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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Posts
    369

    Which clamps for this layout

    I built a vacuum table for my CNCRP 4896 pro and I do a far amount of routing onto rough cut lumber so I wanted some t-slot track around my vacuum zones but now I'm realizing that with the tracking around the outside edge, it's hard to clamp down anything because there isn't any material for the back side of the clamp to push against for leverage. I've got a bunch of the Rockler clamps but I'm wondering if there is any other styles I can buy or any I can build.

    Attachment 411816

    This photo is from before I mounted my spoil boards over my zones

    Thank you
    Gary

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Posts
    362

    Re: Which clamps for this layout

    If you have some free space between the gantry uprights travel path and the table, you could use some wooden blocks on the table frame (just to the right of the T-slot).

    Make some T shaped blocks that can be extended past the T-slot such that the long part is away from the table and the bolt for the clamp passes through it and into the T-slot (supporting the back-end of the clamp on the protruding end).

    A fixed pair of bolts in the T-slots (one either side) and a bridge piece between them with the material between the table and bridge.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Posts
    369

    Re: Which clamps for this layout

    He1957 Thank you & yes I thought of using blocks of wood between the 80/20 & the clamp but I was wanting a one piece solution.
    I think I know what you mean about the T shaped block but would it need to be a T or an L?

    I'm not sure if I understand your last idea.

    Thanks again
    Gary

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: Which clamps for this layout

    I'd bolt a fence to the outer T track, and use CAM clamps in the center T Track to push against the fence. Use scrap wood or MDF for spacers.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Posts
    369

    Re: Which clamps for this layout

    Gerry - Thank you do you mean make a fence that has a couple "tabs" that allows me to use cam clamps like these to hold the fence to the t-slot?

    Thank youClick image for larger version. 

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  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Posts
    362

    Re: Which clamps for this layout

    The "T" block I got backwards. I meant a T shape with the horizontal bar parallel to the T-slot and the long part going over the part on the table.

    The bridge was kinda like the gantry, bolts on either side with a bridge and the material/part sandwiched between the bridge and table. Although it's more than 1 part, it's really only 3 major (T-Nut bolts x 2 + wingnuts, bridge).

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Posts
    369

    Re: Which clamps for this layout

    He1957 - ok so now I understand what you mean with your bridge idea. I have made a quick drawing by hand on my phone to see if I understand the T Clamp, is this what you meanClick image for larger version. 

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    Thank you
    Gary

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: Which clamps for this layout

    No, just a fixed fence, and clamps like these to push the work against the fence. I've made my own from wood.

    https://www.amazon.com/Shop-Fox-D334.../dp/B00012XE0A
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Posts
    369

    Re: Which clamps for this layout

    So the clamps on the sides are only getting side pressure to clamp the material down? I'm not sure that will work on most of the material I'll need the clamps for because 90% of the rough cut I work on is live edge & usually not straight & the sides are not vertical.

    Thank you Gary

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: Which clamps for this layout

    If you are just surfacing, you may be able to just clamp the ends.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Posts
    369

    Re: Which clamps for this layout

    Yeah sometimes surfacing first then routing words & designs into them. Thankfully the guy I do this for has purchased a 20" plainer so the majority of the plaining has came to an end.

    I'm thinking I can screw a piece of 1/2" plywood into the bottom of the piece then clamp the 1/2" ply down to my table I'm just trying to figure out ways to be able to tighten the clamps up. I'm probably going to cut some blocks of wood for today then work on some one piece solutions when I figure them out.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Posts
    362

    Re: Which clamps for this layout

    Quote Originally Posted by Gary-Wiant View Post
    He1957 - ok so now I understand what you mean with your bridge idea. I have made a quick drawing by hand on my phone to see if I understand the T Clamp, is this what you mean

    Thank you
    Gary
    Not what I was thinking but that might work :-)

    Here is a Q+D sketch:

    With the "bridge" being thick/rigid enough you could drill/tap a few holes and bolt some additional clamps to it.

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