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These t-track accessories make lots of jobs in the shop easier, safer and more accurate just by holding the work as you need it and doing it securely. Click image to enlarge

Rockler T-Track Stop Systems

On-the-fly made to order work holding

Text, photos and video by Tom Hintz

Posted - 2-19-2014

When I reviewed the Rockler T-Track Table Top it was apparent that this system had a lot to offer, especially when we consider Rockler’s penchant for developing useful shop accessories. When I heard about the Rockler T-Track Stop Systems they made a lot of sense as a compliment to the Rockler T-Track Table Top.

The Basics

The Rockler T-Track Stop Systems are machined from high quality aluminum and anodized to make them durable. The Rockler T-Track Stop Systems come in three configurations, the Long Stop, Inline Short Stop and Short Stop. All feature flat tool-free finger knobs that lock them in place in standard t-track when turned. That knob is threaded onto a common t-bolt flange that locks the Rockler T-Track Stop Systems to the track when the knob is tightened down. After installing the Rockler T-Track Stop Systems the flat knob folds down to be out of the way of whatever operation you are doing.

All of the Rockler T-Track Stop Systems have bosses (left) machined into their bottoms that orient them to the t-track. The shorter versions are available with the boss parallel to or 90-degrees to the face. This flip-up handle (right) tightens the Rockler T-Track Stop Systems into the track quickly and very securely. Click images to enlarge

All of the Rockler T-Track Stop Systems have 11/16”-tall faces to grip virtually any flat-sided material firmly. The Long Stop has a 5”-long face while both versions of the Short Stop have 1-1/2”-long faces. Because they can be applied at any point along a t-track the Rockler T-Track Stop Systems will be helpful with any project that fits on your t-track table.

All of the Rockler T-Track Stop Systems have a contoured bottom that fits standard 3/8”-wide t-track closely. On the Long Stop and Short Stop that locating boss runs parallel to the face. The Inline Short Stop has that boss running front to back. This guiding boss means that your Rockler T-Track Stop Systems will always be square to the t-track making setup and alignment fast and easy.

In the Shop

Using the Rockler T-Track Stop Systems is dead simple but don’t let that lessen their utility in the shop. If you have a work surface with t-track built into it and the wood fits on that surface (most of it anyway) you can secure it for many operations with the Rockler T-Track Stop Systems in seconds. Slide the Rockler T-Track Stop Systems you need against the wood lock it in place and you are ready to go to work.

I like that the Rockler T-Track Stop Systems faces are lower than the home shop standard ¾”-thick material. That insures that they stay out of the way of sanding and even some planning operations over the entire upper surface. The smaller Rockler T-Track Stop Systems can be located out of the way of many operations that penetrate the wood further yet hold the work firmly. The flat face of the Rockler T-Track Stop Systems also helps them to hold the work without leaving indentations in softer woods.

All of the faces (left) are shorter than the common 3/4"thick wood we use which lets them hold the work for operations like hand sanding and hand planing. A pair of the Rockler T-Track Stop Systems, short or long, can be used to make a quick corner-holding jig for repetitive work. Click images to enlarge

After using the Rockler T-Track Stop Systems in my shop for a while it is apparent that with minimal common sense care on your part these handy work holding tools should last forever. There really is nothing to wear out on them or that could compromise how easily they work. I like tools that are an investment rather than a repetitive expense.

Conclusions

The Rockler T-Track Stop Systems in all their forms are very useful on any surface with t-tracks installed. They are fast, easy to use and hold work securely for lots of common shop operations.

The Inline Stop for Rockler T-Track System (Item #: 43807) sell for $6.99 ea. (2-14-2014), the Short Stop versions (Item #: 47482) also cost $6.99 ea. and the Long Stop for Rockler T-Track System (Item #: 46010) sell for $12.99 ea. All rather short money for a tool that will always be useful and barring a serious mistake on your part will always be ready to work when you are.

See Rockler’s Rockler T-Track Stop Systems offering –Click Here

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