Ajcoholic
12-07-2014, 12:45 PM
I thought I would post something here, since I imagine many other Shopbotters who do not have a Buddy, might not read what gets posted in that sub forum.
Several months ago, I modified my 48" by 48" table and added a universal vacuum hold down. (see the thread http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19903 )
The point of this thread is to express how much this addition has improved the function of my router. And, to possibly spur on other users, who might be (as I was) very unsure of spending $$ on something not fully understood, or perhaps questioning how good it might perform.
In my case, I purchased a used 10HP regen blower/vac from a fellow member here. Even with a decent sized vac, since the regen units are of low vacuum (but high flow) I was thinking it might be useful to hold down larger cabinet parts. However, it has proven itself VERY useful to hold down parts as small as 20 square inches, without movement, while cutting completely through the parts without tabs. Even long thin parts (2" by 24") are held fast and it has really, really improved the usefulness of my machine.
I use it for holding solid wood parts that are a square foot or larger, plywood parts of any size - as long as the part has a smooth, flat surface that sits tight against the plenum, it will work. If I am worried about the smaller parts moving I just place a few scraps of plywood onto the plenum up against the part being machined, to aid in taking the sideways load. Down cut bits are much better (and what I used mainly anyhow) and also help hold down the smaller parts being cut, and held just with the vacuum.
As far as the plenum goes, I would say the plastic (Starboard) one I made, with a U shaped gasket (specifically made for this purpose) is working perfectly as well. The spoilboard (in my case regular cabinet grade MDF, as the light weight stuff is not readily available in Canada) is also working great. So much so, I havent even bothered to seal off the edges of my spoilboard, and I rarely bother with laying waste ply onto the surface to seal off the unused portions - unless I am cutting smaller parts and then I just throw a few pcs of melamine onto the plenum.
I was concerned that the 2" PVC pipe that was easy to get here wouldnt allow enough air flow. SO far it hasnt been an issue either.
In my case, all of my worries were put at ease as soon as I started using the vacuum top. But it is still a bit worrisome thinking you might be spending several thousand dollars and not sure if it will be worth it or not.
I hope other users (much as I wanted to but was intimidated by not knowing exactly what the end result would be) will give it a try... it really is worth it.
I would not be so "forward" with my enthusiasm about this vacuum thing, unless everything I have written was absolutely true. And man, is it amazing to use in the shop!
Several months ago, I modified my 48" by 48" table and added a universal vacuum hold down. (see the thread http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19903 )
The point of this thread is to express how much this addition has improved the function of my router. And, to possibly spur on other users, who might be (as I was) very unsure of spending $$ on something not fully understood, or perhaps questioning how good it might perform.
In my case, I purchased a used 10HP regen blower/vac from a fellow member here. Even with a decent sized vac, since the regen units are of low vacuum (but high flow) I was thinking it might be useful to hold down larger cabinet parts. However, it has proven itself VERY useful to hold down parts as small as 20 square inches, without movement, while cutting completely through the parts without tabs. Even long thin parts (2" by 24") are held fast and it has really, really improved the usefulness of my machine.
I use it for holding solid wood parts that are a square foot or larger, plywood parts of any size - as long as the part has a smooth, flat surface that sits tight against the plenum, it will work. If I am worried about the smaller parts moving I just place a few scraps of plywood onto the plenum up against the part being machined, to aid in taking the sideways load. Down cut bits are much better (and what I used mainly anyhow) and also help hold down the smaller parts being cut, and held just with the vacuum.
As far as the plenum goes, I would say the plastic (Starboard) one I made, with a U shaped gasket (specifically made for this purpose) is working perfectly as well. The spoilboard (in my case regular cabinet grade MDF, as the light weight stuff is not readily available in Canada) is also working great. So much so, I havent even bothered to seal off the edges of my spoilboard, and I rarely bother with laying waste ply onto the surface to seal off the unused portions - unless I am cutting smaller parts and then I just throw a few pcs of melamine onto the plenum.
I was concerned that the 2" PVC pipe that was easy to get here wouldnt allow enough air flow. SO far it hasnt been an issue either.
In my case, all of my worries were put at ease as soon as I started using the vacuum top. But it is still a bit worrisome thinking you might be spending several thousand dollars and not sure if it will be worth it or not.
I hope other users (much as I wanted to but was intimidated by not knowing exactly what the end result would be) will give it a try... it really is worth it.
I would not be so "forward" with my enthusiasm about this vacuum thing, unless everything I have written was absolutely true. And man, is it amazing to use in the shop!