Hold it Down

jetvich

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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Errol

Hi Jetvitch,
Have you had a look at V-Clamps? vac-clamp.com. This might help you on your quest.

pwdavo

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.

blurrycustoms

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!

Arcticfox46

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

CNCWOODWORKER

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.

Axeman

A little denatured alcohol releases the 3m tapes instantly.

BigJimAK

+1 on the double-stick tape

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