Vacuum Jigs?

[fretsman]

Ok, I'm still very new here and did a search and found bits and pieces about these but I'd like to know what you use. I'm going to be doing some engraving in some small parts and would like to create a jig block with a cavity to hold them with a vacuum pump system to get away from taking the time to screw each one down to a block or use a double face tape.

I'd love to see pics of your setups, construction and/or hear about your success or lack of with these. If I have posted this in the wrong area, possibly you could direct me to the right place...this form is huge!

Many thanks-


EDIT: Well I see there is a workholding forum so please feel free to move this. Sorry 'bout that-

[swarfmacdaddy]

Go to joewoodworker.com Anything you want to know about vacuum work holding is there.

[fretsman]

Thanks for asnwering and yes, I've been there but saw no "nesting" type setups, only veneering setups and vacuum tables. Possibly I missed it?

[Greolt]

Originally Posted by fretsman I'd love to see pics of your setups, construction and/or hear about your success or lack of with these.

Look at this link for my effort.

Another Aussie Adventure in Vacuum Clamping

Also do a search on the forum for vacuum. You will see a few threads with different ideas.

Greg

[fretsman]

Originally Posted by Greolt Look at this link for my effort. Another Aussie Adventure in Vacuum Clamping Also do a search on the forum for vacuum. You will see a few threads with different ideas. Greg

Actually Greg, you have inspired me already before you posted here, lol! I saw some of your videos on youtube and have enjoyed learning from them. The link you provided clears up all the questions I had for you so thank you very much for your time and info.

Specifically I'm looking at making nesting fixtures that have the shape of each part that I'll be engraving and those will be interchangable on top of a main vacuum housing. If that makes any sense. lol!

[Greolt]

Originally Posted by fretsman Specifically I'm looking at making nesting fixtures that have the shape of each part that I'll be engraving and those will be interchangable on top of a main vacuum housing. If that makes any sense. lol!

This makes perfect sense to me. If I was doing similar repeat jobs I would do exactly this.

I can imagine the fixture having a common base with the vacuum connection. This would stay fixed to the table.

Then having job specific fixtures that fit onto the common base with positive location and seal.

Each of these fixtures would then have the job specific shape of seal and appropriate locating dowels or shoulders etc. to locate and hold that particular job.

Both base and fixture together would not need to be more than 20 to 30mm high.

In the right situation this would be well worth pursuing. Good idea.

Greg

[ammach]

Just so happens I'm working with a vacuum plate now . may be able to get some pics of it . New here and have my own problem with a machine . Basically , took a 1" thk. plate that I could shape my profile in and room for some plumbing parts . rectangle say 5" X 7 " . my parts have two small cavities in bottom so I cut into my plate the depth needed , ( +.003 ) on profile , don't want to much play. and gave myself another (.030) wall offset of that profile and put in a o-ring . So I have 2 profile pockets and a o-ring profile close to shape .

Added 4 more smaller ( .375 ) dia. in 4 corners . took plate out and started drilling 1/4" dia holes to intersect where the o-rings are. plugged in ( 3 ) 1/4" pipe taps ( 2 ) in one side ( 1 ) in the other . Used plastic 90 deg elbows and some plastic hose that fit the couplings.. Also bought a tank from msc . To suck any coolant I may get and put a relief valve in it .. I cant believe the time i have saved on this set up .

I have a old vacuum pump that gets something like 24 lbs of vac.
It holds parts taking (.400 ) dp cuts and 25 " fd rate and hold them flat .
Crazy . Very in expensive to thing we spent maybe $300 in materials .

Hope this gives you some new thoughts on how this may work for you.

Tony

[Greolt]

Got any pics Tony.

Always easier to understand the description.

Greg

[fretsman]

Yes, Tony, that is exactly what I was looking to do and using O rings was the same idea I had as well since I'll be working with fairly small parts (no bigger than 3" X 3").

As Greg mentioned, if you ever do get any pics I'd love to see them.

Welcome to the forum and thanks so much to you guys for your help-

[Verfur]

when i make vacume fixtures I make a scroll (spiral) in the pockets pending thickness of the material for the spacing of the walls. then on the outside (not connected) cut an oring groove. The groove will take a few trys on exact depth, I found that 40 - 80 durometer?? type o-ring to work the best. Also I only have a crush depth of a .005-.010 as if two much will not flatten down. also place a vacume in the center via cross drill.The magic vacume numbers seem to be 27 + inches an automitve airtype vacume pump works great as coolant does not seem to effect it. it does however require lots of shop air.

hope this helps.

[fretsman]

Originally Posted by Verfur when i make vacume fixtures I make a scroll (spiral) in the pockets pending thickness of the material for the spacing of the walls. then on the outside (not connected) cut an oring groove. The groove will take a few trys on exact depth, I found that 40 - 80 durometer?? type o-ring to work the best. Also I only have a crush depth of a .005-.010 as if two much will not flatten down. also place a vacume in the center via cross drill.The magic vacume numbers seem to be 27 + inches an automitve airtype vacume pump works great as coolant does not seem to effect it. it does however require lots of shop air. hope this helps.

Thanks, it did help but may I ask you to be a little clearer on this sentence?

it does however require lots of shop air.
It's a vacuum pump, no?

Any chance you might have a pic or 2 of the setup?

Thanks again!

[ger21]

I think he's using an air powered venturi vacuum generator.