T-Tracks For Jigs And Hold-Downs
By Stuart Deutsch
T-tracks provide variable mounting points for jigs, hold-downs, featherboards, and other accessories. You cut them to the desired length and install them flush with your work surface, using flat-head screws. With the track installed, you can secure your jig or accessory to your work surface with T-bolts or 1/4″ hex head bolts paired with nuts or threaded knobs.
T-tracks commonly measure 1/2″ deep, 3/4″ wide, and 12″ or 48″ long. Tracks with these dimensions accept T-bolts or 1/4″ hex head bolts, while larger tracks accept 5/16″ fasteners. The deeper trench of the Incra T-track, shown above, conveniently accepts bolt ends and nuts as well.
If you secure your jig with hex head bolts, you’ll have to slide them in from the end of the T-track, which can be a PITA if you’ve already got accessories in place. T-bolts, on the other hand, you can install at any point on the track — just insert and rotate. You might have more trouble finding them locally, though.
Whichever bolts you go with, threaded knobs maximize the ease of using your T-track.
T-Tracks [Incra]
T-Tracks and Accessories [Rockler]
T-Track Accessories [Woodcraft]
T-Tracks and Accessories [MLCS]
McMaster Carr [Corporate Site]
Incra 24″ T-Track Via Amazon (B0000DD5EX) [What’s This?]
January 4th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Thanks for the link. I’ve been looking for some of these for some jigs I’m making for the table-saw. I didn’t see them walking around my local hardware store or the big box.
January 5th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I wish I knew about this earlier. I was looking for a way to mount some cable assembly fixtures to a workbench. I settled on channel strut (Unistrut) cause just about everybody carries. Though I’m locked into using nuts designed for the channel.
January 11th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
The easiest source of T-bolts is in the plumbing isle. Just get the bolts designed for holding down your toilet. They are brass so it’s harder to screw up your AL T-track, and often cheaper that true T-bolts.
As to where to find the T-track, Rockler sells a starter kit which comes with a 4′ length of track as well as a whole bunch of T-bolts and knobs.
January 13th, 2008 at 11:25 am
This morning (1/13) I got an email from Rockler that has their T-track kits on sale - Buy 1 get 1 free.
January 13th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Well, those kits have been on sale for a few days now. It’s a pretty good deal, but the lack of free shipping is disappointing.
Also, it seems to be fit for 5/16″ hardware only. You don’t need to buy two, one unit is still on sale, but if you’ve got to pay for shipping, one may as well purchase two.
I still prefer Incra’s T-track styling since it accepts 1/4″ bolt heads.