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vacuum newbie

12/16/15       
Chris

I'm looking for advice from experienced users on vacuum. I'm new, and setting up my first vacuum table. I've read numerous forums and articles. One thing if any I've learned is they have mostly contradicted themselves, so this is just one more step in figuring out my solution

9hp becker rotary
5x10 table 5 zones

my thought is to use trupan as a bleeder board glued to the plenum, edges sealed good allowing a lot more airflow through (I know, rotary only has 169cfm)

then use 1/2" MDF as my spoilboard. sealed edges and allows me to cut slightly into it, and replace it easily since it would not be glued down. I'll be able to close one zone as most of my cutting will be 4x8 and I'll use formica strip to seal the extra foot of the 5' wide table.

now the plenum....I don't think MDF plenum is a good idea due to any amount of cfm loss is bad with the rotary. Any ideas? Am I heading the right direction or should I relook at areas? power restraint is an issue and I'm running it off a phase converter so larger pumps will be difficult if not impossible. Thanks for your help

12/16/15       #2: vacuum newbie ...
Paul S

Look into using Home Central Vac systems, single phase . The guy I know has 3 of these set up in Parallel and works fine for his 5 X 10 machine. Research it !!

12/16/15       #3: vacuum newbie ...
Dropout Member

I once hooked up my 2003 International D4300 vacuum truck to my router. 175 HP, 550 CFM. Worked great and no electricity.

12/16/15       #4: vacuum newbie ...
Dropout Member

Seriously, though, in a situation like yours, I would definitely check out the possibility of a vacuum truck pump with a 30 or 40HP diesel running it.

12/16/15       #5: vacuum newbie ...
Paul S

I was not joking....I was over this guys shop and he had a patriot 5x10 CNC hooked up with these vacs.....I was suprised how well it worked .. If I all ready didnt purchase the Becker I would have followed his lead. Cost a fraction of a Becker and its single phase.

12/16/15       #6: vacuum newbie ...
Dropout Member

From this very website:

http://www.woodweb.com/galleries/shopbuilt/posts/87.html

12/16/15       #7: vacuum newbie ...
George

Website: http://allstaradhesives.com

Chris

We have done several vacuum tables for customers. One we did was on a 4 X 8 table with a Becker pump like yours. We used 2 Sheets of 3/4 HDPE for a vacuum base and plenum with 3 adjustable zones per 48 X 48,1@ 12 X 48, 2 @ 24 X 48. The piping for the vacuum is 2" pvc. The zones are divided up by a removable foam barrier.

If you have any questions let me know

12/16/15       #8: vacuum newbie ...
Sam  Member

Website: http://www.dukecustomkitchens.com

We have a 10hp Becker pump on a 5 X 10 table. We use a 5 X 10 1" MDF as a spoil board and cut 0.08mm into the board. We surface approximately twice a week and the board lasts about 5-6 months. Depending on the machine type and port distribution you don't even need to tape or paint the edges. I worked on 2 Biesse that were taped, but our Omnitech doesn't need it.

Our only issue is lifting the board to regasket. But we have a vacuum lift for that now :)

Hope that helps!

12/16/15       #10: vacuum newbie ...
Sam  Member

Website: http://www.dukecustomkitchens.com

Sorry I misunderstood the question. you want to actually make a vac table yes? I worked for a company that made one out of a maple butcher block and finished the outside edges. I always thought that was a bit insane, but it actually worked! Maybe MDF would not be the worst idea? I bet if you made it 1" thick with a grid for the gasket and sealed it on the bottom and edges it would work. Maybe make a small one and test it?

12/17/15       #11: vacuum newbie ...
Mark

Sure make the whole thing out of MDF and then laminate the outside, except for the top of course.

12/17/15       #12: vacuum newbie ...
Andrea

Website: http://www.NEMI.com

Hi Chris!
Depending on what you are holding and how you plan to hold it will determine the type of pump that you need. Do you currently have a vacuum table? If not, NEMI makes a great option. We also make vacuum pods that work in conjunction with the grid table.
I would be happy to talk with you and see what might be the best option for you!

Andrea
ap@NEMI.com

12/18/15       #13: vacuum newbie ...
chris

thanks for the input folks, I currently have the machine and pump. Right now I'm looking into a Phenolic plenum as an option, I have leads everywhere that seem next to impossible to seal up without starting fresh. Unfortunately it's a MDF plenum and with the low CFM's of the rotary, I think I need a plenum with the possibility of no leaks, whatever type of material that needs to be

Thanks again

12/18/15       #14: vacuum newbie ...
Jerry Member

I had a piece of 25MM komatex that I laid down and cut my plenum out. I skimmed the top before I cut my grid.

12/18/15       #15: vacuum newbie ...
Andrea

Website: http://www.NEMI.com

Hi Chris!
I highly recommend checking out NEMI's aluminum plenum.
http://www.nemi.com/vacuum_plenum_table.htm

Let me know if you have any questions!

Andrea
ap@NEMI.com


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