It was a rough day in the shop...

[feinddj]

and I thought, WWBD? Thanks Brady. Even without knowing you helped to solve my issue.

I never thought that the reason that the vacuum fixture wasn't working was the maple itself.
I replaced the gasket. Didn't work.
I sanded the piece to make it smoother and a little more flat even though I had milled it flat just moments before. Didn't work (well, maybe a little)
Then I checked the gasket by placing a piece of plexi on it. Held just fine.

So I took clear packing tape and sealed the bottom of the .33 thick piece of hard maple. The vacuum went from 10 to 27 and held perfectly.

This forum is a great place to learn and thanks to all who contribute.

David

[Brady Watson]

Glad you figured it out, David. We're all in this thing together.

-B