Michael Rutman
09-25-2021, 1:02 PM
With my Incra backordered 6 months I’m trying to get my Rockler router table/fence functional. The problem is that the fence won’t lock down tightly.
The table is pretty easy to describe, it’s got two slots straight through with 2 M10 hex bolts (half threaded) sticking through the table, fence, spacer and knob. As I tighten the knob the hex head spins.
The slot is the exact size as the M10 and the slots go straight through, so there is no extra groove to use a T Bolt.
I thought of putting wing nut on an M10 full threaded bolt, which would kind of work as a TBolt, but the slot is to narrow for anything on the bolt. I tried putting a fender washer under the head hoping the larger surface area would help but it still just spins.
It’s tempting to route some grooves into the bottom of the slot for a TBolt but that seems iffy strength wise. It’s not a very thick table so I’m worried it would just splinter when I torqued it down if it was thinner.
I thought of glueing some wood rails alongside the groove underneath so TBolts would work, but I doubt the glue would stick to the material. Screwing or nailing it in seems iffy because the Rockler tables aren’t very thick.
I could try welding some wings onto the hex bolt but my welding probably isn’t up to anything strong enough. Plus I suspect the wings would just dig into the sides of the groove and ruin the groove.
I suppose I could use a wrench every time I go to adjust the fence, which at least makes it work.
Any suggestions? The Incra is roughly 6 months back ordered and I’d like a router table in the meantime.
The table is pretty easy to describe, it’s got two slots straight through with 2 M10 hex bolts (half threaded) sticking through the table, fence, spacer and knob. As I tighten the knob the hex head spins.
The slot is the exact size as the M10 and the slots go straight through, so there is no extra groove to use a T Bolt.
I thought of putting wing nut on an M10 full threaded bolt, which would kind of work as a TBolt, but the slot is to narrow for anything on the bolt. I tried putting a fender washer under the head hoping the larger surface area would help but it still just spins.
It’s tempting to route some grooves into the bottom of the slot for a TBolt but that seems iffy strength wise. It’s not a very thick table so I’m worried it would just splinter when I torqued it down if it was thinner.
I thought of glueing some wood rails alongside the groove underneath so TBolts would work, but I doubt the glue would stick to the material. Screwing or nailing it in seems iffy because the Rockler tables aren’t very thick.
I could try welding some wings onto the hex bolt but my welding probably isn’t up to anything strong enough. Plus I suspect the wings would just dig into the sides of the groove and ruin the groove.
I suppose I could use a wrench every time I go to adjust the fence, which at least makes it work.
Any suggestions? The Incra is roughly 6 months back ordered and I’d like a router table in the meantime.