Surface Board

This forum is for users to post tips and tricks they have found useful while working with VCarve Pro
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knowlzy0791
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Surface Board

Post by knowlzy0791 »

Hey everyone,

Any thoughts on what spoilboard to use for a large machine? I use 48"x120" and I think my 3/4" low-density particle board is killing my suction.

What does everyone else use?

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martin54
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Re: Surface Board

Post by martin54 »

Have you checked your vacuum system to ensure there aren't any leaks? Guessing you already have it zoned so you can shut off sections not in use. Have you sealed the edges of the board? Just doing that will make a difference.

knowlzy0791
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Re: Surface Board

Post by knowlzy0791 »

martin54 wrote:Have you checked your vacuum system to ensure there aren't any leaks? Guessing you already have it zoned so you can shut off sections not in use. Have you sealed the edges of the board? Just doing that will make a difference.
Yes to all of the above. We just upgraded the blower to one that is supposed to create about twice the suction of the old one, and have not got any real enhancements. I am afraid the board is what is suffocating it.

ger21
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Re: Surface Board

Post by ger21 »

Are you really trying to pull vacuum through particle board, or did you mean to say MDF?
Gerry - http://www.thecncwoodworker.com

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Rcnewcomb
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Re: Surface Board

Post by Rcnewcomb »

I think my 3/4" low-density particle board is killing my suction
I assume you machined both sides of the spoilboard, yes?

What is the vacuum gauge showing while the system is running, i.e. are you dealing with a leak or is the spoilboard not allowing air to move through?
- Randall Newcomb
10 fingers in, 10 fingers out, another good day in the shop

knowlzy0791
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Re: Surface Board

Post by knowlzy0791 »

ger21 wrote:Are you really trying to pull vacuum through particle board, or did you mean to say MDF?
My mistake, I meant MDF. I have went through and checked for leaks on all of the piping and machined both sides of it. The issue is not enough air moving through the board.

I ordered some 1/2" MDF, hoping by the time I machine both sides of that I will get better results. Was not sure if anyone used a different material that allowed more air flow or not.

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Rcnewcomb
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Re: Surface Board

Post by Rcnewcomb »

This discussion of vacuum plenums over on the ShopBot forum might be of interest to you: ->Link
- Randall Newcomb
10 fingers in, 10 fingers out, another good day in the shop

knowlzy0791
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Re: Surface Board

Post by knowlzy0791 »

Dropped down to 1/2" board, then surfaced both sides bringing it to roughly .45"

My suction has almost doubled.

gbradley
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Re: Surface Board

Post by gbradley »

What type of machine do you have? What is the vacuum table made out of? What kind of HP is the blower you have?

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