Well I finally did it and bought a Tosa Tool fixture plates (TT1634C Hobbiest Modular Tooling Plate) and I finally have time to install it. So I thought I would write a review.
Parts list
(5) 8491A742 Press-Fit Drill Bushing, 0.5312" ID, 1" OD
(2) 13 ¼ long 8975K12 Multipurpose 6061 Aluminum, 5/8" Thick, 1" Width
(2) 24 ¾ long 8975K12 Multipurpose 6061 Aluminum, 5/8" Thick, 1" Width
I ordered 1-6 foot and 1- 3 foot for the aluminum bar
(5) ½-13 X 1 ½ long SHCS (I had them here)
I receive the fixture plate in this nice little wooden crate all safe and sound
Originally I wanted to go with 1.25 or 1.5 thick 6061 aluminum plate and I was going to drill and tap some 1/2-13 holes on 3-inch grid pattern. I was going to machine it at work. After looking at the price of the plate and my time and I saw Tosa is coming out with this plate I decided to get it.
And I wanted the plate to be lifted off of the table. I don't like cleaning off at table with blind holes with the air gun. So I went to McMaster and bought these bushings (8491A742). I took them to work and dusted them in on the surface grinder. That were not too bad from McMaster but I wanted them all the same. Not sure how it's going to work out with the bushings, my other plan is to get some bars of aluminum (.5 x 1) and put them underneath as parallels. I might have a few blind holes then. I'll have to see how the bushings work.
Then I also bought some 5/8 x 1 aluminum bars (8975K12), they fit right in the slots perfectly
All nice and clean. LOL
I also had some pex tubing that fit in the front and back channels of the Tormach table
Here is everything installing the table with the bushings on top. Ready for the fixture plate.
Plate installed now and all tightened down and indicated in.
Here is a picture of under the plate with the spacers
Over all I like the plate. It is very nice quality. It has numbers and letters engraved so you can record you fixture locations. You may have noticed that I colored one in. I used white out and I’m not sure if I will do that for the rest. We have paint sticks at work and I might try one of them. I’ll let you know.
I plan on making some locating holes in the bottom of my vice. I’m going to be working on other fixture plates for it as well. So if I have a flat piece I will machine on that and not on the table. I would like to keep it as new looking as possible. LOL No drill or mill marks please.
I hope this helped. I did speak with Dan from Tosa Tooling when i was thinking of getting it. Great guy. Thanks Dan! I hope to keep you guys updated on my progress and any updates as well.