Over the top of my shapeoko XL I added another layer of 3/4 MDF with t-track between each piece of MDF. The t-track screws into the MDF that came with the shapeoko.
I was worried about the clamping strength of the t-track given it was held in place by a few small screws driven into MDF. Seems like every time I tightened down on a clamp that was attached to the t-track, I could hear the MDF underneath responding to the increased tension of the clamp. It did not take long for the first t-track screw to fail.
My question is: If you have t-track installed, what do you use to mount it to that allows sufficient holding power for a clamp or fixture that holds your work piece?
I’ve actually used an 18mm ‘spacer’ board between the baseboard and the waste board.
I cut grooves into the waste board for the T tracks, then used countersunk screws and thread inserts to secure them together. I then used long hex screws to secure the waste board to the baseboard (with the space board in between!) using six 6mm threaded inserts into the baseboard.
If you’d prefer a picture to my ramblings, I’d be happy to oblige
I used #8 3/4 in screws. Seems to be holding well. I also try to limit the amount of crank down force needed so if the board is not very flat to begin with, I will try to surfance with my other tools.
I just used the screws included in the T-track kit (or the lengths of T-track which I bought separately and installed myself which were shorter) — I did seal my MDF wasteboard first which I think helps with its longevity and pre-drilled the holes and cleared the debris from drilling before installing so as to ensure that the hardware gets a good hold.
I did consider drilling through and putting in T-nuts from underneath, but given that the load should be distributed across the length of the T-track that seemed overkill.
The wasteboard MDF strips you use between the T-tracks should have a lip that over hangs the edge of the T-track. Then the T-track is actually pulling on the upper MDF wastboard which is mounted more securely to the bottom MDF.
Also, be sure you are not trying to use too much force to hold down what you are cutting.
Thank you for the pic. Question: what size screws did you use for the t-track? and if I understood you correctly, the screw goes through the t-track and threads into an insert, correct?
That’s correct. I got these these and these from Amazon and put the threaded inserts into the spacer board as the waste board wasn’t thick enough once I’d cut the grooves out. I’ll make the cut shallower next time, though.
Threaded inserts in the baseboard will give you much more holding power. You will have to measure your screws, which are probably #6 or #8 flathead. Get #6-32 or #8 brass inserts and drill the hole and sink the brass inserts in to he base board where your current screw holes are. Get some #6 or #8 flathead machine screws to match the thread pitch of the inserts.
