VAcuum Table

[jwa1156]

Attempting to make a vacuum table using HDPE for my desktop.
Is there a way to produce a grid pattern short of creating one line at a time?
also
any suggestions as to the size of the slots and depth?
Thanks

[Kyle Stapleton]

Use the array tool in v carve or aspire.

[Ajcoholic]

for my Buddy vac plenum, I used 3/4" starboard, and ran my grooves with a 1/2" diameter end mill, leaving 1/2" lands in between. I went 3/8" deep.

[scottp55]

Jerry,
Please post pics and results as you go?
Got a piece of 12X24X.75" HDPE on Desktop right now that will be split into 2 5 5-15/16" "Pucks" for buttons. First attempt will be using AllStarAdhesives sheet cover gasket so I can do full cutouts and buttonholes to see if I can hold down 1.5" buttons.
If THAT doesn't work may need to go "Onionskin" and I'd be VERY interested in how you did:)
Like Kyle said, Make 1 line and then use the linear array tool to create copies using either "gap" or "offset".
Used a WHiteside 1.25" Mortising bit to skim/dimension both sides of mine at 3,.5,10K to .730".
Be careful clamping that stuff! I clamped with 2 Shopfoxes along the X-axis and got almost an 1/8" bow in the 12" width when I "Cranked" the clamps:(
Had to back off clamping compared to hardwood, hopefully better when they are only 6" wide.
Good luck
scott

[pappybaynes]

Scott,
Where did you get your HDPE?
Dick

[scottp55]

Dick,
1 Warning...12X24" was ACTUALLY 12X23.75" !!!!:(
Ordered Amazon based on a Vectric guys recommendation, I'll search electronic invoices for vendor(JUST gave the paper one to bookkeeper Tuesday:(
It arrived in good shape, but with freshly skimmed spoilboard and Light clamping, had to take off .025" to get rid of "Pebble?" finish. Think I got a corner piece as X,0/ Y,24 edges were the the thinnest.
"Seaboard High Density Polyethylene Sheet, Matte Finish, 3/4" Thick, 12" Length x 24" Width, Polar White"

I'll search later, cutting.
Weird fencing was just a thought to index .25" stock accurately(AND to make up for HDPE being .25" short in the 24"axis). Any better ideas? Original thought was to "Pocket" HDPE and leave 2 "Built-in fences" 1/8" thick X .25" tall but that's not going to fly now:(
scott

[scottp55]

Dick, 99% sure as it was bookmarked. Will post actual after searching if different.
http://www.amazon.com/Polyethylene-Off-White-Tolerance-D4976-245-Thickness/dp/B00CPRDN3W/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427978026&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=.interstatehdu+hdpe

[barrowj]

I bought mine from ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1ZAK8-Sheet-Stck-12-In-W-48-In-L-0-750-In-T-/331355248408?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d264fd718

Joe

[jwa1156]

Scott,
Where did you get your HDPE?
Dick
Scott I got my HDPE from ShopBot as part of their vacuum table
option

Thanks you all for the great tips,
Now it is on me to make it happen

[gbradley]

I have moved away from the typical "grid" style for the desktop machines and went with a pocket style vacuum table. I have tested this table out and it works great. After testing we sent this table down to one of our customers with some different fixtures to cut circles on.
25861

25859

Also I have a smaller version that bolts up to the Desktop, a 12 X 12 plenum that I have not tested but it has the same properties as the 18 X 24.

25862