Hi Guys,
I have a question about using MDF as a sacrificial surface. My table is set up with a 2 zone vac system. The manifold sheet is planed flat and drilled with 1000 1/4" holes and a sheet of 1/2" MDF is on top of that. The vac draws thru 1/2" MDF and works great, if the material is at least 12" X 24" it is nearly impossible to move it on the table. Here is the issue; in my little experience with MDF it seems to be doing something strange, during the heating of the day and the cooling of the afternoon the MDF curls, this curling effect causes a loss of vacuum pressure and a non-flat surface. Currently, my MDF is not attached to the vac manifold, but is held in place by the vacuum itself, that way I have the option to remove it.
1. If I bolt the MDF to the vac manifold I know that it will not visibly curl but in your experience does it truly remain a machine flat surface?
2. Almost all of my cuts are profiles, cutting out parts from the sheet, so how much do you guys normally cut into the sacrificial surface to release your parts?
Obviously, the less that you cut into the sacrificial surface the longer that it will last, but if the MDF is curling say .025 over a 4 FT length then it must be compensated for in cut depth.
Anyone with direct experience please comment, I want to optimize the sacrificial surface so that I do not have to continuously change it out.
-Scott