Hi, I am a student at Mid Florida Tech and I was thinking about creating a Vacuum Table to sue for engraving and machining. This would go on the school's Hurco VM1 and be machined on it mostly as well. My plan was to use ~150 10-32 set screws in rows and a 1/8NPT inlet for vacuum as well as one for a gauge with the under surface "tubes" being drilled 1/4". The table would have about 12"x10" of holding area.
How can I use the shop air to create the vacuum?
How many psi of vacuum are usually used to hold parts in place?
I have seen others which operate off of shop air but do not know how this works. If I need to attach an external vacuum source that runs off electrical power and not shop air, what is commonly used?
Any advice for construction or perhaps letting me know how well these work?
My plan was to use 1" Mild Steel plate for material so that it could be ground flat on a surface grinder.