T-track question . . .

[wimblejon]

Hi there,
I've built a crosscut sled for the CMS table saw (based on Woodwork Wizard's ideas back in 2013:http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/cms-table-saw-sled/msg472461/#msg472461) and will share the amended design when it's complete.
But, I'd like to fix a strip of t-track to the rear fence to take the MFT/3-AR Adjustable Stop which I purchased to fit the CMS table fence.
Do you know if there is a brand of t-track, available in the U.K, which has the same section as the CMS fence track, or will work with the MFT/3-AR Adjustable Stop?

Having looked at all the different tracks on the net, I can't see one that will readily accept the Festool fittings - can you help?

Thanks in advance,

Jon

p.s. I've added a pic of the stop - do you know of a track that'll fit this? Thx

 

[mwildt]

Just tried to see if a Rockler t-track worked and it does not. Probably don't have it in the UK, but figured it could help someone else later. May have to look for metric based t-track. Did you check Axminster ?

 

[wimblejon]

Hi there mwildt,

Thanks so much for the reply and for trying the Rockler track.
Yes I've looked at the Axminster track and it's also too big (see attached image).
I may have to bite the bullet and go with a 'universal' t-track and adopt that system.
A bit crazy when Festool do their own!

Cheers,
Jon

 

[Wooden Skye]

I would go with Incra t track.  I have used with Festool clamps and works fine.  The other place you could try is Orange Aluminum, but not sure if they ship outside of the US.

 

[Woodwork Wizard]

I don't think Festool flag stops will fit any T-track apart from the Festool fences. If you want to use a Festool flag stop you'll probably have to buy the Festool MFT/3 fence which I think is about £63.

I use a G-clamp and a block...

 

[mwildt]

Got a request to check if the Rockler t-track would work with the Festool clamps. Unfortunately they do not. I then remembered that I actually had some Incra track that I use with the Seneca parallel cutting jig. Here the Festool clamps fit but the Festool Flag stop does not. One could modify the flag stop to work for both Rockler and Incra, like a modified nut, but it would still be too sloppy I think. See pictures.

Rockler
Festool clamps - no
Festool MFT3 flag stop - no. Too sloppy, side ways and twist. Could be modified but would still have the twist.

Incra track
Festool clamps - yes
Festool MFT3 flag stop - no. Too sloppy, side ways and twist. Could be modified but would still have the twist.

 

[wimblejon]

Thank you mwildt, Woodwork Wizard and Wooden Skye for your replies.
I like the idea of a G-clamp and block - I could even put a screwed stop on the block to provide some accurate adjustment . . .
Heck, who needs t-track anyway!  [smile]

 

[Woodwork Wizard]

[member=53673]wimblejon[/member]

I'd be very interested to see some photos of your table sled for the CMS table saw when it's all done but especially what you think of it. For small repeatable stuff I much prefer to use my DIY sled rather than the Festool sliding table/protractor/fence/stop. It feels much safer and there's no play at all in it. And the cut quality is better with the zero clearance.

Ian

 

[wimblejon]

Woodwork Wizard,

I have a 'pre-production' shot (attached) and will, if you or anyone else is interested, do a few more detailed pics.
I used oak for the two V rails, which received a good coating of slippery wax and the front and back fences (18mm birch ply) are raised about 1mm off the table. I used a set square both sides of the saw blade to set up the perpendicularity(?) of the back fence - seems to be good. Thanks for the idea, I love the finished tool - far cheaper than the Festool sliding table!

Jon

 

[Mark Johnson]

Would love to see some detailed shots when you can please.

 

[wimblejon]

Hi Mark,
  . . . will do over the next couple of days.

 

[Z48LT1]

Is there any extruded aluminum tube with appropriate dimensions that would allow you to slice a section out of the middle of one face the right width for your need?

Just spitballing here.

Cheers,

Gary

 

[wimblejon]

Hey Gary,

Thanks for that idea, I did consider 'making' my own track - but thought that a) I can't be the first person to ask such a crazy question as 'Does anyone make some t-track that fits the Festool accessories?' : and b) I'd rather spend a bit of money buying something that 'must' exist, somewhere ( . . . but clearly doesn't! . . . )

Any aluminum manufacturers out there care to run some up for us . . .?

btw, what is the English translation of 'spitballing'? 

 

[Z48LT1]

From the Urban Dictionary:

Spitballing:  1)To toss ideas around with no expectation of them coming to pass, to brainstorm. 2) To make harmless jibes or attacks; make weak accusations.

I just checked McMaster Carr, the go-to mail-order place for materials here in the colonies, and they have 1" square aluminum excuse me aluminium tubing in 1/8" and 3/16" wall thickness in hobby lengths for moderate prices.  You guys got one of those places?

BTW I got this idea from Mirock who used this method in designing his slick TS 55 based super table saw.

Cheers,

Gary

Just checked - Amazon UK seems to have you covered.

 

[DrD]

[member=3693]mwildt[/member] Looooooove a shop with it's own wine rack.

 

[mwildt]

[member=19075]DrD[/member] Sure comes handy from time to time [big grin]
Kidding aside its our multipurpose room in the basement. My wife sewing machine is about 6' to the left in that picture. It works since I use Festool with minimal dust escaping. I try to use the garage as well but only when we have warmer weather so I can roll the summer car out.

 

[wimblejon]

Z48LT1,
Thanks for the comprenensive explanation of your Americanese colloquialism and the recognition of the correct spelling of aluminium  [big grin]

Yes I saw Mirock's video, what a smart dude he is!
Thanks for the research in the 1" tubing and yes, I've located some here in the newly Independent British Monarchy (IBM, for short).

I'll post you pic if I get around to making some track.

Thanks for your help.
Jon

 

[wimblejon]

Z48LT1,
Thanks for the comprenensive explanation of your Americanese colloquialism and the recognition of the correct spelling of aluminium  [big grin]

Yes I saw Mirock's video, what a smart dude he is!
Thanks for the research in the 1" tubing and yes, I've located some here in the newly Independent British Monarchy (IBM, for short).

I'll post you pic if I get around to making some track.

Thanks for your help.
Jon

 

[Woodwork Wizard]

[member=53673]wimblejon[/member]

What a great idea to have just the two sides that slide in the V-grooves so there's no actual base plate on the sled so you don't lose any cut capacity. Impressive stuff. This is a major improvement on mine and I want one!

Ian

 

[wimblejon]

Here are the CMS sled pics, as promised - (please note, Eddie, one of our Maine Coons decided he wanted to participate in order to offer some scale to the images - unfortunately, now the CMS table looks way too small!!!)

As mentioned above, the runners are oak (only because I had some lying around), the back and front are 18mm ply, the 'wings are 9mm mdf (only because I had some lying around - I'd probably have gone with 9mm ply if I'd had some) and the spacers (between the MDF and the ends are slivers of oak, cut to create a 1mm gap between the back, the front and the table. I used a couple of coats of Briwax on the runners and boy, do they now run!  . . . though not as fast as Eddie when he wants feeding  [smile]

Jon