How to Insert a T-Slot Cutter

Mark the location on the side of the wood where you want the T-slot cut to go with a pencil. Select a T-slot cutter with a throat depth that extends far enough down to reach the marked location on the wood. The throat depth is the length of shaft extending down from the milling machine on which the cutter is installed. The T-slot cutter also should have the correct throat width, head space width and head space depth to cut the appropriate size T-slot. Think of the letter "T;" the throat width is the width of the body of the "T," the head space width is the width of the top of the "T" and the head space depth is the thickness of the top of the "T."

Turn the crank or handle on the side of the spindle counterclockwise to loosen the spindle. If a cutter already is in the milling machine, it should loosen. Pull the current cutter down to release it from the milling machine.

Insert the T-slot cutter, handle first. The handle often has a pointy tip, which inserts into the spindle. If the T-slot cutter you have does not extend far enough down to make the cut you desire, insert a collet or sleeve onto the shaft before you insert the T-slot cutter into the milling machine. A collet serves as an extension for the shaft.

Push the T-slot cutter upward until it is inserted fully into the spindle.

Turn the crank or handle clockwise to tighten the spindle.