Pressure foot

[Island Glass]

Wondering if anyone out there is using a pressure foot with their camaster. Brother in law wants some thin alluminum cut for the airplane he is building and it looks like it would be ideal for this type of work I don't have a vacuum system thanks Bill W.

[Joey Jarrard]

Bill how large are the parts?
I have cut some thin stuff without vacuum by placing a sheet of MDF on top and cutting down to where there is just a skin left and then change over to the bit for aluminum and cut the rest of the way. Just hold the mdf down with screws where you know the tool path will not go. The way I do this is by using the machine to mark my drill points from the file first. Screw down and run the mdf cut then the last pass with the o flute. Works well if the parts are of good size. If less than a sq. Foot I would find another way.

[kenrbass]

This one works, but for just a one off project, Joey's idea is the cheapest way to get it done.

http://www.widgetworksunlimited.com/CNC_Pressure_Foot_br_DIY_Mounting_Bracket_p/cnc-pressure-no_mount.htm

[tda]

You can also use hide glue or CA to glue the aluminium to a piece MDF. Then you just cut your piece and soak it in either hot water (hide) or acetone (CA) and your piece will pop off. If you need very tight control of your depth you can mill the MDF to true it up before hand.

[Island Glass]

Joey I Don't know what size the parts are but will find out. I looked at the web page on the pressure foot and it seems to be designed for the shopbot, will it work on our spindles or is it diffucult to modify to fit. Seems a little pricey for what I'm seeing but if it works I guess it's worth it. I will call them tomorrow and get the inside info, Thanks for the help Bill W.

[Joey Jarrard]

Bill that one is designed for the BOT.