Cutting a keyhole slot

[phil_o]

The keyhole gadget is a pretty slick way to create a cut file. I haven't seen a quick easy way to clamp an item to the CNC table and run the file. I'd like to see what people who cut keyhole slots often have come up with for an efficient process to set up the material and run the keyhole cut file.

[srwtlc]

Phil,

Here's one that I've used for years. A scrap MDF square and a cam clamp screwed down to the table. Nothing fancy, but it works. I've pounded on that handle with a rubber mallet many a day. ;) Disregard that ratty old table. :eek:

I cut a lot of keyhole slots through the year and I set up a file to input the variables and how many to cut and just keep locking another one in place and hit a repeater button on my gantry.

For the out of ordinary shaped items that just need a keyhole or two, the gadget (or manual placement) works great.

Scott

[curtiss]

I sometimes cut keyholes "sideways" which allows the plaque to slide sideways on the wall until it is level.

I set up the keyhole file with the origin over the center point of the slot, you then clamp the work and zero the bit over the point you want.

I cut a very thin rectangle about 2 inches by .01 inches (start point is a corner of the rectangle )

Speed about .2 IPS and about .3 inches deep or you may break the bit... of course I have never broken a bit...:rolleyes: but I know those who have.

[phil_o]

I posted the same thread on the Vectric forum and received a reply that I wanted to pass along. This video clip shows a very good way of dealing with cutting keyhole slots.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmCzWHUsnNo

[adrianm]

Peter posted the file to create the basis of that clamp in this thread (4th post) - http://www.vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=8491