DIY Vacuum Fixtures

[Boyan Silyavski]

Hi,
lately i have been doing a lot of repetitive stuff plus i need also for sanding, so i decided its time to make some specific vacuum fixtures plus 1 more universal.

So i decided to use the second compressor i have. Bought programmable digital vacuum pressure switch, its on the way. Will fit that near the CNC or on it to avoid vibration from the compressor, it outputs 5v on off signal, so its easy to wire it to input pin. Then will switch the compressor via some relay on the BOB

Mean while i looked at all the design solutions all over the net. Some were very interesting.

I will start making 2 specific fixtures to hold down 200mm OD circle pieces of wood. Here i will use thicker gasket, to compensate if the wood is not perfectly straight.
Now another thing to have in mind is that when i finish the big machine i am building, then i would like to make much more fixtures, so i would like to stick with one size.


While i have it almost all clear, there still remains a question.

What size tubing? Having in mind i will use always compressor directly. No shop vacs , ventury, no pumps or whatever. I am thinking of something minimalist like say 4mmx2.5mm. M6 at the other side.


-Am i right that the smaller the tubing the faster the vacuum will be achieved? And that small is good for my specific case?
-Also i will most possibly do it 2x 6-8mm aluminum that will sandwich 10-12mm plastic. So not a lot of space for connectors in the plastic




Below is a table for quick hose connectors. Left is the tube, right is the fixtrure side thread.



For those interested here is the piece that is needed at the compressor side . Note that its not like the one i bought so it does NOT have 5V TTL output i believe. Though is the cheapest best buy at 40euro shipped.

http://www.ebay.es/itm/180987591897?...84.m1423.l2649

[EddyCurrent]

Will down pressure from the cutting tool compress the thicker gasket and make Z0 lower ?

[mitchejc]

I'm also very interested in making some vacuum fixures soon so I'll be watching your progress keenly. I have not done any real investigation yet but I guess the thinner the ID of the tube the better because I don't think high flow volume is required and keep tube lengths to a minimum. I mean long thick tubes will need a bigger vacuum tank to handle the initial suction. Not sure but I don't think all types of quick connect couplers that are designed for pressure will seal properly when used for vacuum so maybe just confirm that with the vendor.
I'm curious when you say "compressor", do you mean vacuum pump or will you be using a compressor with one of those compressed air vacuum generators or is there another way?

[mekanik]

Hi Guys
Found some kits
http://www.toolpost.co.uk/pages/Wood...rkholding.html
Regards
Mike

[EddyCurrent]

Compare the price to this; http://www.trend-uk.com/en/UK/produc...make_kit_.html

[mekanik]

Much more better Eddy
That was the first one i found on my search and was going to see if Trend carried spares for the vacuum pad.

[Nthkentman]

Compare the price to this; http://www.trend-uk.com/en/UK/produc...make_kit_.html

I bought one of these...Yet to get enough round tuits to actually make it tho... Wish they'd sent a CNC template idea and not the paper hand router templates :-(

[GEOFFREY]

Hi Guys
Found some kits
http://www.toolpost.co.uk/pages/Wood...rkholding.html
Regards
Mike

Someone (I think it may have been Eddy) posted some similar kits that Trend had on clearance. I bought two kits, can't remember the price, but less than a tenner a kit. I have not yet tried to make them up as I wanted them for my other router re-build which is still a project - not yet started!!! G.

[Boyan Silyavski]

Here using the left side bar menu, you could see all types of vacuum systems used on CNC.

I like the VAC-MAT and tried to purchase only the mats which are sacrificial but still no response. This is one very clever product but its price is prohibitive. Though i still hope that the mats could be at reasonable price.



I especially like the FLIP-POD Vacuum System and parts for it could be made at home or purchased. Especially nice for a big machine.



The Metapor Chucks are also favorite of mine. I will make something similar for starters, cause that's what i need, 2 of them. Of course i don't have sintered breathing aluminum so i will use some breathing mat in the middle or nothing at all. cause as i said they will be job specific.



Simple Vac clamps also will do the job




Here they have some materials, i will buy my self the Vill MIll mat for small details , if i don't find something similar where i live.