Substitute for Kreg Tracks?

[NickM]

Aside from Kreg Tracks what other tracks can be used to make a clamping table? If so where can I purchase them? I own a many Kreg products but their tracks are a bit too pricey. Finally, which Kreg clamps are the most useful with the clamping table? Thanks all! -Nick:-)

[RCW]

Of course you don't have to use Kreg clamps. Kreg is pricey and there are many options out there in both clamps and tracks. They will all work pretty well. If you are going to use Kreg use all Kreg. If money is an issue you can make that happen too.

[RCW]

Thanks for the link to "ttrackusa" i didn't know about that one.

John Schaben said:

http://www.ttrackusa.com/t_track_list.htm

[Philip King]

I recently purchased the Kreg master jig, and made my first two projects - a outdoor chair from the website, and a much needed 2nd workbench for my small shop.  I also invested the $44.00 (at woodcraft) for the Klamp Trac and intend to install it into 3/4" Ply as recommended before I put my final top piece on.  I wish it came in a shorter length other than 33" however.  I wouldn't mind having one down the back of bench, and two down the sides.  It would make assembly of some projects much easier.  Is the track available in shorter lengths, and if not can it be cut, and what would you cut it with????   Thanks,  Phil

 

[Ken Darga]

Phil,

 The Kreg Klamp 33'' length is ideal for a 36 x 36 work top,

that's why its 33".

  You only need up to 2 tracks on a work top.

Locate one along the front and one along one side of the work top.

  The Klamp can be used individually, so as to make your own klamping work station, to suit your projects and needs.

  The track can be---

''cut to length'':

Use a metal cutting fine 24-32 tooth blade---

in a bandsaw or jigsaw.

It can also be cut on a table saw,

using a fine tooth carbide blade.

  ''Scribe'' a cut line, along the top face and both vertical faces---

make the cuts at a ''slow speed"---

use a slow feed---

let the blade do the cutting work---

DO NOT force feed.

  The cut end can be filed smooth, using a mill file, to remove the saw marks.

Sanding the saw marks is an alternate---

use sanding paper/grit, suitable for metals. 

Philip King said:

I recently purchased the Kreg master jig, and made my first two projects - a outdoor chair from the website, and a much needed 2nd workbench for my small shop.  I also invested the $44.00 (at woodcraft) for the Klamp Trac and intend to install it into 3/4" Ply as recommended before I put my final top piece on.  I wish it came in a shorter length other than 33" however.  I wouldn't mind having one down the back of bench, and two down the sides.  It would make assembly of some projects much easier.  Is the track available in shorter lengths, and if not can it be cut, and what would you cut it with????   Thanks,  Phil

 

[NickM]

Photos of any homemade Klamp tables along with spec, tips and techniques--please.

[Ken Darga]

Nick,

Do a search in Kreg's forums, several have been posted.

Nick Marchione said:

Photos of any homemade Klamp tables along with spec, tips and techniques--please.

[NickM]

Ken,

Yes, there were a good ideas. Thanks!

[Rick]

I am a novice but Rockler universal track seems to be claiming to work with Kreg clamps.  Can anyone clarify?

[Rick]

Rockler has 2 kinds of tracks for clamping down -- light and heavy duty.  So it depends on how big your clamp is.  Those long reach Kreg clamps need HD tracks.

Maybe the Kreg Rep can weigh in on what tracks are needed for their clamps.

[Ken Darga]

Rick said:

>>>...Rockler universal track seems to be claiming to work with Kreg clamps.  Can anyone clarify?  /p>

Where did you obtain the info?

Is it described in Rockler's product catalog?

Have you spoken to Rockler Customer service?

==========

Image of Rockler Universal T-track

Image of Kreg Klamp Track configuration

Note the track configuration--- the channel in the bottom-side of the track.

(the photo shown is 180 from it's normal attitude).

The track shape is configured to accommodate this style of Kreg Klamp

Note the screw-head, in the foot.  It's intended to be inserted into the track, described above,

(the Kreg Klamp Track). 

The screw-head will NOT fit into a "univeral track", that is of light-duty construction.

I don't believe the Kreg Klamps were ever intended to be used in ''light-duty" tracks.

Clamping forces, on HD Kreg Klamps, will distort the "light-duty" universal track,

and perhaps pull out the #6 track mounting screws from their anchor point(s).

The high clamping forces will cause the light-duty tracks be lifted from the worktop.

Universal t-tracks (light-duty) are intended for such clamping as:

or the like.

[Rick]

Great post Ken.  I have that big hold-down clamp, and I use it with a large clamp plate. 

[Ken Darga]

Thanks Rick.

I use both size bases---they are the cat's pajama's, so to speak.

Handy to have the small base installed in the 2x4 section, in sawhorses.

One in the center, and one on each end suffices nicely for some tasks.

Rick said:

Great post Ken.  I have that big hold-down clamp, and I use it with a large clamp plate. 

.../p>