Mitre slots

[Lurker]

For table saws, band saws and router tables.
If you have t slots not too many problems, but what do you do if like me the slot side is straight, the slot is just a rectangle.

Anyone got clever ideas?
I want to fix feather boards etc .
I have a cheapo cutting board from Tesco that I plan to slice up to make runners.

 

[TrimTheKing]

What do you mean “What do you do?” I have T slots on mine but things like my crosscut sled and other jigs I just planed a strip down to run in the track, without being deep enough to bottom out.

Some of them I used a little eccentric cam to push against the outside edge of the track to keep the runner pushed up against the side nearest to the blade.

Other than that I don’t do anything to keep them pulled down other than hand pressure.

I’m terms of fixing down feather boards etc there’s some great videos and examples of people using magnets in the bases of them to fix them to CI tables.

 

[DaveL]

If you want to lock things in place, drill a hole in the insert and countersink the underside. Then the the tricky bit, cut a slit though the hole, parallel to the insert. Fit a counter sunk screw up though the insert, use a knob to tighten the screw, that will expand the insert so it locks in the mitre slot.

 

[Lurker]

I am ok regarding sliding in the slots.

The cam idea is of interest if you can elaborate.
I have bought magnets to make Steve Maskerys jig for the steel topped TS, but my bandsaw has a aluminium table.

 

[Lurker]

If you want to lock things in place, drill a hole in the insert and countersink the underside. Then the the tricky bit, cut a slit though the hole, parallel to the insert. Fit a counter sunk screw up though the insert, use a knob to tighten the screw, that will expand the insert so it locks in the mitre slot.

Interesting!, I will experiment with that, thanks.

 

[Craig Salisbury]

a bit spendy, but you can but maglock featherboards, or possibly make some?

 

[Lurker]

a bit spendy, but you can but maglock featherboards, or possibly make some?

You lost me at “a bit spendy ”

 

[Ayreon]

As already mentioned, you can use this kind of doodar. A picture says a thousands words



They can be had very cheaply or you can make your own.

I would love to try the maglocks, but haven't found anywhere selling them for a sensible price. I did try the type of magnetic lock you get for dial indicators, btu I haven't found they to be strong enough.

 

[Lurker]

That looks very interesting, thanks!

 

[DaveL]

Here are a couple I have bought.

 

[Steve Maskery]

And the making of same here:
https://www.table-saw-guide.com/featherboard.html
S

 

[Lurker]

Thanks chaps.
I made one this morning using a slice of polyethylene chopping board (£2 from Tesco).
It’s not worked too well but I think I know why, mark 2 should be better.
Thanks for the link Steve, that looks just the ticket.