Vacuum box advice
Posted: Sun May 24, 2015 8:59 pm
Hey all,
So I've put my new vacuum box in use, but I'm having some issues with losing too much suction during cutting.
I've got a roughly 24 x 24 vacuum box, about 1.25 inches in internal height, with cross members to prevent table sag.
My holes are 1/4 inch, spaced 3/4 inch apart on center. That makes about 32 rows and columns.
When I cover all the holes with 1/8 inch plywood I get good suction, but as I cut out my design I start getting the bit (which is a 1/16 in end mill, uncut) pulling up the material and the suction eventually decreases to the point where the material can move freely. I'm cutting out a design from MakeCNC, one of their puzzles so the lines are pretty small.
Any suggestions or pointers on the vacuum box (or references to other good sources) would be much appreciated. I don't know if I have too small of holes, to many, to close, etc.
BTW, I am using a small shop vac to drive the vacuum.
Thanks in advance.
Bill.
So I've put my new vacuum box in use, but I'm having some issues with losing too much suction during cutting.
I've got a roughly 24 x 24 vacuum box, about 1.25 inches in internal height, with cross members to prevent table sag.
My holes are 1/4 inch, spaced 3/4 inch apart on center. That makes about 32 rows and columns.
When I cover all the holes with 1/8 inch plywood I get good suction, but as I cut out my design I start getting the bit (which is a 1/16 in end mill, uncut) pulling up the material and the suction eventually decreases to the point where the material can move freely. I'm cutting out a design from MakeCNC, one of their puzzles so the lines are pretty small.
Any suggestions or pointers on the vacuum box (or references to other good sources) would be much appreciated. I don't know if I have too small of holes, to many, to close, etc.
BTW, I am using a small shop vac to drive the vacuum.
Thanks in advance.
Bill.