[HomeCNC]

This is my idea for my Vacuum hold down plate. I will start with two plates that are 12" X 24" X 3/8" Alum. (I was going to have a 24" X 24" until I saw the price!!) I cut an o-ring grove in the lower plate (you can get o-ring stock in a roll from McMaster Carr). I drill a cross hole and place a hose barb in it. I make a 1/8" pocket in the upper plate so I have a vacuum chamber inside the two plates. I drill and thread 1/4-20 holes in a 2.25" hole pattern in the top plate. I plug the holes with rubber sealed cap screws. Now I built about 10 or so, small clamping plates that are about 2" square and 1/2" thick Alum. I cut an o-ring grove in both sides and drill a 1/4" hole through the middle of the plate.

To use this thing I just remove a screw and place a clamp plate over the screw hole to receive vacuum. This gives me the ability to create vacuum hold down shapes where I need them.