Cheap T-slot table?

[julianf]

Id like some T-slot for a work-holding upgrade.

I reckon i need about 18" x 30" or there about (sizing is a little flexible)


There are a few ebay sellers, but the prices are not tame - anyone got any suggestions for alternative sources?

Thanks,
Julian

 

[optima21]

depends on how accurate you need it? you could fabricate one with steel plates bolted on top of one another (say 4" x 1/2 " on top of 3" x 1/2" ) to get the T section and then bolt then to a section of girder / box section at right angles at 12" intervals to hold them together.

 

[julianf]

That's an idea.

The table just needs to be level, and the work needs to be able to be removed and re-clamped in the same place, but it does not matter exactly where that place actually is. Ie repeatability, rather than any absolute position.

I will need packing under the work anyhow, so i could just grind that to ensure flatness, relative to the cutter.


If i build it from steel strips, like you suggest, and drill and plug weld it, to keep it together, do you think that will work, or do you think it will all distort more than will be easily dealt with?

 

[Spark plug]

Could you get a pice of plate either some flash ground steel or aluminium tool plate depending how strong it needs to be then drill and tap a grid of holes that you can bolt clamps / guides to.

 

[CRB]

Could you get a pice of plate either some flash ground steel or aluminium tool plate depending how strong it needs to be then drill and tap a grid of holes that you can bolt clamps / guides to.

Much less likely to wobble all over. Datum pins, low-profile clamping, and a bit lighter if you need to move it.