[TheHiggsBroson]

I have a 4'x8' router with a gridded phenolic table. 6 chambers, each chamber goes down the length of the table. You can see the pic for the specs of the vacuum we have attached. I have tried with both standard MDF and ultralight MDF (1" thickness) and I can't get good vacuum through it. Edges are sealed with 2 layers of latex paint, both sides are surfaced and am currently taking off layer by layer seeing if a thinner top with help.

Good vacuum to me is something that isn't easy to lift, while you can't slide anything on the mdf you can lift it up easily. When I vacuum directly to the table, its stuck like a sheep's head in barbed-wire. Is there any reason I couldn't cut directly on the table? I am onion skinning all my pieces (Acrylic with masking) so shouldn't be cutting into the gasket or the table.

If I add a bunch of 1/8" - 1/4" holes along the table will that help pass the air through? Granted my mdf sheet is 97*49 while my plastic sheets are 48*96 so I need to find a way to seal around those edges or just trim the mdf to size.



Pretty new to cnc, machine setup is taking a long time and I liked to get to production soon. Just looking for some guidance.

Thanks,
-Ross

[ger21]

How thick is the acrylic that you're cutting?

It's not hard to lift flexibly materials on a vacuum table, even with a really good vacuum.

And your pump is only about 13"Hg, which is not a lot. Is there a CFM rating on it?

[TheHiggsBroson]

.25" acrylic. I cut really well directly on the table this morning, I can tell I need to seal around the edges or cut the mdf board to size. I can't see a CFM rating on the blower or in the manual, I'll have to check with manufacturer tomorrow.

[TheHiggsBroson]

How thick is the acrylic that you're cutting?

It's not hard to lift flexibly materials on a vacuum table, even with a really good vacuum.

And your pump is only about 13"Hg, which is not a lot. Is there a CFM rating on it?

Spoke with the manufacturer today about CFM. Looks like 215 CFM at 13 HG. We have the HRB1002, attached is the spec sheet for reference.


Earlier I was running a full table 4x8 bed, I tried a smaller set-up 2'x4' with ultralight MDF and while it is better, I can lift off 1/4" plastic still pretty easily. I haven't run it and I am worried of the bit pulling material up as I cut. I plan to onion skin everything but it is still a concern.