Vacuum Fixture Plate

[springer]

Got this done last weekend but didn't think about posting it until now. Had something I was trying to make and had a heck of a time holding the relatively thin stock.

Problems no more!!!

Got the aluminum for about $120, vacuum pump from eBay and the fitting/hose from Amazon. Got the endmill to cut the correct profile and gasket material from Pierson. Worked flawlessly.

I respect what Pierson does and makes but no way I could spend $900+++ on one of these things.

Cutting it close on table clearance, I think about 5 thou... tense moment


Grid cut, top vacuum ports cut.


Drilled and threadmilled 1/4 npt holes for the vacuum ports. I thought the tapered hole/threads was going to be a challenge. But piece of cake.


And in action...



Let me know what ya think...

 

[springer]

Forgot I grabbed a couple videos. The surface finish, I turned the coolant off for the video and finish is 10x better with coolant. Think I have a bad insert in there too...

View attachment 20210401_182207.mp4

 

[Ulma Doctor]

Looking sweeeet!!!!

 

[Alcap]

Interesting, could you explain how it works as far as what appears to have passages around the part keeping from getting a seal ?

 

[springer]

There is gasket material around the perimeter of the part in those passages blocking all the vacuum to under the part. Holds really well

 

[springer]

Here is a picture I pulled from another video that kinda shows it.

 

[Boswell]

so you custom set in the gasket for each part you are going to cut?

 

[springer]

Yes, you can run it through any of the grid pattern. I made it with 2 vacuum inlets so I could run 2 parts if desired