Vacuum Table Question..........

[mitchjr]

I am all ready to build my vacuum table. I have my 2 fein shopvacs and was wondering if anybody has ever used 1.5" pvc piping instead of the 2" pipe. Would there be any difference between the two.

[donchapman]

I use a single small discontinued Fein with 1.5" PVC on a 4 zone 4'x8' table and it works well. I have 4 valves (one for each 2'x4' zone) and can use whatever individual zone or combination of zones is needed for a particular project.

[pete]

Don, et al - I need to redo my 4 zone grid today - what method did you use to create the 4 zones please. And what size border between zones and on the outside borders too. Thanks. Pete

[donchapman]

I used ShopBot's vacuum table routing program which was included on a CD of the SB software, manual, etc. I received some years ago.
I'll bet you can find the table routing file on their website.

[Brady Watson]

Mitch,
Depending on how many elbows and turns you have to make, the 1.5" stuff will work fine...although it's cheap insurance to just buy the 2", as smaller tube restricts airflow.

Peter,
A 1/2" border at the edge & between zones is adequate. If you want to make your own grid, just draw up a series of straight lines in CAD & do a machine along vector to create your grid.

-B

[pete]

Thanks Don and Brady. I guess it would be prudent to put some sealer on all the borders, including between grids, to reduce leakage - I am using the BradyVac design that has the solid baseboard - except for the 4 vacuum holes - and the removable 4x8 plenium/spoilboard on top (plenium side down naturally).

[mitchjr]

Thanks Brady.........I just have most of the parts that are all 1.5" and wanted to put them to use.