Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

Workholding Ideas?

Discussion in 'CNC Mills/Routers' started by Sam Krohlow, Dec 9, 2019.

Tags:
  1. Sam Krohlow

    Builder

    Joined:
    May 28, 2019
    Messages:
    37
    Likes Received:
    11
    I'm at the stage where my CNC is just about up and running and my next purchase is the spoiler board. I'm still undecided on what (if any) workholding features I want to use.

    Here are the options I'm currently considering:

    1. None. Just screw or tape the part to the spoiler board.

    2. T-Track with toe clamps. I would add another spoiler board layer in between each slot, like this image:
    [​IMG]

    3. A grid of holes through the spoiler board, then add T-Nuts underneath for toe clamps to screw into.

    Anyone have a compelling reason to or not to go down one of these paths? Or have a better idea I'm not thinking of?

    Thanks,
    Sam
     
  2. sharmstr

    sharmstr OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2018
    Messages:
    2,035
    Likes Received:
    1,431
    I have t track like the pic above. I never use it. But one benefit is that I can replace sections of the spoilboard instead of the whole thing. Keep in mind that you'll loose some precious Z height unless you account for it like I have.

    After I started using the machine, my go to is screws or tape.
     
    Alex Chambers likes this.
  3. Giarc

    Giarc OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2015
    Messages:
    2,915
    Likes Received:
    1,619
    I use a variety of ways to do it. I have clamps for my t-slot which I did like in the picture above, but for small stuff I use the blue painter's tape and super glue method. I would say, have a variety of ways available.
     
    sharmstr likes this.
  4. brrian

    brrian Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2019
    Messages:
    118
    Likes Received:
    51
    I just purchased a 1500x1500 WorkBee & don't even have my machine yet, but I'm coming from a Shapeoko XXL. What I did there & what I'll continue to do is use this XFasten Woodworking Tape. It's inexpensive & holds great As already mentioned, other methods may be better for certain situations.
     
  5. Andreas Bockert

    Andreas Bockert Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2017
    Messages:
    142
    Likes Received:
    78
    I’m using option 3. Pros: cheap. Cons: not as flexible as tracks, t nuts fall out.

    if I would go with a similar solution again then I would probably use threaded inserts.
     
  6. David the swarfer

    David the swarfer OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2013
    Messages:
    3,275
    Likes Received:
    1,833
    I spent hours creating a grid of holes with Tnuts, and almost never use them, mostly I use masking tape and CA glue.

     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice