Holding a block for facing

[Mihelich]

Hey guys,

I am running into an issue in trying to figure our how I can hold down a block of aluminum to my CNC table for facing of the surfaces.
With the block needing to be faced on all sides, I cannot drill holes into it for a hold down nor can I clamp down on the top of it as that is the surface I would be trying to face.
How in the heck would I hold something like this to the table for a facing operation??

[bostosh]

It would be best to describe how big a billet, etc. depth of cut,

The Push Clamp

Push clamps are designed to put a large amount of pressure
against (X,Y) the piece on which you are working .

[txcncman]

You did not say what kind of machine or any other specifics such as how much Z height or clearance you have. Toe clamps (push clamps) can work, but they usually require that you have T-slots to mount them or you have to drill and tap mounting holes in your table. You can work around that buy putting a sub-plate on your table with regular clamps and drilling and tapping mounting holes in that. Vacuum is an option. Double face tape is an option. Mounting a vise to your table and using that is an option.

[hub]

Hey guys,

I am running into an issue in trying to figure our how I can hold down a block of aluminum to my CNC table for facing of the surfaces.
With the block needing to be faced on all sides, I cannot drill holes into it for a hold down nor can I clamp down on the top of it as that is the surface I would be trying to face.
How in the heck would I hold something like this to the table for a facing operation??

Machining vice? One side at a time..

[Shane123]

i know this might sound weird at first, but why not cut it an inch per side, and then countersink and drill some holes in that "extra material" to hold it down to the table..... even just 2 sides will work. then on your opposite side, you can run the mill down to cut those flaps almost off (leave a 1/16" or so) when you get done facing the big portions.

we do it all the time to uhmw since it likes to flex when side clamped. works like a champ!

[desellers]

There are many ways to hold a block for facing.

1 If size permits use a mill vise. Large items use a two piece mill vise.
2 larger objects you can use edge clamps Enco - Guaranteed Lowest Prices on Machinery, Tools and Shop Supplies
3 c clamp to an angle block.

Hope that helps

[mopar]

hold in a mill vise on .05 material
machine five sides
flip over material set on parralles machine sixth side to thickness