How To Install T-Track using a Dewalt 20V Max XR Cordless Router

[@rodneycurlee4339]

I have had the Dewalt cordless router for over a year. You can’t beat the power and portability. But it’s a Dewalt so you can’t go wrong. I love it.

[@LivingTheLifeRetired]

I’m new to woodworking and bought a Milwaukee M18 Fuel router and I didn’t think it could cut a slot like this in one pass. Nice.

[@k.beeler4240]

I have that same router and with my experience, If you hold onto the adjustment ring while routing, you will get it out of adjustment sometimes. Tightening the adjustment lock clamp like you did, fixed the issue for me. This may set some people off but, I have both DeWalt and Milwaukee cordless tools. In my opinion DeWalt is just as good and just as capable as Milwaukee. Who really cares if one can drill a hole .62 seconds faster than the other one? If Dewalt offers a tool that I need at a better price than Milwaukee's version, I will buy it. The same goes for Milwaukee. If someone had a gun to my head and said I had to choose between the two I guess I would go with DeWalt... Your videos a very good by the way, the quality of the video and audio is great as well as the lighting. The video editing, content and dialog is very good too. Looks like you've done this before. Keep up the good work!

[@City-Hiker]

With the T track, you can cut lumbers more precisely. A more precise angle cutting means better projects you make. Although a saw guide with T tracks are more expensive to make, but it worths to invest more if you wish to make better projects. With the T track, you can add clamps, lock stoppers, and protractors. If you add T tracks on the top and the bottom, you can also use all sizes of circular saws, jigsaws, and routers. It is very versatile if you add T tracks on the saw guide.

[@jillfirle6317]

Thanks so much for this video! I’m not brand new to woodworking but kind of. I’ve built some cabinets, outdoor furniture, small work tables, and crafty things but with limited tools. I don’t have a table saw so have to use a circular saw instead. I do have the Dewalt router you have and absolutely love it, but still learning stuff as I go. I have had t track for probably 2 years and haven’t installed it because of lack of knowledge and lack of confidence. Lol. I will now try to do that. 😊 I watched this again and I learned something else that was very important for me. That was tightening the router clamp. I thought it was a router defect that it slipped so I had to be really careful that it didn’t slip into a deeper cut. I didn’t know you could tighten the clamp. So again, big thanks!

[@dashcammer4322]

You might consider drilling those track screw pilot holes with self-centering drill bits (as you might do for hinge screws) to get them perfect dead center, depending how OCD you are.

[@deancitroni4447]

Wow I have 3 routers. Electric in a table, electric handheld and a battery powered Ryobi handheld. I shy away from using handheld because of all the measurements I've had to cut many dados in various sizes of plywood never thought to set it up the way that you did. Will use this method next time and break out the handhelds again. Thank you!

[@Detached_AZ]

That cut worked out well. Smart actually using the track to set your depth gauge!!! T Tracks are 3/8 deep and other videos and manuals say you should cut "incrementallY". In other words, drop the bit 1/8 and make a pass. Then drop another 1/8 to make a second pass, then finally drop all the way to 3/8 and compplete the pass. Any comments?

[@BearMountainBuilds]

Both methods work, but I would say mine is faster and better. My method allows for a test cut on an excess piece to make sure the depth is correct

[@michaels6299]

That is precisely what I was looking for… Nice job!

[@rebeccaboyette866]

I have that same router and I love it. It's a very well made yet simple tool to ues. Thanks for the vid! Loved it!

[@jameskelly4494]

Perfect timing that I found this. Starting to assemble your outfield table plan and this is the exact router I bought. A few "professional woodworkers " told me way too small for doing this. Looked pretty easy to me.

[@BearMountainBuilds]

I love this router. It’s way easier to use for handheld routing. I like corded routers for router tables though

[@Of_the_House_of_Black]

I have this router and a nice heavy duty bosch router. After I got the dewalt cordless, I never got the bosch out again.

[@jkenn359]

I'm about to go out and cut dados and install track. Thanks for the last minute encouragement !!!!!!!! One more thing... I love Dewalt tools !

[@enterprise59]

Asked the wife for this router for Christmas along with the battery.. I got the battery only ! lol.. Hey, it's the thought that counts right. I'll get this router soon enough.

[@eeodle]

I been watching bunch of videos on how to install t track looks very Intimidated

[@BearMountainBuilds]

It’s really not very hard, you just want to make sure to measure twice

[@hk93shooter]

i am building a reloading bench for long range shooting. i have many presses and measuring tools i want to attach to a 12x12 plywood base. using a t track in a beach bucherblock top. ill be able to switch out tools for any reloading application. and be able to store them in a cabinet when not in use. leaving a nice clutter free surface.

[@pierredutch]

so for such a size bit, what would be the revolutions setting high or low. I want to add a t-track to my new workbanch, but I am procrastinating 🙂

[@nancymills3381]

Thank you for sharing this information!

[@karlvanlith878]

Your video has helpful hints. I enjoy your content, this is why I subscribed to your channel. I have a huge arsenal of DeWalt tools as well. I bought this same cordless router maybe 2 years ago, and I love it. Keep up the great content. BTW I can stand the color Yellow though 🤣🤣, but still love the DeWalt tools.

[@chrislmink]

Great video learned a lot

[@suzannehofer2541]

Is there a way to install some sort of permanent measuring tape on the table Surface so you’re not constantly having to find your measuring tape? Love your videos I am a beginner who’s trying to relearn skills from 45 years ago. Really need these workbenches to get projects up to where I can work on them. Maybe I missed it but do you put down any glue underneath the laminate?

[@BearMountainBuilds]

I don’t have any glue under the track. As for measuring I would recommend sticking with the tape measure for precise cuts but you could write out a tape measure for general dimensions

[@ashbeef1987]

Ignore these guys with the crap comments. I enjoyed the video. Please keep them coming!

[@BearMountainBuilds]

Will do, I appreciate it!!

[@eldiablo7024]

Great video. Can you please send a link for straight edge retailers?

[@BearMountainBuilds]

This is the one I use and I think it's awesome! amzn.to/3JIFX3j

[@DIYDeclassified]

Awesome work man! That T-Track looks sharp against that black melamine top.

[@BearMountainBuilds]

Thanks!!

[@tisdale36]

I will search but do you have link to your workbench build? BTW, thanks for this helpful video.

[@BearMountainBuilds]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y17CnGWhiMh1Z6c

[@billbryantphotography3331]

Great info, thanks. I want to build a portable top with tracks that is maybe 3’ by 4’ with several T-tracks. I want to be able to use it on my workbench, or use it on saw horses outside. Any thoughts of how thick of material I should use for the table top? Is there any difference between using a 1” melamine vs laminating say a 3/4” melamine with some plywood backing? I am not concerned with weight bearing load, but need it to stay perfectly flat for a long time. Thanks.

[@BearMountainBuilds]

I recommend laminating a piece of plywood to the back of the melamine this will help keep the surface and give more bike for the track screws. As far as thickness goes as long as you have 3/4” or more you should be good

[@imsowright90]

Good info.

[@shootinstraight2299]

I see you're routing straight through the melamine, does it work the same if you have a Laminated formica top?

[@BearMountainBuilds]

I have not done it before personally, but I would think it should since it’s pretty much the same material

[@CordellWoodworks]

Did you have any issue with the cut edge on the melamine (cracking or similar)? I just made an outfeed table and put on some melamine but wasn't sure how it would handle being routed.

[@BearMountainBuilds]

I didn’t have any issue with the edge being ragged or cracked. That’s why I like using the router

[@jamesesenwein5152]

What is the material you are using for a surface top? Where can I find it? Thanks

[@BearMountainBuilds]

Black Melamine I bought it at Menards

[@doozerakapuckfutin]

Liked and subbed maty

[@Griffinwoodworks]

I see t track installed in mdf and plywood tops, but never in a butcher block top. Is there a specific reason not to, or is it just something that don’t make for good content lol.

[@satishkad1804]

One edge guide is fine, but many a times the router slips to other side. I had that happen to me. I used straight edge on both sides.

[@BearMountainBuilds]

As long as you are traveling left to right you should only have to use a single straight edge due to the rotation of the cutter it will pull the router into the guide

[@chrisdawndennis1146]

For those of use that are new to woodworking, what router bit is used to make the correct cut for t-track?

[@BearMountainBuilds]

Welcome to the world of woodworking my friend! I'm using a 3/4'' straight bit

[@mr.t7431]

What type of router bit did you use?

[@BearMountainBuilds]

Here's the router I use amzn.to/46XQxQJ

[@eeodle]

What brand of router bit did you use

[@BearMountainBuilds]

I don't really have a brand I stick to for router bits. I just buy a big set like this and replace bits as they break or dull. amzn.to/44zB2Ms

[@garlandlewis3947]

Not everyone knows how this works. Would have like to have seen you use it

[@suzannehofer2541]

I was surprised to find out how much just the track assembly cost at Home Depot about as much as my miter saw. This is not including the wood.

[@BearMountainBuilds]

I recommend buying the track on Amazon it’s generally cheaper. I have a link to it in the video description

[@suzannehofer2541]

@@BearMountainBuilds as a beginner in Wood building, well trying to revive skills I had 35 years ago. I love trying to re-create the projects. I’m just frustrated at my lack of ability to assemble them. I start out very hopeful, and end up very frustrated. Since I’m a glutton for punishment, I will continue to improve my skills. My aspirations are to be able to build a greenhouse. I will probably purchase two more sawhorses with some plywood to reglaze my windows. Since this is one of the task, I need to perform now.

[@dreuaustin]

There are literally thousands of videos about installing T-Track. Is there any pointers anyone can give me for "removing" t-track from old jigs or sleds to repurpose it? Mine are glued down with epoxy.

[@kennyg9018]

you might try a heatgun to melt the glue. If that doesn't work, you may have to buy new t-track.

[@joshsoorlin579]

Great vid but no more buyin dewalt man

[@BearMountainBuilds]

Thanks! But I’m still sticking with Dewalt. I like their tools

[@ltandrepants]

please drop the crappy music

[@psychedelicguitarartbyjima3850]

Again -