Looking for a way to use fixtures on a pod and rail machine

I've got a Weeke Optimat BHC 350 and am looking for some help/suggestions on how to design vacuum fixtures to use on top of the pod and rails.

1) Should I set t up using the pods to hold down the fixture and use the auxiliary port for the vacuum on the fixture itself? My concern is that the vacuum pump will not be able to produce enough vacuum to hold down both the fixture and the part on the fixture.

I am making furniture parts on this machine. Currently, we use the pods and leave some onion skin on the parts that needs to be trimmed by a table router. I would like to be able to take the parts off the CNC and directly to assembly. We make hundreds of pieces daily.

2) Which type of gasket should I use? These are flat parts out of 6/4" maple. Should I go with onboard or inboard? Which gasket thickness?

Any suggestions or experience would be greatly appreciated.

I've made fixtures that had a hole through to the pod. I've also made fixtures that were held by the pods, and used De Sta Co clamps to hold the parts.

What about custom pods?

There's no simple answer here. Different parts may need different types of fixtures.

Brian

Have you done anything with fixture issue? you can contact me at [email protected]. We can get you off the onion skin thing!!