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Hold it Down

This is a discussion on Hold it Down within the CNC Routing forums, part of the Routers category; I'm looking for someone who has experience in holding down plastics to the table. The ...



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Old 10-19-2007, 08:32 AM   #1 (permalink)
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I'm looking for someone who has experience in holding down plastics to the table. The vacuum works for large sheets, but when I'm making parts that are 12" and less the bits tear them out of place. I'm currently using double sided carpet seeming tape and the stuff is a dread for cleaning. Any suggestions?
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Old 11-27-2008, 04:43 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Hi Jetvitch,
Have you had a look at V-Clamps? vac-clamp.com. This might help you on your quest.
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Old 01-20-2009, 09:35 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Having used my homebuilt CNC for some 6 years, I have tried almost everything. Now I use .5 throwaway MDF on bed and screw stock by corners, yes stock needs to be a little bigger but it works first time every time.
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Old 03-12-2009, 02:49 PM   #4 (permalink)
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I have had success with drilling a hole pattern in a 1/2"-1" thick MDF or HDPE table, say 5/16 holes on a 4"x4" grid, and then using a 1/4"-20 t-nut (similar to below) pressed into the bottom.



They run about $7-$8/100 pieces

Obviously you can use any grid spacing, but these t-nuts come a good variety of shapes and sizes from McMaster-Carr. This may extend the life of an otherwise disposable tabletop.

Just a thought!
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Old 03-25-2009, 08:20 AM   #5 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jetvich View Post
I'm looking for someone who has experience in holding down plastics to the table. The vacuum works for large sheets, but when I'm making parts that are 12" and less the bits tear them out of place. I'm currently using double sided carpet seeming tape and the stuff is a dread for cleaning. Any suggestions?
3M - double sided sticky tape --- its wicked strong and simple.

I use it all the time on my CNC machine

Heck - I use in on non CNC too
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Old 10-20-2009, 11:19 AM   #6 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Arcticfox46 View Post
3M - double sided sticky tape --- its wicked strong and simple.

I use it all the time on my CNC machine

Heck - I use in on non CNC too
Can you tell me exactly which 3M tape you use? They got about a million it seems. Also, how much does it cost per roll? I'm looking for a replacement for my current brand.

I've tried probably a dozen types through the years and have found Do It Best Brand carpet tape in the retro 70's looking box to be the best, but they rarely have it at my local stores anymore and I can't find it on their website either. It's also expensive.
This stuff is extremely sticky, and cleanup usually isn't an issue.
I've used it to hold down hard maple guitar necks and bodies and done some pretty heavy routing with no problems - except getting the part off the table when it's done.
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Old 11-03-2009, 02:40 PM   #7 (permalink)
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A little denatured alcohol releases the 3m tapes instantly.
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Old 11-03-2009, 04:49 PM   #8 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CNCWOODWORKER View Post
Can you tell me exactly which 3M tape you use? They got about a million it seems. Also, how much does it cost per roll? I'm looking for a replacement for my current brand.

I've tried probably a dozen types through the years and have found Do It Best Brand carpet tape in the retro 70's looking box to be the best, but they rarely have it at my local stores anymore and I can't find it on their website either. It's also expensive.
This stuff is extremely sticky, and cleanup usually isn't an issue.
I've used it to hold down hard maple guitar necks and bodies and done some pretty heavy routing with no problems - except getting the part off the table when it's done.
+1 on the double-stick tape
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