Looking for a source for aluminum spoil board slats. ideally would like a hybrid table with T track and MDF
Amazon?
I am using this
Iâm trying out a new idea that, so far, is working very well. I glued a 1/2" sheet of MDF on top of a 3/4" sheet of particle board. I did this because I had both materials on hand and didnât need the MDF to be full thickness.
I then purchased what I know as âDouble-Sided T-Track,â made by a company called Armor Tools. These tracks come with bolts that allow you to anchor them to a surface and include a top track for clamps. They also have cut-outs every 12 inches along the top, allowing you to quickly insert or remove clamps in the middle of the track. I could only find them at Taylor Toolworksâ$13 for a single pack, or $8.75 each if you buy a four-pack.
My idea for using them was to bolt the glued-up spoilboard to my CNC table using four screwsâone in each corner, using just a hand drill as I didnât need this to be perfectly square with the spoilboard. Then I used the CNC to cut the pockets for the tracks. This ensured that each track would be perfectly parallel with the machine. I cut the pockets most of the way down, leaving about 1/4" of particle board at the bottom. I also had the CNC cut the through-holes in the exact middle of each pocket for bolting down the tracks.
From there, I simply started each bolt, then âthreadedâ each track into its pocket while engaging each of the bolts, and finally used light force with an impact driver (making sure to use fender and lock washers) to pull the tracksâand the spoilboard along with themâdown securely to the table.
Now I can clamp down as hard as I want, and the tracks donât budge. When I need a new spoilboard, I just unbolt the current one, drill four holes in the corners of a new sheet, and rerun the pocket cuts.
https://taytools.com/products/armor-double-quick-t-track-48-36-24-new
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A while back I purchased what you are looking for from a website called misumi.com. There website isnât user friendly, but I was able to buy the exact size I needed when I upgraded my old xcarve bed. I will dig a bit and see if I can find an exact link. They came in any length, and I got mine at 250mm wide at the time but I think it varies as well.
I looked at site , ya its hard to navigate. If you have a link that would be great thank you so much for the info
Found it. They are called flat aluminum extrusions.
https://us.misumi-ec.com/vona2/detail/110302261820/?list=PageCategory
This link is to the specific ones I bought for my old XCarve 750mm. Each plate was 250mmx750mm and fit perfectly in the machine. If you search âflat aluminum extrusionâ you get more options to customize what you need.
Hope it works for you.
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