PERFORMANCE.
There's not much to complain about with the MortiseMate. As long as you have a dust collection system hooked up, the mortises are easy to cut and come out clean. It's a nice alternative to an expensive dedicated tool, though I recommend taller individuals raise the attached platform by about 5".
MILESCRAFT T-TRACK SERIES
The second item in this issue's Great Gear is a collection of stops and HoldDowns from Milescraft. These are designed to slot into most T-tracks (using 1⁄4"-20 T-bolts). There's a number of options available, beginning with the relatively simple one you see above.
CAMSTOPS.
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| The cam-action makes these bench stops easy to set. With a profile of 5⁄8", these make great stops for planing 3⁄4"-thick workpieces. |
The first are the CamStops, which come in standard and "XL." As shown above, these are bench stops with threaded camclamps, making them quick to set. They're sized for use with 3⁄4" stock, so you won't have to worry about hitting them with a sander or, God forbid, a plane blade.'
T-TRACKS CONTINUED
The CamStop shown on the previous page is far from the only option Milescraft has in its T-track lineup. These begin with the HoldDown clamps shown on the previous page.
HOLDDOWNS.
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| This classic style of holddown applies pressure from above, making it great for the drill press. |
The design for the HoldDowns features two arms: a short arm for thick pieces and a long arm for thin ones. They work best where the required clamping force is focused up and down (at the drill press, for example). These come in two sizes: the ”100” (31⁄8" long) and the ”200” (51⁄4").
INLINE CLAMPS.
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| These InLine Clamps are a versatile option. The screw secures them in the T-track while the cam lever locks the workpiece in place. |
Milescraft’s InLine Clamps work well for a variety of tasks on a surface with T-track. The T-bolt threads onto the red thumb nut, allowing the upper body to rotate freely as needed.
The head’s unique shape accomodates a number of differently shaped workpieces at different angles. The flat edge works well on square pieces, while the V-groove can hold a corner or provide two points of contact against a round piece.
Once you’ve positioned the clamp and screwed down the T-bolt, you then adjust the bar. To lock it in place, all you need to do is pull the quick cam lever.
MULTISTOP.
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| The MultiStops can be oriented in a number of ways, using their arms, their flat edges, or even the rounded back on a concave workpiece. |
The MultiStops are a step up from the CamStops on the previous page. While they lack the cam, their shape makes them useful for many tasks. Their flat edges can be used like the CamStops, as a bench stop or to support a flat edge. The rounded face works on concave workpieces, such as a curving leg or a decorative arch.
However, I found myself using these in the orientation you see to the lower left, with the arms providing two points of contact against a round workpiece. These can be used together, or with the InLine Clamps depending on the size of your piece and spacing of your T-tracks.
ANGLESTOP.
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| The AngleStop can be set between 60° and 180° in 15° increments. Like the CamStops, a 5⁄8" profile works well for 3⁄4" material. |
The final tool in Milescraft’s T-track series is the AngleStop you see below. The base of this tool resembles the CamStop XL, but with an arm that can be adjusted to a fixed angle. The angles range from 60° to 180°, with interlocking teeth on each piece to form a secure and reliable connection. This means the stop works well when working on 90°, such as when securing a mitered frame or pocket screwing a rail and stile like you see below, and on other, less common angled assemblies.
One particular thing about this stop I like is the inclusion of the screw slot on the arm. While these clamping solutions work well most of the time, there’s only so much force a small T-bolt can hold up to. However, the screw slot lets me fasten the stop down directly for a stable hold.
T-SLOT ROUNDUP.
The Milescraft T-slot series of clamping options is a nice collection to have. While I find the MultiStop and AngleStop to be the most useful of the bunch, each has its place, and none are particularly pricey. T-tracked benches and tables are a great way to incorporate quick-to-set-up stops, clamps, and HoldDowns into your shop. Milescraft’s selection is a good choice if T-tracks are your style — check out page 66 if you’re interested in picking one or more of them for yourself.
