[chmedly]

I've not been able to find any photos, videos or descriptions of how the big commercial machines work in this regard. So, I'll ask... How do they pipe the vacuum hold down with a moving table?

[CitizenOfDreams]

Most "big commercial machines" don't have moving tables to start with. Some machines (such as SCM wood routers) have movable traverse members with vacuum pods. They are connected to the pump with flexible vacuum hoses.

[chmedly]

Sure, "Big" is relative. But I consider this to be a pretty sizable machine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPWWvUMaIEU
Is it using flexible vacuum hoses? Where would I find appropriate hoses?

[ger21]

Something like this maybe?

https://www.mcmaster.com/9118t6

[chmedly]

Gerry that does look like it could work. But not cheap. And something tells me it's difficult to cut.
I wonder about this Flexicraft hose: https://www.hosecraftusa.com/model/R...r_Suction_Hose
Much cheaper per foot but $150 minimum order. And of course, cheap is relative as well.

[MARV]

Another option from McMaster Carr;

https://www.mcmaster.com/5393k49

Fairly flexible and durable. Depending on your set-up, you may get away with a smaller diameter (pods/pucks, etc.).

[wizard]

Gerry that does look like it could work. But not cheap.

It is good stuff. You need a hose with internal or molded steel n support to keep it from collapsing.

And something tells me it's difficult to cut.

So? That is kinda the point you want a tough hose for this application.

I wonder about this Flexicraft hose: https://www.hosecraftusa.com/model/R...r_Suction_Hose

Not something I would consider.

Much cheaper per foot but $150 minimum order. And of course, cheap is relative as well.

Yes cheap is relative. I do lots of work on high vacuum processing equipment where we sometimes use flexible stainless steel tubing between parts of the machines. Combined with the hard piping and this hose looks to be very cheap.

In places where we can get away with cheaper solutions we use hoses very similar to the one Gerry pointed out. In some cases they have a plastic wire instead of metal. For hard pipe we will use copper pipe. Copper can be much cheaper than the stainless with their carefully welded flange fittings, clamps, gaskets and what not.

If the pipe/hose is an issue you could always mount the vacuum pumps to the table. Sounds radical but could easily be designed in. It replaces hard to plumb large vacuum hoses with easy to drag chain electrical cables. You might even be able to reduce in table plumbing for zone support. The reality is that one or more large vacuum hoses would be a huge nussance on a moving table design. This is likely why few moving table machines have vacuum hold downs. Those vacuum hoses don’t last forever in static installations much less constant motion uses.

Another option might be to plumb plant Air to the table and then use vacuum generators to do the hold down. Ultimately which method will work for you depends upon what you are doing. Vacuum generators are often used for light machining on milling machines.

[Uguessedit]

Any automotive vacuum hose should work. That’s what we use and you can buy it in many lengths and the fittings are nice to work with. You can even opt for quick disconnects.

I've not been able to find any photos, videos or descriptions of how the big commercial machines work in this regard. So, I'll ask... How do they pipe the vacuum hold down with a moving table?