T-Slots

[phardy79]

Does anyone use extruded aluminum T-Slots as a material hold-down system for their Bot? We currently screw the materials down. That works great, but I am getting tired of replacing my table so frequently. Besides using a vaccum, I want to find an easy way to secure my large (4' x 8') and small (1' x 1') materials.

Can anyone post a picture of thier current hold-down systems? Thank you.

Paul Hardy

[dlcw]

Paul,

I use a 4 x 4 piece of MDO with slots cut into it. In these slots I put T-track recessed 1/16" below the surface. I made some clamps that have the shape of half a biscuit and will fit in a biscuit slot. When I create my blanks for cutting/carving, I cut #20 biscuit slots and then use the combination of T-tracks, and the 'clamps' to hold material down. The vacuum system then holds the MDO nice and flat.

Disregard the slots cut at 90 degrees to the T-tracks. I thought I would also put T-track there but decided against it. The next MDO board will only have the slots for the T-track.

Picture attached.

[bleeth]

You may want to check out this article written by Dave Buchsbaum some years ago:
http://www.shopbotblog.com/index.php...ew-friend-cam/

Lots of guys have used his cam holders and track idea.

[adrianm]

It's worth doing a forum search on the subject as well. It comes up a lot. I remember posting pictures of my setup at least three times.

[coryatjohn]

I outfitted my table with both traditional (wood) and T-slot extrusions. I have it split with a 96x48 section of wooden table with a vacuum plenum and 13.5" of clamp area using the T-Slot material. I use 4.5" x 1.5" (series 15) extruded aluminum from 80/20.

The extrusions I use are slightly smaller than SB's standard side components (6" x 1.5" vs. 4.5" x 1.5") but the same T bolts fit.

A standard 5/16" carriage bolt works great in the series 15 style extrusion.

Here's a picture of my setup:

[benchmench]

Depending on your material, pin nails may be a good alternative to screws since they don't chew up the spoilboard and remove easily with pliers.

[phardy79]

Everyone, thank you all for your wisdom. Some people go to Google for answers, but I have found that the best answers are found on this forum. I will let you know what we decide.

[gc3]

Depending on your material, pin nails may be a good alternative to screws since they don't chew up the spoilboard and remove easily with pliers.

http://raptornails.com/ these work great http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=8VzekKsbWdA

[Ajcoholic]

I use aluminum T track for 90% of my hold downs. I have the strips of 3/4" MDF holding down the track on the base layer of 3/4" MDF... glued and screwed from underneath.

I use the Incra brand aluminum clamps - they can hold down up to 2 1/2" thick material. I have the track spaced so I can get on the outer edge of a 48" by 48" sheet.

I still screw down custom fixtures, etc from time to time but most of the time 4 or 6 clamps does the trick.

AJC

[gerryv]

Andrew,
Do you have any issues with the MDF strip edges chipping during the flattening routine?