T-track reference

[gwyneth]

Unless somebody knows of one that already exists, I am compiling a list of t-track brands-- sizes, fasteners and compatibility.

I know there's lots of info in the forum about various kinds, but one central reference would save a lot of stress (at least for me)....because woodworking suppliers toss the term "standard" around a little too loosely.

Even HF had it in a recent catalog (separate SKUs for a two-ft length and an interesting looking intersection).

Thoughts?

[docrowan]

Gwyneth,

No advice, but do you plan getting it into the articles section of this site?

[messmaker]

I am pretty sure WOOD did a breakdown on this about a year ago. I can't come up with the issue right now. I will look again if nobody else has the info.

[LCHIEN]

Gwyneth,
yes, can be quite different. Good project.
The key figures will be

cost per 4ft section or per 1ft
Width (e.g. dado width to be cut)
overall Height (e.g. dado depth required, penetration into thinner substrates)
width of opening (will it accomodate 5/16 or 1/4" threaded bolts)
Width of inner track (will it handle 1/2" or 7/16" hex heads for 5/16 and 1/4" bolts respectively)
Height of inner track (will it accomodate the thickness of hex bolt heads or require true T-bolts)
Standard lengths available

Sources to start:
T-Track USA
Might-T track
Rockler
Woodcraft
Woodhaven
Incra
others

[LarryG]

Great idea. Adding to Loring's list:

Screw holes already drilled, or undrilled?
If drilled, what's the hole spacing?
Centerline groove included? (see Woodpeckers or Lee Valley track for example)
Available colors/finishes?
What accessories (stops, intersections, etc) are available?

For the cost, you might mention whether the vendor charges extra shipping for lengths over a certain size. Some do, some don't.

Where possible, you might include a link directly to the relevant page on the vendor's web site.

[eddy merckx]

Don't forget Kreg.

[ragswl4]

Its a great idea and whatever you come up with will be helpful and appreciated. Lets us know when and where you post it.

[gwyneth]

Gwyneth,

No advice, but do you plan getting it into the articles section of this site?

Of course! It's a group project (look at the excellent input already), and the whole idea is to share knowledge and save energy. I doubt I'm the only person who has spent a lot of time trying to figure out whether to order this or that or forget the whole thing.

Let's not forget T-track components of other things, as well--one of the big selling points of Benchdog router fences, for example is "standard T-tracks on front and back".

(When I'm dictator, nobody will be allowed to describe T-track as 'standard'.)

Miter tracks have some relationship to this subject as well, because although there is pretty much a standard for the term when it refers to slots built into tool tables, the type of extruded aluminum sold as 'miter track' doesn't seem to be quite as uniform.

[gwyneth]

What accessories (stops, intersections, etc) are available?

That's really the key*--will brand X track work with brand Y accessory?


*Also the paralysing frustration that spawned the idea...

[gad5264]

Supertrack

gwyneth,
Would you consider adding this to your collection?

http://www.woodpeck.com/supertrack.html

[gwyneth]

gwyneth,
Would you consider adding this to your collection?

http://www.woodpeck.com/supertrack.html

Thanks!

Any and all t-track we can reference is good (excepting, of course, something like specialized titanium NASA-level stuff available only if somebody buys a traincar full).

I haven't combed through the Woodpecker info yet, but they have some wonderful-looking accesories that perfectly illustrate the need for a reference: will they work with Brand Z track, or "what we already have"?

[linear]

Not quite the spec you just mentioned, but check this out:
http://8020.net/T-Slot-1.asp
http://8020.net/T-Slot-4.asp

This company dumps overstock on ebay, and from time to time you can get useful items. It may not be a mainstream supplier of track for woodworkers. At least they have a lot of data where it's easy for you to get to!

[gsmittle]

Unless somebody knows of one that already exists, I am compiling a list of t-track brands-- sizes, fasteners and compatibility.

I know there's lots of info in the forum about various kinds, but one central reference would save a lot of stress (at least for me)....because woodworking suppliers toss the term "standard" around a little too loosely.

Even HF had it in a recent catalog (separate SKUs for a two-ft length and an interesting looking intersection).

Thoughts?

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

Sounds like this could turn into a database project, complete with compatability charts, etc.

g.

[gwyneth]

Not quite the spec you just mentioned, but check this out:
http://8020.net/T-Slot-1.asp
http://8020.net/T-Slot-4.asp

This company dumps overstock on ebay, and from time to time you can get useful items. It may not be a mainstream supplier of track for woodworkers. At least they have a lot of data where it's easy for you to get to!

Excellent! I've seen pages and pages about their Industrial Errector Set(TM) in the Enco catalog but somehow never related it to woodworking.

Non-mainstream sources are great--but any place that publishes prices, doesn't require the specs/quotes/distributors/reps process, and will sell somebody a few feet (i.e., not require that somebody buy a zillion bucks worth) is 'mainstream', as far as I'm concerned.

[linear]

http://stores.ebay.com/8020-Inc-Garage-Sale is the ebay link.