T track and router fences

[nickson71]

Hi all


How many of the people here that built a router table have used T track for the fence positioning and lock down

if not what method have you used .........


Ian

 

[Waka]

Not used it on my router table, but have done so on my drill press table, and very good it is too.

 

[George_N]

I made an L-shaped fence for my table, which is held in position with a couple of G clamps. Quick and easy to set and you can set the fence at almost any angle relative to the table top. For example, my router is set close to the front of the table but if I want to edge profile wide panels I can flip the fence to the narrow side and have much more support for the workpiece. It also helps if the table is fitted with locking castors so that it can be swiveled round easily.

 

[nickson71]

Thanks for the replys

My problem is I've only got a very small workshop and I was thinking on making the routertable as a built-in unit if and when the need for larger work comes up I was thinking of a second top that could be mounted on a workbench and used out side.


as a result of this I've only got one side to clamp to hence to thought of using t track


Ian

 

[Slim]

Have a look at MartLewis's post in the projects forum. He had an excelent idea of using drawer slides for fence positioning. A brainwave if you ask me.

 

[LyNx]

a threaded insert in the approx position each end of the table top and a slot in the same position on the fence. I then just bolt the fence to the table top. If you need to move it, undo one bolt and give it a knock

Plain and simple :roll:

 

[nickson71]

thanks again


basically I can't use the drawer slide idea as this needs two sides also. I've done a sketch up model which is shown below and it leaves me with either the bolts and slots idea or t track

I do fancy the t track and was wondering if it was problematic in this type of use

but also ready to listen to other peoples ideas


Ian

 

[paulm]

Same as Andy basically, four tee nut inserts on the underside of the top and a couple of ratchet handles with 8mm studding screwed down through slots in the fence base.

The tee nuts are obviously in pairs (left and right sided) with the second pair further back on the table top. Together with the slots in the fence base you have lots of adjustment.

Never seen the need for tracks or drawer slides as there is no need for precisely parallel adjustment as such, or none that I have needed anyway !

Cheers, Paul.

 

[mailee]

My table fence is adjusted with two handles threaded into captive nuts in the table top and allows some twist adjustment too. I do have a 'T' track but it is used as the mitre guide and also to clamp a featherboard to. I usually find simple is best. :wink:

 

[johnnyb]

commercially t tracks are used or edge clamps. one advantage of clamps is less holes and slots in the top this usually means flatter. norm routs two grooves in the top with a wider groove underneath and a hole in the fence. he then uses a t bolt and a female knob. forum members seem to prefer slot in fence captive/ tee nut on table although one nut would not give much adjustment on a sensible sized fence. my solution is....... two g clamps till i decide....... maybe ill never muster courage to put grooves into my beautiful flat table top and as one poster mentioned it does have advantages.