Here's some good information on making work holddown vacuum pods

[buscht]

Check this site out for info on how to make your own vacuum pods along with recommended pump sizes.

http://skalarcnc.netfirms.com/pods.html

[ynneb]

Hey that timing was perfect, with my review of the Vac-clamp.
http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7643
You could use the Vac-Clamp to generate the vacuum and route it to those pods.

[buscht]

Benny, that was strange. I was thinking that there wasn't much info on vac clamps on this site and we both posted almost simultaneously.

[mvaughn]

Could a simple venturi be machined out of plastic that would allow for compressor line and vacuum line connectors?

I don't know much about venturis, other than the priciple of them, to design aone that is semi-efficient.

[ger21]

I used this one to make a veneer press. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=3952

You can get more info on making a vacuum system at http://www.joewoodworker.com

Look under veneer press. Basically you need a venturi, vacuum switch, air valve (MAC) and gauge, and some PVC pipe. You can buy a compete kit at the above site, too.

[Vac-Clamp]

To machine a venturi from plastic is possible, how efficient would it be is another question. The VC4 and VC5 vacuum clamps that we produce have venturis machined to very tight tolerances in very stable and wear resistant materials. To produce a "one off" will be more expensive time wise than buying either one of our clamps or using the venturi from "Harbor Freight"

Moderator "ynneb" has produced an independent report on our VC4 single sided clamp and I think that the performance even surprised him.

We now have our VC5 clamp which holds itself down. Two sides and two separate venturis.

There are many reasons why we believe the Vac-Clamp system to be the better way of vacuum clamping. I will be happy to discuss these points if you wish.

Errol @ Vac-Clamp
http://www.vac-clamp.com

[macmiester]

Great idea for the pods. I couldn't help to notice how much the substrate material costs... Too pricey for me. I'm thinking bout making my own out of a plastic cutting board... Think it'll work? And what if both sides had seals then I wouldn't have to be messing up my table.