Drilling T-Track?

[scorrpio]

I bought this Irwin bit (1/2") at HD for about $7, it been good for all my countersinking needs.


Just a quick tip: when working with any kind of metal, use machine oil.

[Tom Miller]

I bought this three-piece set from Lee Valley....

That's going straight into my shopping cart, too. Thanks for pointing that one out, Larry!

One question, though, does it actually drill the hole in metal, or is it meant to be used in an existing hole in metal (as opposed to wood)? The description was a little ambiguous about it:

"Ideal for fast countersinking in wood, and dressing or resizing holes in hardware."

Thanks and regards ,
Tom

[LarryG]

One question, though, does it actually drill the hole in metal

Yes, it does. It's one-stop shopping: hole and countersink, all with the same bit, in a matter of seconds. As mentioned earlier, the slender shanks will clear the top flanges on T-track; larger-diameter countersinks have their uses but they won't work for this particular application.

They're intended only for non-ferrous metals, though ... aluminum, brass, copper, etc; not steel.

As a side note, I am partial to Lee Valley's aluminum extrusions in part because they have a little V-groove down the center of the bottom that makes it dead easy to get a row of screws perfectly aligned. Also because I prefer the neutral clear anodized finish over Rockler Blue.

[LCHIEN]

I like Larry's Countersink set from Lee Valley - probably just right for T-track. Scorrpio's 1/2" Irwin, the problem is that it won't fit between the flanges of the T-track.

RE: Rockler T-track vs. everyone elses:
The Rockler T-Track is attractively priced, with the bolts and knobs included. Also depends on whether you like the blue (and it doesn't always match from lot to lot so if you build something with T-Tracks from two batches, it won't match (DAMHIKT).
But the worst thing about Rockler's T-Track is that it won't take the ubiquitous 1/4-20 Hex head bolts, they just don't fit the track, while nearly everyone else's does. To me it's very convenient to use the 1/4-20 bolts, I guess though Rockler gives you enough of the their T-bolts it won't make a difference (so you won't have to add any of your own)? If you do have to add some, bear in mind that Rockler charges around a buck each for their T-bolts whereas you can get 1/4-20 bolts all day at Lowes for under $0.15 ea. Or even in my shop where I keep a small stock.

[Tom Miller]

...hole and countersink, all with the same bit, in a matter of seconds.

Excellent! Thanks!

I'm a sucker for the bargain of the Rockler t-track kits (on sale, $10-$11 for a 4', with an asst. of knobs and bolts). It could be warehouse red for that price!

Regards,
Tom

[Garasaki]

The knobs alone are worth more then 10 bucks IMO

I just received my first 2 kits in the mail.