Getting the most out of a plywood sheet.

[gavztheouch]

That does make sense Geoffrey, the addition of a gasket was also something I was thinking about but was worried about the rubber/foam/cork getting damaged as I slide the sheets on and off the bed machine. I think a holding sheet will definitely reduce the need for a large pump and give me decent hold down.

Tabs are not an option as I plan to cut almost all the sheet material away so I am left with sawdust and parts :) Hence why I was thinking about painting the holding sheet as the surface area exposed will be quite large.

[GEOFFREY]

Make the gasket a nice tight fit in the groove, biggest corner radius you can and only have the gasket 0.3- 0.5mm above the square (say if using a 5mm gasket make the groove 5mm wide and 4.5-4.7mm deep] section groove, this will allow the top sheet to pull down virtually flat whilst cutting, and you should not damage the gasket when removing the sheet. G.

[gavztheouch]

Where do you buy your gasket material?

[GEOFFREY]

I buy it on the roll (100M from memory & that lasts ages for me). I normally use 8mm as that suits my bed matrix, but it is available in various dias. Can't remember the company at the moment, but will check down the works and post tomorrow. A quick google search should show it anyway. I think it is called neoprene or butyl rubber. G.