Advice on adding T-track to a workbench

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eracode

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#318258 31-Dec-2024 08:37

I thought I saw a discussion about T-track here a few years ago but can't find anything now.

I am keen to do this - I'm sure a simple setup will transform my small bench. I should have done it years ago.

Not too concerned about the physical installation - that looks simple enough. More concerned about buying. The usual DIY outlets (Bunnings, M10 etc) don't sell it. I find that strange because I wouldn't have thought it's a niche product (pardon the pun 😀). Somewhat more specialist places like Machinery Warehouse and Carbatec sell track and a limited range of accessories - but they seem expensive for what is a fairly simple product.

Much cheaper options available via AliExpress and Temu - but then I'm concerned about the quality. i.e. I'm sure there's differing weight/thicknesses of the track. I want to buy quality - but if all the tracks are much the same, why pay more?

Would be grateful for advice and comments.

EDIT: Also a bit concerned about getting something long and thin - that needs to be kept straight - from China to here.

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k1w1k1d

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#3326484 31-Dec-2024 09:28

I have bought some from this Trade Me seller. Quick delivery and good quality.

Listings from lzt | Trade Me

eracode

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#3326896 1-Jan-2025 20:24

k1w1k1d:

I have bought some from this Trade Me seller. Quick delivery and good quality.

Listings from lzt | Trade Me

Thanks for that - hadn’t thought to look on TM.

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eracode

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#3327553 4-Jan-2025 21:10

I’m surprised there hasn’t been more input and comment here - must be more of a niche product than I thought. As mentioned, I thought I had seen earlier discussion on T-track here - but maybe not.

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k1w1k1d

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#3327558 4-Jan-2025 21:31

Maybe geeks don't do much woodwork?

eracode

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#3327578 5-Jan-2025 04:23

k1w1k1d:

Maybe geeks don't do much woodwork?

There’s plenty of evidence to the contrary in the ‘Home Workshop DIY’ forum.

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jonherries

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#3327599 5-Jan-2025 08:22

I have some t-track that I havent installed, next to the router I havent used and the timber that is perennially waiting to be made into furniture which is next to the gaming pc, where I dont have time to play games, which is next to the 3d printer which I feel should be running 24/7 and isn't, which is next to my work computer…

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eracode

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#3327600 5-Jan-2025 08:25

Maybe people are not as familiar with T-track as I thought they might be. Here’s a brief video showing what it is.

There are lots of different clamp-type accessories that work with it. The toggle clamps shown in the video are only one type. I’ve learnt that many larger workshop tools - like table saws and router tables - have T-tracks built-in to support fences, jigs, stops, feather-boards and so on.

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Bung

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#3327605 5-Jan-2025 09:08

eracode: Much cheaper options available via AliExpress and Temu - but then I'm concerned about the quality. i.e. I'm sure there's differing weight/thicknesses of the track. I want to buy quality - but if all the tracks are much the same, why pay more?

All tracks aren't necessarily the same.

https://powertecproducts.com/blog/four-types-of-ttracks/?srsltid=AfmBOopUzfUZ4DNaU-jUOBfV9iaekXE_pVd5Ekd78MnRobrHReqEUmIM

eracode

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#3327663 5-Jan-2025 10:38

Bung:

eracode: Much cheaper options available via AliExpress and Temu - but then I'm concerned about the quality. i.e. I'm sure there's differing weight/thicknesses of the track. I want to buy quality - but if all the tracks are much the same, why pay more?

All tracks aren't necessarily the same.

https://powertecproducts.com/blog/four-types-of-ttracks/?srsltid=AfmBOopUzfUZ4DNaU-jUOBfV9iaekXE_pVd5Ekd78MnRobrHReqEUmIM

Yes - I want to use the standard US/imperial track which is 3/4” x 3/8”. My intended query was whether anyone had experience with that and whether there are different qualities of track with those parameters. I guess not because it’s so simple. Differences are whether the track comes with or without pre-drilled countersunk mounting holes etc.

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mdf

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#3327776 5-Jan-2025 12:08

I'm not sure about "niche" being the issue. Like you, t-track is something I'm keen on, but it definitely doesn't seem to be at all common in NZ. I wanted to make some parallel camps for a track saw, saw some pretty good designs online using t-track, couldn't find anything local, came up with my own design using threaded rod instead. I'm currently making a work bench and was planning on using v-groove aluminium extrusion as a fence to get the slots but now watching this thread with interest to see how you get on.

I'm sure there's a vicious cycle element there because its the sort of thing I would expect Bunnings to be all over if there was demand for it.