Adding vaccum top

[sam123]

Any advice for adding vaccum table to machine. Is it complicated?

[gtgmarine]

Yeah, it's a little complicated. You'll basically need to do the following:
- Remove your spoilboard and machine a vacuum plenum into the base or buy a phenolic sheet for the same thing
- plumb your vacuum table zones with PVC pipe
- buy a vacuum pump system like a Hurricane or Storm or similar
- add wiring, outlets, and breaker for the vacuum system as needed
- get some good hearing protection

Vacuum systems are super convenient and I love mine but they are LOUD and generate a lot of heat in the shop.
If you cut a lot of sheet materials it's a must have. If you cut small stuff, it doesn't make sense.
Good luck.

[keithrhyde]

I have a vacuum system with phenolic and it is very convenient. I installed the Storm vacuum outside and added mufflers to reduce the noise. If I am cutting any pieces smaller than one foot square (guestimate) I have to surround it with scraps of wood to maximize the vacuum otherwise it will just leak through the spoilboard which is ultralight mdf. Most of the time the vacuum holds with no issues but if I have a piece that is small and complicated to do as in a 3D I will use double sided tape or screws. One important rule is that you cannot let it run and leave the room. If there is even a tiny ember created from the bit between the vacuum and the dust collector there will be a fire quickly. So it behooves one to stay with it until it finishes. Even my Storm vacuum will pull sawdust down into the cuts to tightly that I have to use a blow gun to clean them out when I am finished which I do outside.

Sam, I do not think it would be worth your time and expense to add to your machine now. The Storm is the smallest vacuum pump and it is $1700, the phenolic is very thick and I would guess about another $1000 then you have to drill hose to screw it down and cut it into one inch blocks along with a couple of shower drain size holes for the vacuum. There are some other pros and cons if you need more info please give me a call at 703-545-4047.

[Jim Becker]

One thing to consider before you make the big investment in a vacuum table is "what do you want to do?". If you work a lot with sheet goods and larger components, a vacuum table can provide some good utility and simplify hold down. If you cut a lot of small things, a vacuum table isn't going to give you a great experience because of how gravity works. The more square inches of material that are being held down, the more secure it will be. You can't get that with small parts.

[jrcheever]

Just as an example, I added the vacuum when I bought my Stinger (I thought I'd use it a lot).

Turns out for me (since I don't do a lot of sheet goods), it's not that useful.

[gtgmarine]

I cut mainly acrylic sheet - 1/4" up to 3/4". I can cut from a 1 sq ft piece if I block off most of the rest of my table to maintain vacuum on small sheets.
You will definitely need to create tabs for small parts and take shallower cuts too.
But, for larger work pieces, the holding power of a vacuum table is pretty amazing plus the material is kept very flat (assuming your spoilboard is flat ;-)

[keithrhyde]

Gtgmarine makes a good point, the big advantage for the phenolic table is absolute flatness unaffected by the ambient environment. With the vacuum on it pulls the spoilboard down flat which is a plus since ambient does affect MDF. The vacuum pump is very loud and high pitched which makes it worse which is why mine is outside with mufflers. I agree with jrcheever I would not go with the vacuum table since I also don't do sheet goods. I think at this point we have put the horse in the blender since just beating wasn't enough. ????

[Jim Becker]

Ah, a horse smoothy.... :D

[drummerjg]

Ah, a horse smoothy.... :D

Or more commonly known as glue

[smichels78]

Vacuum tops are fantastic. Black Box is the way to go if you run single phase. I've had my Black Box Hurricane for 3 years now.