Project Information
I made an extension to my miter gauge in MDF, I'm uneasy about using aluminum T-tracks in the miter gauge because I don't want to accidentally set off my sawstop. So I decided to get a freud t-slot cutter router bit it worked pretty well on the router bit, though I'd like to get one that produces a smaller t-track for the 1/4'' t-bolts I have, but this certainly worked well enough.
Cutting the t-slot was easy using the router table, I set my fence and the depth of the bit, locked everything in place and ran my MDF through. I went slow and had no problems, but I'd make sure to keep the bit clean since you can't really make multiple passes like you can with normal bits, it's an all in 1 shot bit.
I have 2 3/4'' MDF strips I can use for the fence, this allows me to cut away parts that get chewed up too much and still have a backup fence for when I want. After a while I can always make new fences so I don't have to worry about it getting chewed up.
The MDF strips with the t-slot cut in them are mounted to a small piece of 3/4'' MDF using t-bolts and the black star type nobs. The small MDF piece is mounted to the fence using 2 bolts that are screwed on very securely. This allows me to adjust the long MDF strip to any position and lock it down tight to my miter gauge.
I like this system because I can push my miter fence into the blade to support the cut and not worry about accidentally hitting any aluminum and setting off my saw stop.
Someday I may get a good miter gauge, though I doubt I'd get one with an aluminum fence, I know a guy who's set off his sawstop twice with his miter gauge, that's expensive.
-jeremy
Cutting the t-slot was easy using the router table, I set my fence and the depth of the bit, locked everything in place and ran my MDF through. I went slow and had no problems, but I'd make sure to keep the bit clean since you can't really make multiple passes like you can with normal bits, it's an all in 1 shot bit.
I have 2 3/4'' MDF strips I can use for the fence, this allows me to cut away parts that get chewed up too much and still have a backup fence for when I want. After a while I can always make new fences so I don't have to worry about it getting chewed up.
The MDF strips with the t-slot cut in them are mounted to a small piece of 3/4'' MDF using t-bolts and the black star type nobs. The small MDF piece is mounted to the fence using 2 bolts that are screwed on very securely. This allows me to adjust the long MDF strip to any position and lock it down tight to my miter gauge.
I like this system because I can push my miter fence into the blade to support the cut and not worry about accidentally hitting any aluminum and setting off my saw stop.
Someday I may get a good miter gauge, though I doubt I'd get one with an aluminum fence, I know a guy who's set off his sawstop twice with his miter gauge, that's expensive.
-jeremy
