Minimum table thickness to minimize stop block wobbling (3/4" system)

Fixture Tables
1

Hi,

I purchased some 6" stop blocks for the ¾" system and am milling holes into C6 Channel to make my own mini welding table piece with specific distances between the holes (attached below). This will become part of a saw table, and will not be exposed to intense heat like a usual welding table; it will just have pieces of stainless-steel sliding across it.

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I’d like to use C6 x 10.5 (0.314" or 5/16" thickness on top) that I have on hand, but will that cause a lot of wobbling/play? I’m using this to premeasure lengths for cutting material with 1/16" tolerance with the cuts ranging from around 27" to 70". I plan to have the pins positioned such that there are 2.8 inches between them. My alternative is the C6 x 13, which is 0.437" or 7/16" thick on top, closer to your 1/2" thickness, but I would only choose this if it would make a significant difference.

What do you suggest?

Thanks so much,

Sarah

2

1/2 thick will give you good results. You can always just bolt the block in place to remove any movement if the job requires it. Using the end 1x2 small face will yield very little movement.

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3

I know that 1/2" will be good, but what about something thinner? Have y’all tested those and seen slightly less precise but still functional results?

4

The wobble will increase the thinner the plate. The acceptable amount depends on how picky you are. Lots of customers have 1/4 plates and don’t have any complaints. Like I said earlier position the fence block perpendicular to the work and you’ll have little movement.

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