machinning aluminum plate(s) techniques

[osphoto]

I have an aluminum spoil board/t-slot table.

To save my table, I place my parts on top of "plumbing" tape. I don't have the stuff near me to give an exact name, but It's this rubber tape I found at home depot/lowes. It has a nylon type back to it. It doesn't stick to anything unless it's under pressure. It's about a 1/32 thick and fairly cheap.

I place a piece of it under each of my bolt downs of my material and also place strips down to help support my material. This saves my aluminum spoil board, keeps my part from slipping to much and I can also set my cut values to cut beyond my material to help get clean cuts and of course through cuts.

Carpet tape is usable, harbor freight sells it the cheapest. About a $1.00 a roll when you can get it. It's been a while since I've bought the stuff, 6 rolls have lasted me awhile, but I rarely use it unless I'm doing small parts on aluminum when I need CLEAN cuts.

If you are cutting this aluminum and it's rattling, something isn't working well for you. My stuff doesn't rattle but I also use .25 & .125 inch bits.

[firecat69]

We use a vacuum plate for parts that are 1/4" thick and under. These are not the expensive ones requiring a vacuum pump. It runs on compressed air creating a venturi effect. You use a bigger aluminum plate with grids milled into it, and use o-ring material around contour of part. I was amazed at how well it held several different work pieces.

[Bob La Londe]

We use a vacuum plate for parts that are 1/4" thick and under. These are not the expensive ones requiring a vacuum pump. It runs on compressed air creating a venturi effect. You use a bigger aluminum plate with grids milled into it, and use o-ring material around contour of part. I was amazed at how well it held several different work pieces.

I'll probably have to buy a commercial one someday and study it. I tried a home made venturi plate and for a small part (1" x 3") I was not thrilled. I do have an idea for improving it though. To many projects not enough time.