Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Router - Cutting Thin Sheet Clamping??

In a message dated 2/5/2004 3:48:28 PM Eastern Standard Time,
tsomer2003@... writes:
I am building my first CNC wood router mainly for cutting model

> aircraft parts out of 4mm coroplast and thin Balsa Wood (1/16 to
> 1/8" Thk) and maybe upto 1/4" Ply.
>
> I plan on a vacuum hold down system.
>
> My question is how can I fixture this material so that I can cut
> through the entire thickness without destroying my table? I am sure
> there are lots of people doing this.
>
> Thanks for any suggestions.

Vacuum is the way to go, if your material is not too porous. You need what
is called a "spoil board" That is a sheet of MDF, Plywood or other material
that can be cut into by the bit. This is the way it is done in the wood working
industry, most of the time. There are other methods which use vacuum pods
but your material must be thick enough and stiff enough to use them. You will
need a vacuum chamber that under the spoil board. If you use a somewhat porous
material such as MDF (medium density fiberboard) and your vacuum pump is
large enough, you won't need any vacuum holes thru the spoil board. If that is
not the case then you will need vacuum holes with some gasket material under
your material to be cut. Usually very thin closed cell self adhesive foam works.
Your spoil board should be bolted to your router table in some fashion.

I hope this will help.

Randy Abernathy
4626 Old Stilesboro Road
Acworth, GA 30101
Ph / Fax: 770-974-5295
E-mail: cnc002@...

I furnish technical support, repair, and other related services for your
industrial woodworking machinery. My background as Senior Service Engineer for the
SCMI Group for nearly fifteen years with factory training, combines with my
extensive background in electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, electrical and CNC
machinery to offer you needed support for your machinery.


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