Fence Tracks

After a lovely weekend with mom and dad, I was eager to get back to working on the router table. So when I was done with work today I went down stairs to install the tracks for the fence. The troubles I had with my miter track, were still fresh on my mind, and I was determined to be doubly extra super duperly careful.

I measured, clamped, measured again and ran a shallow pass with my router. Next I checked the fit and it was slightly too thin a dado. Another quick pass and it was a lovely dado. I unplugged the router, adjusted the depth of the cut, plugged the router back in and took another pass. The other side was easier because the jig was already set. Once both dados were cut I measured again. They were very close to where I wanted them, but a little bit of work with a chisel and file improved the accuracy.

If I have learned anything about woodworking, it is that any moment can be one where things go awry. I carefully measured my track, and cut the two pieces which I would install. The edges of the tracks were not exactly a right angle, so I decided to throw caution to the wind and try out one of the bench grinders in the garage. They are frightening looking old beasts, but I needed to grind just a little bit, so I decided it couldn’t hurt to look.

The first one had major scary issues with the cord. The second gave me the impression that it wouldn’t try to kill me, so I plugged it in and it gave it a go. I was surprised how well it worked, so much so that I may actually have a pretty good grinder for my shop.

I used my awl to mark the holes for the screws, and then drilled a pilot hole. The first screw went in fine, but the head was just a little bit too big. It must be perfect, or the track won’t work. The time was 8:27 pm and Home Depot is open until 9 pm. Could I make it? I grabbed my keys, ran out of the house, making sure to bring the track with me. I generally don’t like to speed, and I certainly didn’t want to get a ticket, but again caution was being chucked to the wind, but I felt an additional 4 miles per hour was justified in this instance. I know what you are thinking only 4?! Yeah, I know, but I really don’t like to speed. I am really not very daring.

I arrived with a mere 4 minutes to spare. The Home Depot folks were very nice and didn’t rush me at all. There was another gentleman looking for screws too, and he indicated that he also had an emergency project that he really wanted to finish tonight. I found my screws, went to Jimmy John’s sub shop, bought a yummy sandwich, and returned home.

I really wanted to get the tracks in, so I could take a photo and write my blog. But on the way home I had an idea how I might make sure they are installed accurately. The idea involves one of the boards I am going to use for the fence, a bolt, a couple of drilled holes, and a mongoose.

I realized that my idea for added precision would take a little while and didn’t want to break my consecutive blog streak, so I thought I would get it done and then go down and finish. Also I really wanted to eat my sandwich. So I guess you will just have to come back tomorrow and find out if my idea worked.