T-Track Spoiler Board Solution For CNC Machines

T-Track Spoiler Board For CNC Machines

Are you wondering how to craft a spoiler board for your CNC machine? You are not alone. Makers and creators often grapple with this question after deciding to jump into the first CNC Machine. Fortunately, there are many solutions out there. Today, we are discussing one particularly effective method in this article, the Maker Store T-Track spoiler board solution.

It is important to keep in mind that there is no absolute method for creating a spoiler board. In this article, we will be exploring a design that works well for us, but it is worth noting that there are many other methods to consider. We highly recommend using our example as a starting point and continuing to research and experiment until you find the perfect spoiler board for your application. In most cases, you will not need to look elsewhere; the solution presented in this article is ideal for your projects.

What is a T-Track?

T-Track stands out as a specialized work-holding accessory designed to be combined with other tools such as T-Track hold-down clamps and sliders to then secure or guide workpieces onto different types of machinery such as table saws, router tables, CNC machine tables, etc.  

Characterised by its distinct “T” shaped channel running its course, the T-Track permits users to effortlessly slide in and adjust various fixtures, clamps, and work-holding tools at diverse points. Thanks to this design, users can confidently secure a wide range of workpieces to their machines. 

T-Track Based Spoiler Board Showing Off T-Shaped Channel Of T-Track

T-Track Based MDF Spoiler Board Displaying two T-Tracks Clamping A Workpiece

What is a Spoiler Board?

A spoiler board is a sacrificial surface mounted on the CNC machine’s table, which allows for easy and secure workpiece clamping while protecting the machine’s table from damage. The usual material used for spoiler boards is MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) or plywood, as they are affordable materials to play the sacrificial role in the CNC Spoiler board. 

GIF showing the components of a T-Track Based MDF Spoiler Board For CNC Machines

Here is a Step-By-Step Guide On How To Make a T-Track Spoiler Board:

Materials Needed:

  • Sheet of MDF or plywood (size depends on your CNC machine’s table dimensions) – We have used a 16mm 
  • T-Track sections (Type 19 or Type 30)
  • Hold Down Clamps
  • Wood Screws, Bolts, Nylon Lock Nuts and T-nuts
  • Hand Drill/Drill Press and Drill Bits 
  • Screwdriver, Allen Keys and Spanner

Step 1: Measure & Cut The Baseboard

Firstly, determine the dimensions of your CNC workable area. Next, cut your chosen MDF or plywood sheet to align with these measurements. Once cut, actively secure the baseboard to the spoiler board extrusions of your machine using screws and T-Nuts. Ensure that the baseboard snugly and securely fits onto the spoiler board extrusions.

Step 2: Strategize T-Track Placement

Moving forward, decide the precise placement of the T-Track sections on your spoiler board, a vital component of your T-Track-based spoiler board setup. Ensure to evenly space the T-tracks, guaranteeing sufficient clamping points across the surface. When laying out your T-Tracks, remember to account for the dimensions of your workpieces and pinpoint the clamping positions needed for your specific projects.

GIF showing off the placement of T-Track based spoiler board parts including T-Tracks and cut out sections of MDF boards

Step 3: Measure & tailor the MDF or Plywood sections

Measure the space between the T-Track sections. Following this, meticulously cut the MDF or plywood sections (Spoiler Board), ensuring they fit snugly between the T-Tracks. Remember, these sections should rest atop the primary MDF or plywood base sheet (Base Board)

You can use the below formula to calculate the Quantity of the T-Tracks required for your spoiler board 

Round off to the smaller value. 

The breakdown:

  • M= No. of MDF/Plywood sheet sections
  • BBW = Baseboard Width (mm)
  • TTW = T-Track Width (19mm for Type 19, 30mm for Type 30)
  • PSW = Plywood/MDF Section Width (mm) – At Maker Store, we use values between 100-120mm 
  • The no. of T-Tracks required = M+1

Step 4: Drill and Attach the MDF or Plywood Sheet Sections To The Base Board

Start by drilling into the MDF or plywood sheet sections(Base Board), creating recesses (not through holes) at specific spots. Following this, actively attach these sections to the baseboard using screws. If you are using a Drill Press, ensure to utilise the stop functionality to make consistent recess depth.
If you are using a Hand Drill, you can use one of our lock collars as a stop device and adjust it on the drill bit to the depth you want the recess to be.

Step 5: Firmly Attach the T-Track Using Screws or Bolts

Position the T-Track sections appropriately, and then firmly secure them to the baseboard. Achieve this by using screws or bolts through the pre-existing holes in the T-Track and tightening them with nuts beneath the baseboard. While ensuring the T-Tracks are firmly fixed to the spoiler board, exercise caution to avoid over-tightening, which can lead to board warping.

Close up GIF showing screwing down of T-Track onto spoiler board along with screwing down sliced sheets of MDF.

Step 6: Conduct a Thorough Inspection

Walk around the spoiler board to validate that both the baseboard and MDF/Plywood sections (Spoilerboard) align and fasten correctly. Double-check the tightness of all screws, bolts, and nuts.

Step 7: Surface the T-Track Spoiler Board 

Using your CNC machine, surface the spoiler board to ensure it is perfectly levelled with the machine’s cutting surface. A levelled and properly surfaced spoiler board provides a reliable reference plane, enabling precise material placement and reducing the risk of errors during CNC operations. This practice minimizes variations in cutting depth, enhances dimensional accuracy, and prevents misalignment.

Dive into our collection of surfacing tools at Maker Store, designed to ensure impeccable CNC results. Your solution awaits – explore more here – Maker Store Surfacing Tools.

Step 8: Perform a Test Cut

Before using your T-Track spoiler board for actual projects, run a test cut on a piece of wood to ensure everything is aligned correctly and secured. If any adjustments are needed, make them accordingly.

CNC machine conducting a test cut on a slab of wood clamped down using T-Track based spoiler board

In Conclusion

Using the T-Track-based spoiler board for your CNC machining setups offers a practical solution for work-holding efficiency.

As a valuable accessory for CNC machines, T-Track continues to prove its worth in the world of modern machining, empowering makers with enhanced work-holding capabilities and improved project outcomes.

At Maker Store, we offer three different types of T-Tracks; Type 19, Type 30, and Type 45 along with all the other accessories such as Hold Down Clamps, T-Track Sliding Nuts etc. Click here to view these.

The Type 19 and Type 30 T-tracks have a width of 19mm and 30mm respectively.

The Type 45 T-Track features a laser-etched scale and T-shaped cross-section that provides a secure and stable surface for the movement of the cutting tool.

Depending on your requirement, choose the T-Track and make your workflow efficient and safe.

 

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