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Vac Hold Down System

Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2014 12:43 am
by Lameiii
I've been using hold down clamps up to this point in time. I'd like to convert to a vac hold down system but not sure what it encompasses.
I'm looking for information on how to set one up and what equipment I would need to purchase.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Lame

Re: Vac Hold Down System

Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2014 1:21 am
by Rcnewcomb
What are you cutting? That will make a difference.

Here are a few links to get you started:
CNC Cookbook: Fixturing with Vacuum
Vacuum Hold Down Strength for CNC
BradyVac II
Good information at AllStar

Re: Vac Hold Down System

Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2014 1:23 am
by Lameiii
I'm only cutting wood.

Lame

Re: Vac Hold Down System

Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2014 2:29 am
by dldecker
Lameiii wrote:I'm only cutting wood.

Lame
plywood, MDF ? vac hold down system works good

lumber - large pieces or small pieces
2 x 12 it works ok, smaller pieces 2 x 6 I would use clamps

Re: Vac Hold Down System

Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2014 3:44 pm
by Lameiii
Does anyone sell vac table parts.

Re: Vac Hold Down System

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2014 6:58 am
by feinddj
What kind of vacuum?

Regenerative vac or a shopvac type vacuum system will work for plywood and some wood parts but the vacuum hold down is a log function of the area. The bigger the area, the stronger the hold down. try Lighthouse, BradyvAc or Black box vacuums. A search on Ebay will find regenerative pumps that can provide lots of vacuum power. When I am cutting ply I use a regenerative pump which works fine for most parts. Some care may be needed as to where the cut starts and which bits are cut first, etc.

For smaller items, I use hard vacuum with a gasketed fixture to hold the piece. For example, I have a 2 inch thick p[iece of walnut that is machined with a 1/2 inch ball mill inside and out to a depth of 1.875. The walnut is 4.5 by 5.25 inches. I use a bit of uhmw with a venturi pump to hold it down. I screw the uhmw right to the table.

David

Re: Vac Hold Down System

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2014 10:41 pm
by PaulRowntree
Lameiii wrote:Does anyone sell vac table parts.
have you seen this guy?

http://www.joewoodworker.com/veneering/welcome.htm

Many places sell pods...

Re: Vac Hold Down System

Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2014 5:04 am
by Ms Wolffie
Image
http://www.sorotec.de/shop/product_info ... ition.html
I just bought this vacuum table but the company carries several others. The price is minus 19 percent tax so it is reasonable.
http://www.sorotec.de/shop/index.php/ca ... ables.html
German quality.
Cheers
Wolffie