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Sometimes you feel like a nut and some times you don't....... Sometimes you need a special stock t-slot and sometimes you don't. Today we are going to look at making what I am calling a special t-slot. First up you need a special bit and for that you need to order from Axminster in the UK. The bit is called, wait for it a t-slot cutter. Now it is possible that someone else makes and sells a bit like this but I did not find one.
The first thing I wanted to do is figure out the placement of the slot in the work piece. I would not normally do this but for today's post I mounted the bit and then "centered" where the slot was going to be. I marked the work piece with the maximum depth that would be cut.
Then I wanted to cut away the center of the T. I had an 8mm bit to do that but for the router mounted I needed to have either a 1/4" or 1/2" bit. The simple fix is to use an 8mm to 1/2" adapter, which of course I had.
Using the general rule of going no deeper then diameter of the bit I made my first pass. No I did not measure, just visual cue as to about half way.
This was followed by a second pass to full depth.
Now with out moving the fence I changed back to the other cutter. I'm not even sure why but I learned to leave a bit of gap on the bottom of the slot which can be seen here.
In the next post I will show the reason for the "special" t-slot.

Ed

Warning there are pictures of Festool tools in this post.

Festool has a t-slot that is found on their tracks and MFT's and Kapex and perhaps other places. The items that fit in this t-slot do not fit in the general t-track I have. I think there are t-tracks that fit but you are on your own if you want to track them down. There is information somewhere on line but I don't recall where.

Here is an example of the clamp in a track:
So first and foremost does the clamp fit my new slot? Wouldn't be posting this if it didn't.
This will allow things to be clamped down to the surface or flipped over and used to hold things down. Think about say vice or other jig that you want to clamp to your work bench sort of like this:
I have several projects in mind. Just need the time to do them. Anyway I'm pretty happy how this came together.

Ed

Whiteside has T-slot bits.

https://www.whitesiderouterbits.com/sea ... pe=product

FYI if you are looking for another bit here is the configuration you would look for:
You might be able to find something close but I would not go any smaller in any dimension.

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new image with correct information put in thread.

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Ed

I can not begin say how much we use a keyhole bit , it works great for hanging picture frames , even used it for the HDP I attached to the SS fence, the groves allow for stops , feather boards jigs and such .

Ed you made a point saying you learned to leave a gap at the bottom of the slot but you never mentioned why. What is it’s function or purpose?

Ed said he wasn't sure why he learned to do that.

Ed in Tampa wrote: Wed Mar 23, 2022 8:25 am Ed you made a point saying you learned to leave a gap at the bottom of the slot but you never mentioned why. What is it’s function or purpose?

The SS T-slot has a similar profile on main tables but not on anything else I can think of. Nothing I've ever used requires one Vs the other. Maybe a small relief for thread clearance when you screw something into a T-nut? I can think of a few times I wish I had that...

Other Ed - you sure about those dimensions? From the label I think "D" is 13mm and the 12.7mm goes with the shank (aka 1/2"). I like the 8mm collet adapter, I was looking for an 8mm collet for my router. Duh... Probably available everywhere, but do you recall brand, and do you like it?

- David

Thanks for catching the "D" error. Can't change the drawing but added a note as to the correct dimension in the post.

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Bad image removed and new correct image put in its place.

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The adapter is from Amana Tool RB-118. Big thumbs up on everything Amana.

Ed

For anyone wanting a pre-made t-track that fits Festool clamps:

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/ha ... -18-thread

Might be others but I personally check this out with a recent purchase of a 2' section.

Ed