Question about T Slot hardware

[Dgleavitt]

I was just given an Atlas mill and after I clean it up I wanted to make some T nuts(I’m cheap so not buying a set) and I noticed I had two of these cast t nut bolts(?) that came with the mill. Are they OK to use in the t slots until I make a few with a little more surface area? See below for the cast bolt.

 

[4GSR]

Absolutely! Those are probably old Armstrong or J H Williams brand Tee bolts. You may find one or two here and there as new old stock or used. I don't think they are made anymore.

 

[Dgleavitt]

Great, thanks! I remember seeing a W on the bottom so I guess they are Williams.

 

[Rob]

Another thing you can us is square headed bolts. You just have to turn down the top of the bolt.

 

[kd4gij]

I have used carriage bolts in the past.
https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn...Bolts-Assortments/T-Slot-Bolts?navid=12108853

 

[KMoffett]

Never used carriage bolts on the mill, but do use modified ones on the table saw slots.

Ken

 

[Alan H.]

I know you said you want to make them but they are cheaper than you may think.

I just bought 8 today to fit a 5/8" slot and they cost $3.17 each from McMaster plus shipping. I was quite surprised and had expected to pay more. I bought some other hardware with them but I am betting the shipping is 6 or 7 bucks for the whole lot based on my bi monthly purchases from McMaster.

 

[Ulma Doctor]

you can also make the t-nuts out of different, easy to machine materials like aluminum, or 12L14 steel too if you so desired

 

[Chipper5783]

Yes. Absolutely make T nuts and T bolts. For T nuts, make sure you incorporate a thread stop so you reduce the risk of damaging the table. For regular T nuts, just go buy some, but I like to make up dedicated hold downs for common tooling. I also find it useful to have some full depth T nuts to get more thread when using standard bolts to hold stuff down (regular T nuts don't usually use the full depth of the slot). Also, it is handy to have a few T nuts that have smaller threads.

The idea is to develop lots of options for securing items to the table. A regular hold down kit is a good start, but add to it.

 

[KMoffett]

I would recommend adding several of these.
http://catalog.te-co.com/viewitems/t-slot-nuts/quarter-turn-t-slot-nuts?
I periodically run into a situation were I need a couple more hold-downs, but cant slide a t-nut in from the table end because of the ones already there. Drop one of these in the slot, screw in the rod or bolt, turn it CW as you tighten, and you're good to go.

Ken