Black Box Vac Source

[michael_schwartz]

Jim,

I have the check valve in my vac box with two motors in each chamber. 90% of the time I use only two of the motors. I normally switch on the 2nd set of motors (which opens the check valve) when I go to cut through smaller parts. It sticks them to the table like glue.

I am glad to hear that you get by with 2 motors most of the time. I plan to try to nest smaller parts within 24x48 zones, and I am wondering at what point parts become small enough that all 4 motors are required. I am going to start out with the two motors I have.

I don't mind cutting drawer parts on the table saw if I have to. As long as I can hold nested parts larger than 1-2 square feet I will be happy.

[garyc]

Michael...
I dont know if this is the best barometer, but I was able to cut a half sheet melamine of 3.5 x 8 dadoed stretchers without losing any. Only the onionskin pass has the 2nd pair of motors on.

[knight_toolworks]

I am glad to hear that you get by with 2 motors most of the time. I plan to try to nest smaller parts within 24x48 zones, and I am wondering at what point parts become small enough that all 4 motors are required. I am going to start out with the two motors I have.

I don't mind cutting drawer parts on the table saw if I have to. As long as I can hold nested parts larger than 1-2 square feet I will be happy.

if you use a smaller downcut bit is not an issue. I use a 5/32 downcut when am cutting smaller parts. the thinner the material the smaller the bit I use when the parts are small. I can cut a sheet full of 3" circles and not loose one.

[michael_schwartz]

Sounds good. I am pretty excited.

I am going to work on my plenum, and spoil board later this week. I have acquired all of the plumbing.

I bought a 12x24x24 NEMA type 1 enclosure, along with a pair of louvered vents. I am going to mount my motors inside of this enclosure, and mill some flanges from 1.25" thick type 1 pvc to mount to the outside. I got a pair of pvc swing check valves. I should have the rest of the materials for this on monday.

[knight_toolworks]

it's best to have check valves on both sets in case one of the two motors goes out. so you can choose what set you need.
as far as heat it seems the exhaust is hotter from my 220's then my fein type motors.

[dlcw]

I cut 4" coasters (about 230 per sheet) out of 1/4" MDF for a local sports plaque maker and with the new vac setup, I've eliminated having to use any tabs. Off the machine into the customers parts bin. Before I setup Gary's vac box, I always had to use tabs which made for a LOT more work. I've been able to lower my price to the plaque shop because my labor has gone down ALOT. He wins and I win.

[knight_toolworks]

I try never to use tabs they are suck a pain.

[dlcw]

You're right Steve. They are a PITA but sometimes a necessity. Some projects my vac system just won't hold.

[knight_toolworks]

using smaller downcut bits or the pressure foot keeps me from needing tabs most of the time. though sometimes it will waste extra material.

[dlcw]

I use the hold down tool on occasion. The only thing I found was that sometimes the chips that are dragged around by the hold down will scratch the surface of my material. I've had this happen a couple of times as the dust collector hood can't be on at the same time as the hold down.