T nut advice

[Fintray]

I need to get a clamping set for my milling machine and have measured the slots which are fractionally over 1/2". So is it best to get a 1/2" T nut set with Whitworth bolts or could I use a 12mm T nut set as I'm likely to have a range of suitable bolts and threaded bar at hand for any jobs that aren't covered by the supplied bolts. Or is it likely that the 1/2" set would clamp most jobs?

 

[CRB]

If it is a modern metric machine it would probably be intended for 12mm.

 

[Fintray]

If it is a modern metric machine it would probably be intended for 12mm.

CRB Sorry I forgot to say it is an imperial machine, slot width is 13.6mm or fractionally over 1/2".

 

[Maker]

Sounds like it's made for half inch ones.

 

[stormin]

Even if machine is imperial I would go with the slightly smaller metric nuts. As you say you can then use threaded bar for exceptional set-ups. If T slots are not in best of order the slightly smaller nuts will slide in and out the slots more easily to.

 

[Rig Pig]

Make certain that the tee nuts have good contact with the underside of the tee slot otherwise you risk ripping chunks out of the table when you clamp down.

 

[Maker]

Make certain that the tee nuts have good contact with the underside of the tee slot otherwise you risk ripping chunks out of the table when you clamp down.

Is that why you shouldn't use normal hex nuts either, because the small surface area could chip the table?

 

[Rig Pig]

Is that why you shouldn't use normal hex nuts either, because the small surface area could chip the table?

Yes, you point load the cast iron and it snaps spoiling your table.

 

[Fintray]

Thanks for the advice guys I think I'll order the 12mm set.