Which hardwood for cross cut sled fence?

[stockonehundred]

Hi, I'm wondering which hardwood is a good choice for cutting a t-track into, bearing in mind availability and cost. I want to use the t-track for adding a stop to the front fence. This seems a cheaper option than buying aluminium t-tracks. Thanks in advance.

 

[mickthetree]

I used a stack of MDF off cuts, all varying thicknesses and types (green and brown). I glued this into a sandwich which I then planed and squared on my jointer. This has been rock solid with no chance of movement. You could route into this no problem for your track I'm sure. Although I just clamp a lump of wood where I need it as and when I do. You could easily make a removable hinged stop which would do the same thing and clamp on when necessary.

HTH

 

[stockonehundred]

Thanks Mick. I'm not sure why I didn't think to use MDF, my router table fence is made of it!! I have a decent sized off cut of 25mm too. This jig is working out cheaper than I thought. Happy days..!!

 

[adidat]

Seems like a worse case senario but what if the mdf fails at the worse posible moment?

Adidat

 

[stockonehundred]

Not sure I understand what you mean. Fails in what way?

 

[mickthetree]

As a pose to the hardwood moving over time? I'm not sure I see how the mdf will fail?