Hi all,
When it comes to the day to day use of the hobby type cnc router, what type of machine table hold down arrangement would people prefer.

Here are some ideas.

Unidirectional T slots, leaves the maximum area of the table flat whilst giving areas to fit hold down devices but not always where you need them.

Crossed T slots, much more choices on where to mount clamps but much less flat table area, you always tend to put something right over a t slot, and it falls in so you end up moving it around. They also weaken the stiffness of the table.

If the t slots are precision machined keys can be used on vices for quick set ups for most normal jobs, instead of using a clock.

Grid of tapped holes. Can't slide along like t slots but with slotted clamps some adjustment is possible. Holes tend to get packed with junk and are hard to clean out as they are threaded, If you strip one then it is never going to be as good again even when helicoiled. There is never a hole right where you need it.

Hybrid; a few t slots and a less dense grid of holes between them.

Vacuum table; only useful on some parts.

A table split into sections with a different clamping mechanism on each quarter. Reduces overall clamping area per system, all tend to get in the way of each other.


Any better ideas??
Dom