

Ed,
For standard size (3/4") t-track check out Peachtree Woodworking Supply (http://www.ptreeusa.com/ttrack_list.htm) or, believe it or not Harbor Freight (http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisear ... Submit=Go). It's hard to beat the HF price.

George
Thanks for the tips.

Jim
Don't misunderstand what I said I think putting t-tracks in my work bench is a super idea. I'm just tossed between which size to use. SS's or the industry standard. There is pros and cons for either and actually there is a third size the standard t-slot, SS t-slot and t-slot track that uses most other miter gauges. The standard t-slot is narrower than either the SS or the other saw manufactures t-slots.
I'm seriously considering Kreg's or Rockler but I will check both site George mentioned.
Ed

[a1gutterman]

...I'm just tossed between which size to use. SS's or the industry standard. There is pros and cons for either and actually there is a third size the standard t-slot, SS t-slot and t-slot track that uses most other miter gauges. The standard t-slot is narrower than either the SS or the other saw manufactures t-slots.
I'm seriously considering Kreg's or Rockler but I will check both site George mentioned.
Ed

Why choose? One possible solution wood be to make your bench top with, say, the SS "T" tracks and then make an additional (or as many as you want) bench top(s) that you can temporarily attach to the top of your bench, with "the other" size(s) "T" tracks installed. Heck, you could make a couple of different configurations with the same size "T" tracks too.

[Ed in Tampa]

Why choose? One possible solution wood be to make your bench top with, say, the SS "T" tracks and then make an additional (or as many as you want) bench top(s) that you can temporarily attach to the top of your bench, with "the other" size(s) "T" tracks installed. Heck, you could make a couple of different configurations with the same size "T" tracks too.

Tim
Great idea but you know what? I'm slowly but surely filling my shop (garage) up with jigs, fixtures, and other attachments. All I need is some table tops to figure out where to store. I don't know if you ever watch Alton Brown of "Good Eats" on the food network but he has a philosphy, if a tool (kitchen) does only one thing he doesn't buy it. His tools all serve at least dual purposes and often more. If you ever went to a kitchen supply store you will see they can fill a kitchen like a tool supply store can fill a shop. Alton Brown's idea has real merit in both saving room and saving money.

Here is my plan. I going to take a SS t-nut over to Woodcraft and see what t-tracks it will go into. Then I going to look at all the oem accessories that fit the t-tracks the t-nuts won't go into. Then I'm going to decide what clamps, stop blocks, t-slot accessories I consider essential and which I can live without. I think that should reveal my answer real quick.
Ed

[Ed in Tampa]

Also since we have totally derailed Dusty's thread let me say I'm totally convinced the old style bench with a shoulder and tail vises are simply not the way to go with the lastest stuff out.

I'm even considering recessing a t-slot track on the front edge of the bench top so I can vertically clamp, mount stop blocks, holders and other jigs.

I don't mean to beat another horse but Festool has a bench out called the multi function table. It has rails and tracks all over it. Now Kreg came out with a table and I believe benchdog or Rockler has something similar.

I think people are learning the old shoulder/tail vises are simply to limiting in light of all the neat stuff that has come out in the past few years.
Ed

[a1gutterman]

Tim
Great idea but you know what? I'm slowly but surely filling my shop (garage) up with jigs, fixtures, and other attachments. All I need is some table tops to figure out where to store. I don't know if you ever watch Alton Brown of "Good Eats" on the food network but he has a philosphy, if a tool (kitchen) does only one thing he doesn't buy it. His tools all serve at least dual purposes and often more. If you ever went to a kitchen supply store you will see they can fill a kitchen like a tool supply store can fill a shop. Alton Brown's idea has real merit in both saving room and saving money.

Here is my plan. I going to take a SS t-nut over to Woodcraft and see what t-tracks it will go into. Then I going to look at all the oem accessories that fit the t-tracks the t-nuts won't go into. Then I'm going to decide what clamps, stop blocks, t-slot accessories I consider essential and which I can live without. I think that should reveal my answer real quick.
Ed

Hey Ed, at least you have a plan. Although I avoid watching much TV].[/B] But with that said, the bench that I was describing, in a way, is one tool that has more then one use. Of course, like you implied, it wood take up storage room.