When I built my Fold Down Router Table, I considered adding T-tracks to the main table top sort of like Mike's (MT Stringer) assembly table. But in the end I decided that I play with too many small screws and parts that might get caught in the tracks and it would be a bad idea for my needs.
However, there are times when it would be very handy to have a way to hold things while sanding or routing or assembling without having to clamp things at the edges of the table. My solution is what I'm calling Bench Rail Clamps because I don't know what else to call them. The idea could be adapted to most any bench or table top.
They are essentially just wooden T-tracks that clamp to the bench with a hook on one end and a toggle clamp on the other that locks under the table and holds the track in place. Stops or other clamps can then be held by the T-track.
I made mine out of some 7/8" hardwood ripped to 1 1/2" wide x 40" long. The track was made on both the table saw and router. I cut a 1/4" wide groove down the the middle with the a box joint blade on the table saw and then ran it through the router with a 1/4" nut slot bit. The router bit didn't have to work quite as hard by cutting the groove first.
The support blocks for the hook and toggle clamp were made out of the 7/8" stock plus 3/4" ply to give me a little extra thickness to clear the 1 1/2" thickness of the table top. They work well and they are long enough to give me about 37" of clamping space if needed. I may add a little non-slip material to the hook end to prevent any chance of slipping but it hasn't been necessary so far.
However, there are times when it would be very handy to have a way to hold things while sanding or routing or assembling without having to clamp things at the edges of the table. My solution is what I'm calling Bench Rail Clamps because I don't know what else to call them. The idea could be adapted to most any bench or table top.
They are essentially just wooden T-tracks that clamp to the bench with a hook on one end and a toggle clamp on the other that locks under the table and holds the track in place. Stops or other clamps can then be held by the T-track.
I made mine out of some 7/8" hardwood ripped to 1 1/2" wide x 40" long. The track was made on both the table saw and router. I cut a 1/4" wide groove down the the middle with the a box joint blade on the table saw and then ran it through the router with a 1/4" nut slot bit. The router bit didn't have to work quite as hard by cutting the groove first.
The support blocks for the hook and toggle clamp were made out of the 7/8" stock plus 3/4" ply to give me a little extra thickness to clear the 1 1/2" thickness of the table top. They work well and they are long enough to give me about 37" of clamping space if needed. I may add a little non-slip material to the hook end to prevent any chance of slipping but it hasn't been necessary so far.
