Vacuum for CNC Clamping

[wbegg]

I have been looking for a budget vacuum pump for vacuum clamping parts for my homemade CNC router. I found this on E-bay, but not sure if it will meet my needs or not.

Thomas Compressor 100 Model Vacuum / Compressor - eBay (item 280618881534 end time Jan-27-11 07:28:49 PST)

The specs indicate 115V, 4.0A (0.6 hp?) 3.5 cfm, 27.7" Hg Max.

I won't be clamping any parts larger than about 24" x 24", and that will be rare. Average pieces will be more on the order of 12" x 12".

Take a look, and tell me what you think. If it works, it will be the best $24 I've spent in a long time.

[Phife]

its a little small for good vacuum clamping, I have a 24"x48" vacuum table. I use 3 of these: Thomas Compressor Vacuum Pump 2619 2639 Aerate Pond - eBay (item 170593792585 end time Jan-28-11 19:45:46 PST)

and on small parts (less than 6x6") I find that the hold just isnt enough sometimes.

You have to remember that holding power will be less on smaller parts, less surface area for the air pressure to push on.

[Boltz]

The key question is whether you'll be running an MDF bleeder board, holding porous materials like wood or gasketed fixtures with nonporous materials like plastic or aluminum.

-Jim Hart

[Phife]

These small pumps will only work with gasketed fixtures.

[wbegg]

Thanks for replies guys. (Hey, I rhymed).

I plan on only using gasketed (sp?) jigs. I'd like to make a few "Pod" style pucks to run general stuff.

I build guitars, so most stock will be 14" x 20" and necks at 4" x 30".

I'll give it a try, and report back. I ordered some 1/2" acrylic to make some vacuum jigs. My Aluminum clamps have so many dings, I'm surprised they still hold together.

[wcarrothers1]

I hold down plastic sheets for engraving with pumps like that.

How ever to be effective they have to be combined with tanks and pressure regulators for turning it on and off. Joes Exotic Wood Veneer, Vacuum Press Systems, Veneering Tools and Veneering Supplies
DIY Vacuum Press
is what I built with parts from him. I have larger tanks then his design but really a great setup. I especially like the foot peddle on off switch he sells. That is totaly a cool thing.

.b