Building a new shop, slab question

aarolar · Mar 2, 2018

I am tearing down my current cobbled together scrap heap and I have an idea for the slab I wanted to ask opinions on. I would love to put one or mutiple pieces of t-track in the floor to use to bolt down various pieces of equipment for temporary use like a tube bender or router table. Has anyone ever attempted something like this or seen similar Internet searches don't turn up much. I would ideally like something bigger than standard maybe more like 1' or so.

ustmd · Mar 2, 2018

Interning idea. Never thought of it. Not sure if t-track is correct.

Maybe the track they use in aircraft:

Seat Track and Aircraft Style Track

Sparkynutz · Mar 2, 2018

IMO I'd bolt it to the floor vs embedding in the concrete. You might want to move it later or hate sweeping the crud out of it.
Workbench on the other hand is very useful with t slots built in flush for stuff like that.

flingwing1969 · Mar 3, 2018

Sparkynutz said:
IMO I'd bolt it to the floor vs embedding in the concrete. You might want to move it later or hate sweeping the crud out of it.
Workbench on the other hand is very useful with t slots built in flush for stuff like that.

Yes, you can use stout Redheads in good concrete to hold down a grinder etc, you want to move it - unbolt it and cut off the Redhead and you're done.

Tractor Seabee · Mar 3, 2018

Look up "C" channel on the web, several brands and carried by electrical and mechanical suppliers. They make one for embedment in concrete. They also make a cover for the open side. It is to make it into a wiring trough but would work to keep debris out of it. Takes up to 1/2" bolts and the quick nuts made for it. Put cross pieces of the channel and you have 4 way adjustment to match mounting holes.

Ron

Dave M7040 · Mar 3, 2018

If you like cracked concrete go for it.

You are introducing a big stress riser when you embed something long in a slab.

Yes it can be done but with an engineered design which also includes the necessary saw cut locations .

Dave M7040

ch47dpilot · Mar 3, 2018

What might work best is an internal threaded insert. Wej-It | Drop-In/Mini Drop-In Anchors when not in use you could thread in a bolt or something to fill hole. I've thought of cutting the head off a standard bolt. Cut a slot in it and then you could use a screw drive to remove/install it. It would be relatively flush with concrete. Inserts are available on Amazon if you like shopping there.

Rustyiron · Mar 3, 2018

I embedded a 4' section of rr rail to be able to tack something down to it. I also put in some flat plates for this purpose.

Those round things are little chain pot's used in frame shops for an anchoring point for pulling. They have a little cap that closes it off. Not exactly a solution for what you are looking for, but the small plates might give you an idea.