If the part can hold the vacuum and does not cut into the pod area this is by far the best and easiest method. The clamps are made in full 3d on the indexer and given the machine time they are kind of expensiveĪfter all, I wish I had started the vacuum pod experiments much earlier.
They can clamp from the top of the work piece or you can insert a Spax screw that goes into the side. The homemade low-profile hardwood clamps look like the pic below. The anodized table surface is so slick the bit will shove the work piece around without anti-slip. I cut a bunch of 2'x2'x0.75' plywood square 'pucks' with non-slip drawer sheet on both sides that I place between the work piece and the table under the clamps when there is a risk of going through. I have a full surface extruded t-slot table (80/20 system, 1.5' thick) but no spoilboard. They slide better in the slots, don't dent them inside and usually don't break the bit if it happens to hit the bolt But as mentioned before I throw them away and buy bronze carriage bolts from McMaster, available in various lengths. and better than the Incra hex head bolts. The ones that come with the clamp are O.K. I use the regular variety without the plastic shoes with 5/16' bolt.
That seems like a lot of height above the surface being machined to get in the way of the moving carriage.Almost. Close attention to detail, ruggedly built parts and a rigid quality control program assure safe and reliable operation. You mean these 'Rockler Deluxe Hold Down Clamp'? Your new SHOP FOX® Mill with Dovetail Column has been specially designed to provide many years of trouble-free service.
