Vacuum chuck ..

[Brian U]

Long over due project for holding engraving stock to make name plates, etc. Tired of the tape and glue method or double face tape.
Used material I had on hand. Aluminum base and steel top. Worked out to 6 3/8" wide x 8 3/4" long and 2" high.

I use painters tape to block any holes not needed around part.

 

[tvoght]

That's really nice.
--Tim

[redhouseluv]

That's very clever, I like it! 

[Vixen]

Hello Brian,

That's a useful looking vacuum plate you have made. Ideal for engraving parts. 
What vacuum pump do you use? And what is the max vacuum in can draw in inches Hg ? I have found painters tape is not imperious, i.e. weeps small quantities of air. Better if you can find some pure aluminium tape.

Mike

[Brian U]

Hello Brian,

That's a useful looking vacuum plate you have made. Ideal for engraving parts. 
What vacuum pump do you use? And what is the max vacuum in can draw in inches Hg ? I have found painters tape is not imperious, i.e. weeps small quantities of air. Better if you can find some pure aluminium tape.

Mike

Hi Mike,
I have a surplus industrial Gast vacuum pump and get probably 25 + inches of vacuum. I double layer the painters tape. It creates no mess when removing.
Having a flat and parallel surface is a must since some cutting depths are sometimes less than .010" deep.