T-Track in workbench top?

[Tim Cannon]

I'm working on a new bench top, 4/4 Ash, and wondering if a nice addition might be some T-track in the top. Thoughts? Anyone else done this?

[Chris Damm]

I've never had the need for a t-track in my workbench. I just don't see where I would ever use it and I've been woodworking for 50 years.

[Edmund Burke]

I would think that the problems with dust and screws falling into the track would be more trouble than the benefits of having the track. I built a bench top out of MDF (nothing near as nice as your plan) and I incorporated a couple of replaceable 3/4" softwood strips into the top, figuring that I would use them to occasionally mount a fence extension or clamping surface. That was almost three years ago and I've never used them.

[Chris Fournier]

It could be useful for holding down work pieces but not critical. If you have a good idea of what type of work is going to be done on the bench and T slot would help you out then go for it but if you are just speculating about its worth I'd leave it out of the design.

[Prashun Patel]

I prefer dogs holes for lateral work holding. They allow you to exert a decent amount of clamping force, and they resist the forces of planing well. My t-track hold downs wouldn't do that as well.

I wouldn't count it out, though. I have often thought it would be nice to have parallel t-tracks running the length of the bench for light work holding things like flat panels when sanding or routing. A t-track might also be appropriate in a board jack. It'll give you infinite vertical holding possibilities.

[Tim Cannon]

I prefer dogs holes for lateral work holding. They allow you to exert a decent amount of clamping force, and they resist the forces of planing well. My t-track hold downs wouldn't do that as well.

I wouldn't count it out, though. I have often thought it would be nice to have parallel t-tracks running the length of the bench for light work holding things like flat panels when sanding or routing. A t-track might also be appropriate in a board jack. It'll give you infinite vertical holding possibilities.

Thanks gentlemen, appreciate the thoughts and opinions. I've attached a pic of where I'm at so far just for grins264788

[Jim Neeley]

I prefer dog holes for providing both lateral clamping (dogs) and downward clamping (various types of holdfasts).

I prefer them because when they are not in use there is no metal on my benchtop to scratch my work. When they are in use I use a clamping block of wood to protect my project, but that' associated with the clamping, not casual bench use.

Just my $0.02.. YMMV>

Jim

[Ryan Baker]

I wouldn't put one in my bench ...unless you have a specific use for it there. I do have them in my router table. If you decide to put them in, be sure to recess them deeply enough (plus a little extra). You don't want to be running into them. Dog holes are much more useful for me.

[michael osadchuk]

Bernie LeBlanc from NH posted pictures of his workbench build around embedded T-tracks and posted pictures on the Canadian Woodworking website....look in the general 'woodworking' pages around February 19th of this year.

Michael

[Bob Faris]

Here's someone who has used them....

http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f2/versatile-small-shop-work-bench-unique-40361/

http://lumberjocks.com/topics/39419