The Rockler T-Track Tabletop is an excellent foundation for many woodworking and construction jigs. I have been intrigued with the flexibility of T-Tracks and have long thought that I should be getting more use out of them. This Tabletop from Rockler makes it easy to build those jigs.
Unpacking
The tabletop comes complete and securely packaged. The tabletop is 40” x 20” surfaced MDF, 1⅛ inch thick, with thick plastic edge banding resulting in a table that is solid and stiff. There are 3 T-Tracks running the length and 2 running the width. If you leave an overhang, you can also use the edge for traditional clamps.
Finding its home
I built my first router table 25 years ago. It was replaced years ago, but like woodworkers everywhere, I kept the table, complete with the hole for the mounting plate. It is perfect as a base for the T-Track Tabletop. The result is a useful assembly table and the T-Tracks all sit just under the surface, so there is no interference.
Clamps, Clamps and more Clamps
You can never have too many clamps. There is a range of clamps and stops made for this table:
- Toggle clamp (item 58616)
- Long Stop (item 46010)
- Short Stops (items 43807 and 47482)
There are 2 versions of the short stop, one that is parallel to the track and one that is perpendicular to the track, I recommend both for the flexibility. All stops are 5/8” tall so the sit under the surface of 3/4 inch board.
I also found that the Toggle Clamp mounting plate (Item 24872) is very useful and lets you use traditional vertical toggle clams.
Uses:
My first use of the table is as a sanding clamp. A simple set up of the toggle clamp and a stop locks a board to the table for sanding. Since the stops are less than ¾ inch tall, they do not interfere with normal sanding. A spacer can be used for thinner piece.
A pair of stops can be used to establish a reference corner. In the picture below, I use a square to calibrate the corner.Once the corner is established, you can add toggle clamps mounted on the T-Track mounting plate.
After a couple days use, I have concluded I will use the t-Track table in 3 ways:
- A platform for jigs, particularly temporary jigs for projects
- Assembly table (covered with a 3 mil plastic drop cloth make it an excellent finishing table)
- Platform for locking mounted tools. I have mounted my machinist vise and grinders on individual bases. I store them on a shelf, I can use the traditional toggle clamps to quickly secure the platforms, so I am not limited to clamping them to an edge.
My next step is to mount casters to the table so it is mobile.
Summary:
The T-Track Table Top makes a high function assembly table and jig platform. It is well made and the T-Tracks gives it great flexibility. The Table is currently $250, but it periodically goes on sale. The premium over a shop made table top is worth it if you a lot of projects requiring jigs and/or assembly set ups.
Cost
The Rockler T-Track Table Costs sells for $250.00 here: Rockler-T-Track-Table-Top