Help with T-Nuts /T-Bolts

Splat

Splat

Active User
H-M Supporter Gold Member
Hey guys, are T-nuts supposed to fit somewhat snugly in a t-slot? I picked up this old Johansson B-12 mill and need to get some clamping action. I measured the t-slots and they are 1/2" at the top, 15/16" at the bottom, and I forget the total height. The Te-co nuts I got for 1/2" slot fit pretty loose, but obviously do the job when a bolt is tightened down on the table. Should I use T-bolts instead of the T-nuts...... is there a reason to use one over the other? Thanks.
 
T-nuts are normally a loose fit in the slots, so you should be good with those. I think you'll find that most guys use the nuts. They can work with bolts of various lengths and with studs - threaded rods that you screw into the nuts and put a washer and nut on the top to hold the work. The best of both worlds.
 
My preference is t-nuts, way more versatile. I've too often run into cut situations where a standard t-bolt of any length is either too short or gets cut up, where a bolt can be used standard length, or "customized" to fit w/o getting hit by a cutter, and lots cheaper.
 
Definitely go with the nuts and studs. Not only are they more versatile, but you can slide them along the T-slot under a part and get them to areas that would be inaccessible with a T-bolt. Studs can also be joined with coupling nuts to make them longer.

That reminds me of a simple project everyone with a mill should make. I take them for granted, but years ago I made some step blocks out of stacks of 1/8" aluminum with a pivot screw located along one edge. All you do is select however many laminations you need and set them under your clamps. I'll write it up, take some pics and post it in the projects section rather than hijack this post.

Tom
 
I peen the bottom threads on my t-nuts with a punch to make it easier to put the nut on and so the stud can't hit the bottom of the slot and jack the nut.
Bill L.
 
Bill L. said:
I peen the bottom threads on my t-nuts with a punch to make it easier to put the nut on and so the stud can't hit the bottom of the slot and jack the nut.
Bill L.
Click to expand...

Bill,

I have both types. The ones that are threaded thru are nice to lock the stud in place so you can swap parts and it will stay in position on the table. BTW, you can buy the nuts (Te-Co) threaded thru or not.

Tom
 
Buy some grade B-7 all thread rod and cut your own studs to length.

I prefer studs for mot all work, but I find one place where there is little room, and that's under the chuck of the 8" indexer. The slot is centered, and the stud needs to be just long enough to allow a nut. A bolt, cut to proper length, is easier to get in place.
 
I'll stick with the 1/2" Te-co's then and get myself some 3/8" threaded rod and make some stuff up. Thanks a lot guys.
 
I use T bolts (5/8) to hold my vise on the Bridgeport. T nuts are available tapped thru or blind tapped to prevent table damage.
 
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