FORTISTRUT CLAMPS

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FORTIS-TEE CLAMPS

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T-SLOT EXTRUSION INFORMATION

The modular aluminum extrusion system was developed by the Bosch Company back in the 1960s. Years later other companies would join the growing industry. 80/20, Item and others would follow the same principle. The extrusions would soon be available in Metric and English units.

The “T”-slot extrusion was marketed as a simple frame building system that did not require welding or special fabrication processes. The popularity and versatility of the “T”-slot extrusion industry eventually found its place in the woodworking industry. The ability to make precision saw fences, dove tail jigs, router tables and other useful tools has improved the life of the woodworker. The increase in affordable CNC Routers has also introduced many hobbyists to the “T”-slot extrusion system. CNC router frames and worktables of many models use some form of “T”-slot extrusion.

The modular extrusion companies like Maytec, Item, Bosch, 80/20, Minitec offer many sizes and shapes of extrusions. Depending on the company, certain sizes of extrusions have different sizes of the ‘T”-slot profile. Small extrusion profiles will only allow ¼” (6mm) fasteners or smaller to fit inside the slot of the extrusion. Larger extrusion profiles can use fasteners up to 3/8” to ½”. The “T”-slot size that Fortisclamp has based the Mini-Tee clamp design on are the “T”-slot rails/tracks that are currently sold at some of the specialty woodworking stores. These stores, Rockler and Woodcraft in particular, sell “T”-slot rails that limited the mounting fasteners to ¼” and 5/16”. The “T”-slot rails or tracks that the Mini-Tee will work on are listed on the back of the packaging and this website. Larger extrusion manufactures, like Maytec, may also work on the Mini-Tee. The user will need to refer to the table provided on the back of the Mini-Tee package and this website.

STRUT CHANNEL INFORMATION

The strut channel was invented by Charles Attwood in the early 1900’s. The framing system was known as the Attwood System of Frame Construction. His company, Deceleco, Inc., was later named The Unistrut Corporation. Today, many consider the trade name “Unistrut” as the most popular description of the metal framing that other manufacturers also produce. The shape is defined by The Metal Framing Manufactures Association (MFMA) as a piece of sheet metal that is roll formed into a “U” shaped structure. This standard makes it possible for other manufacturers to make the same shapes and guarantees that all strut channels, brackets and fasteners are interchangeable between manufacturers.

The strut channel size (1-5/8”) and the strut channel framing system are compatible with the wood frame construction industry where 2 x 4 wood studs are used. The actual measurements of a 2 x 4 stud at the time of Charles Attwood invention of the strut channel (1-5/8” x 3-5/8”) was eventually changed to the current size (1-1/2” x 3-1/2”). The strut channel comes in a ½ height version (13/16”) which typically is attached to other channels or a 2 x 4 for added strength.

The strut channel framing system can be used to build structures that do not require welding. Angle brackets and flat plate brackets are available to bolt other strut channels together. The ability to disassemble and reuse the strut channel on other projects is also possible. The most popular fastener (bolt size) is a ½” bolt. The major home improvement stores carry both strut channel, brackets and various fasteners. These stores, however, only offer a limited variety of brackets and accessories. A better selection of products can be found by searching the internet. The user is encouraged to follow the manufacturers assembly instruction, load ratings and safety guidelines.

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