- Joined
- Jul 2, 2014
- Messages
- 7,594
Probably the best reason for making your own t-nuts is protecting the t-slots from damage. They are an important part of the precision of the machine. If you have hardened t-nuts with sharp corners and burrs, they will tear up your t-slots. Not as visible or embarrassing as top of the table damage, but probably worse for turning out accurate work. A nice fitting t-slot cleaner tool that does not gouge the slots is also a wonderful thing. Again, easy and cheap or free to make. I find I do better work with tooling I made myself, helps to change my attitude from slam-bam git-er-dun to a "I'm in no real hurry" happy smile.One thing about the steel nuts is that the widest part of the T in my table is 7/8" but the nuts that fit my 7/16" slot are usually 5/8" or 11/16", which will let the nut turn slightly in the slot and "may" do some damage over time.