Many of the woodworking jigs and fixtures I make have at least one length of t-track built into them.
A t-slot aluminum extrusion provides an easy way to make jigs usable for different size workpieces as well as adding an adjustable clamping point for jig accessories such as stop blocks and toggle clamps.
This 1/4″ t-slot track has a groove down the middle to keep the drill bit from wandering off center when drilling mounting holes.
A t-slot extrusion can be used in other places besides jigs. Use a pair on a router table to make an adjustable fence. Or use one on the fence to hold a featherboard or two.
Use them whenever you need to clamp anything anywhere along a straight line.
The two most common t-slot sizes are 1/4″ and 5/16″. These two sizes will cover most every woodworking application. In fact, I use 1/4″ most of the time because it’s cheaper and plenty strong for what I use it for.
These t nuts and t bolts make it easy to attach clamps and other accessories to the t-track.
It is best to use t-nuts and t-bolts when attaching accessories to the track. Regular nuts and bolts can wreck the slot if overtightened.
If you have to use a regular hex bolt, use a small washer to prevent the head of the bolt from digging into the soft aluminum.
I like to get my t-bolts extra long and cut them down to the length needed for each application. This way I only need to keep one length in each size on hand.
Mounting the t track
No matter what your application, you’ll have to cut a dado with either a table saw or router to mount the track flush with it’s neighboring surface.
A 3/4″ x 3/8″ deep dado is cut to keep this t track level with the top of the workpiece. I cut this dado with the table saw.
The 1/4″ track that I use requires a dado that is 3/8″ deep and 3/4″ wide. The 5/16″ track needs a dado 7/16″ deep by 7/8″ wide. I think these are fairly standard sizes, but always measure first before cutting.
Some t-track comes with pre-drilled mounting holes, but the version I like to use requires you to drill your own holes. They do however, provide a small groove in the center to help keep the drill bit from wandering.
Drilling your own holes takes a little extra time, but allows me to place them where it’s convenient or necessary. I found with the other stuff, I was drilling extra holes where I needed them anyway.
Where to buy
I live in a small city of 35,000 people with only two major building supply centers. Trying to find stuff like this is maddening, so for years I’ve been ordering hard to find items online.
I get a lot of my jig parts from Lee Valley here in Canada. Look under hardware — Jig & Fixture Parts. They have a very nice selection of top quality goodies, even if they are a bit pricey.
The last couple of years the Canadian dollar has been hanging fairly close to the American dollar in value and I find myself hopping across the virtual border to shop for items that are just plain cheaper in the US… even with shipping.
Amazon.com has a good variety of t-track from different manufacturers as well as other useful jig hardware. Rockler Woodworking has a nice blue anodized t track for those that like to color co-ordinate their woodworking equipment.
If you have any questions or comments about this article, don’t hesitate to contact me and let me know.
