[originator]

Shown in the pics:

3- solid plexi 4 x 6.6
1-laser routed 4 x 6.6 with slots for air
1-(white) rubber gasket
1-1/8" glass to be held down

I intend to glue the 4 plexi parts together, and mount those on a .5" base of aluminum or plastic. The plexi mini-vacuum table will get a hole drilled in it from beneath, and a .25" copper tube attached.

Where I am stuck is by what method to vacuum the air out. The cheapest, simplest, fastest solution is required. The glass will be slightly covered in diamond cutting lubricant(water and solution). The glass breaks wqhenm I try to clamp it, and since I am routing the perimeter and drilling/milling the glass, there cannot be a clamp anyway.

Any suggestions for a powerful suction but simple system would be appreciated.

Current ideas:

refrigerator motor
rigged bicycle pump
pvc or aluminum 1" tube with home made rubber plunger and threaded rod to pull the plunger through the tube to create vacuum.

Thanks

[lkenney]

Check local state and university surplus outlets for a vacuum pump, also check ebay.

Lowell

[Phishaholic]

originator

Here is a link to joewoodworker, I picked up parts from them to built a vacuum press so I could build composite radio controlled aircraft. I built a vacuum rig like they show on the site. I works awesome and wasn't too expensive. I'm getting ready to build a vacuum table for my mill and use this rig.

Larry O

[originator]

Thanks guys. I bought a used vacuum pump 3/4 hp that tested at 12 microns. Seems like it will do the job, setting it up now.