Easy T-Slot Bolts
© Frank Ford 2008; Photos by FF
A regular carriage bolt can serve rather well as a T-slot bolt with very little modification.
Surely they're not a strong as higher grade hardware, but they do the job most of the time with ease. I use them mostly for fixtures and tools that have T-slots of smaller size than my regular tool tables, and for fairly light duty.
Just two quick trips with an end mill provides the flats:
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And, I have a bolt, ready to go:
The flats are just enough to keep the bolt from turning, and the head provides plenty of support. Naturally, I select the largest carriage bolt that will fit the narrow portion of the T-slot.