Yesterday I watched a video by Two Moose Design about Airweights vacuum system. He appeared to have a lot of problems with the vacuum not holding his parts in place. I already pulled the trigger and purchase one after seeing your video. I hope I didn't make a big mistake. I have been considering a vacuum system for some time and this was the most affordable solution I have found.
Vacuum systems have their quirks. But I have found this to be a step up from the other holding methods. Very easy to use. I think you're going to be happy that you ordered your one!
As I said in my remarks about this video, I have been very happy. I have had a cabinet business for over 20 years now that has taught me one very import lesson about the tools and equipment I use. They are no better then my own personal skills and knowledge. An example I always use to explain this point deals with Clamps. I own hundreds of clamps. Many different types. Some very expensive. Some not expensive at all. I found that no matter how good or expensive the clamp is, if I did not prepare the joint or materials to be clamped correctly not even the best or most expensive clamps saved the glue up. My favorite clamps for gluing up Stile and Rail doors are from Harbor Freight. When the joints are prepared properly the door turns out great every time. So when I received my Vacuum table I used the same approach when I installed it and started using. I made it work for me. As with all CNCs Flattening the surface you will be mounting it on is very important. Next if you are going to use the tile gaskets on the mdf board, Seal the edge of the mdf as Garret showed and flatten the mdf on both sides before you attach the gasket. Close off as much of the vacuum surf as you can and if the object you are securing is flat, you will be amazed on how strong the hold is. I have assorted pieces of scrap MDO and PVC material that I use to cover the areas of tile gasket that are not used and it greatly improves the holding power. I found this necessary on mine since I have the 24x48 vacuum table. I'm still learning more about it each day. Good luck. I really do think you will like it.
Thank you. You are the first person the covers the unused area on the gasket. I use thick painters plastic. Its easy to cut and cheap. I am very happy with my airweights system.
Thanks for the video Garrett. I purchased my 24x48 AirWeights on the Wednesday night you had Jace on your Live video cast. I have had it about a week now. I too was amazed on how simple it is to install and get up and running. It fits perfectly onto the bed of my Nextwave Shark HD520. I have found that I no longer need clamps on most of the items I cut regularly, thus reducing the amount of waste I end up with. In fact I haven't needed a clamp since I got it. Dealing with AirWeights has been a pleasure. I highly recommend the product.
JosephWerle-je4ww, You're welcome! I'm glad you're enjoying your AirWeights, they definitely make woodworking a lot easier with less waste. Keep up the great work!
I know I'll be buying at least two of these new bits when they get released. They do really nice clean cuts. When my budget allows me to, I will also be getting this vacuum table.
PaganWizard, That's great to hear you're excited about the new bits! A vacuum table can definitely make a big difference in your projects. Enjoy your woodworking journey!
garciarosa100, I'm glad you enjoyed the vacuum table accessory! The 24 x 48 size is a great choice for larger projects. Here is a link: airweights.com/?ref=IDCWOODCRAFT Happy CNC woodworking!
cunninghamguitarz5216, I'm glad to hear that the content is making a difference for you! And yes, the Altmill is definitely a handy tool in the shop. Enjoy your CNC journey!
Hi Dwayne. There's been concern about if a person can cut through the project and into the vacuum bed. So I did a video that will come out this week that shows that it works just fine for cut up.
bubaslf, Yes, using a vacuum system to hold down EVA foam can work quite well, especially if the vacuum pressure is strong enough. However, the porous nature of EVA might require additional precautions like using a seal or a non-porous backing to maintain effective suction. It's always a good idea to test it out on a small piece first to see how well it holds. Thanks for the question!
reece674, You're welcome! I'm glad you found the video helpful. Using a CNC machine for sheet cutting can definitely streamline your process. Good luck with your woodworking projects!
I may be more impressed with new BN bit and looking forward to it. As for Air Weight, I do a lot of cut throughs and I don’t like using tabs on them so maybe a better version may be coming up. I may get two 48z24 when I receive the AltMil but that’s a few months away. The price is a bit much for my 48x30 for now but may change my mind and just get one for now to transfer over to Altmill when it arrives. Great video as always. -Peter
ifiwooddesigns, Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Peter! It sounds like you have some exciting projects in the works. Can't wait to see how they turn out with your new tools!
On your fixture make round corners with a 1/4 ball nose end mill for the seal. Now for the seal use round foam/rubber seal and super glue the two ends together that way you have a perfect seal and it is quick to replace rather than a flat seal with 4 corners to fit.
kb6dxn, That's a great suggestion! Using a ball nose end mill for the round corners can definitely create a smoother seal. Super gluing the foam/rubber seal ends is a clever way to ensure a perfect seal and easy replacement. Thanks for sharing your tip!
joehall7164, Thanks for watching! I actually prefer using a different collet for my specific workstation setup and the type of projects I work on. Each woodworker has their own preferences, and it's great to explore different options to see what works best for you.
Fixture Plates offer this capability. They are combined with gasket material to create vacuum pockets under the final part geometry. Then you can cut thru outside of those vacuum pockets. You can also cut thru using Tile Gasket + MDF, which is more universal and requires less setup. Each has it's advantages and limitations.
drbeaker2, When doing a profile cut all the way through the material, the vacuum may not be the best fit for this project. But there are accessories in the works that will make it possible!
48x48 is challenging due to shipping and handling costs, but you can create full 48x48 coverage with 4ea 24x24 or 2ea 24x48 systems! It's nice to have a manifold with independent control of each zone, just like a larger machine.
guate6 and AirWeights, Yes, breaking it down into smaller zones definitely helps with shipping costs and also gives you more flexibility in your CNC projects. Having independent control of each zone is really convenient for fine-tuning your work. Happy woodworking!
In many cases, gouging into the vacuum plenum is not cause for concern. If a user cuts through on the edge or completely thought the thickness, then there's something to worry about.
AirWeights, thanks for the great info! You're right, minor gouging into the vacuum plenum usually isn't a major issue. It becomes more critical when the cut goes through the material. Checking the depth and adjusting your settings can help prevent this from happening in the future.
youngfg2, Yes, the back of the vacuum table plate typically has a rubber seal to create suction. It's important for a tight seal against your router bed to ensure maximum hold during the machining process.
Standard air pressure is ~14.5 lbs per sq inch. So each square inch is experiencing over 14 lbs of pressure. A 10x10 piece then would then have 1400 lbs of pressure, assuming no leakage. My question though is what if you need to cut through your piece?
Fixture plates with appropriate gasket zones to form a vacuum pocket under your FINISHED part allow for cutting completely through. So does the Tile Gasket + MDF method, which is far more universal.
AirWeights, That's a great tip for cutting through material with a CNC machine! Using fixture plates with gasket zones or the Tile Gasket + MDF method definitely helps maintain a secure hold while cutting. It's all about finding what works best for your specific project and setup.
A typical vacuum pump is around $100-150. If you just mill your own grid you should EASILY be able to make your own vacuum setup for ~ $200, and you can just replace the MDF if you accidentally cut through the piece. If you cut through this, you're out $1600.
Are you referencing an oil-filled rotary vane pump? If so, they smoke unless they're pulling deep vacuum against a closed system. I'd love to see a $100 oil-free vacuum pump with 5 CFM free flow rate! Would help us out a lot. We're also all for those who want to make their own vacuum table. We're here for those people who want a solution that's ready to use. Keep in mind we do offer accessories that allow for complete cut thru and provide an extra layer of protection against damaging the vacuum table.
cavedog1279, That's a good point about the cost difference between making your own vacuum setup versus risking the CNC router job. It's important to weigh the pros and cons based on your budget and experience level with woodworking.
rjbrownley1, While tape or clamps can work for securing the material, using a vacuum table for CNC work offers benefits like consistent holding pressure and the ability to machine all the way through the material without obstruction. It can also save time by not needing to constantly adjust or replace clamps.
The table thickness itself is 0.8" ± .005", but the installed flatness is dependent on how carefully the user completes installation. If you need perfectly flat references, a fixture plate that is surfaced on YOUR machine will provide the most accurate Z height.
AirWeights, Absolutely, ensuring the flatness during installation is crucial for achieving accurate results. A custom fixture plate machined on your specific machine will definitely help maintain precision. It's all about attention to detail and taking the time to set everything up correctly!
jeffteeter501, That's great to hear that you've been able to make your own vacuum tables! DIY solutions can be just as effective, especially when you have years of experience like you do. Keep up the awesome work!
We have some new accessories coming out that allow for accurately locating on the vacuum plenum. Adding locating features to fixture plates or Tile Gasket + MDF do enable 2-sided jobs. Those same accessories also allow for complete cut-thru.
eitantal726, You're right, at the moment it may not be the best if you require cutting through materials or two-sided operations until the new accessories are released. It's always important to consider the specific project you have in mind.
Wow that price is way way to much $1550. for myself i dont think i would use it much. for one when im carving im doing a lot of different shapes. ill be burning up that gasket you have to cut up. 2 i fit my bed with a lot of small parts that need to be cut out. puzzles that kind of thing. would feel like im putting $1600 on the line on damage per project. There is a reason they call it a waste board. If i spent 1550 on a waste board it would turn into a garage trophy and never be used.
st0mper121, I totally understand your concerns about the cost and how it might fit into your projects. Vacuum systems can be a significant investment, especially if you have specific needs like cutting many small parts or tackling different shapes. It's important to weigh how often you would actually use it and if it aligns with your woodworking goals. Remember, there's a wide variety of options available that might suit your projects better!
For one off projects it doesn’t seem any quicker or handier than clamps or CA glue. Expensive investment and have to mess with the seals each time. Just my opinion. The production aspect seems more useful.
taylorbynam1929, I appreciate your perspective on using clamps and CA glue for one-off projects. Each method has its pros and cons depending on the project at hand!
Check out the AirWeights vacuum system here → link.idcwoodcraft.com/gyrd6m
Do you have the file format for a 24x24 or only the 24x48?
Yesterday I watched a video by Two Moose Design about Airweights vacuum system. He appeared to have a lot of problems with the vacuum not holding his parts in place. I already pulled the trigger and purchase one after seeing your video. I hope I didn't make a big mistake. I have been considering a vacuum system for some time and this was the most affordable solution I have found.
Vacuum systems have their quirks. But I have found this to be a step up from the other holding methods. Very easy to use. I think you're going to be happy that you ordered your one!
As I said in my remarks about this video, I have been very happy. I have had a cabinet business for over 20 years now that has taught me one very import lesson about the tools and equipment I use. They are no better then my own personal skills and knowledge. An example I always use to explain this point deals with Clamps. I own hundreds of clamps. Many different types. Some very expensive. Some not expensive at all. I found that no matter how good or expensive the clamp is, if I did not prepare the joint or materials to be clamped correctly not even the best or most expensive clamps saved the glue up. My favorite clamps for gluing up Stile and Rail doors are from Harbor Freight. When the joints are prepared properly the door turns out great every time.
So when I received my Vacuum table I used the same approach when I installed it and started using. I made it work for me. As with all CNCs Flattening the surface you will be mounting it on is very important. Next if you are going to use the tile gaskets on the mdf board, Seal the edge of the mdf as Garret showed and flatten the mdf on both sides before you attach the gasket. Close off as much of the vacuum surf as you can and if the object you are securing is flat, you will be amazed on how strong the hold is. I have assorted pieces of scrap MDO and PVC material that I use to cover the areas of tile gasket that are not used and it greatly improves the holding power. I found this necessary on mine since I have the 24x48 vacuum table. I'm still learning more about it each day. Good luck. I really do think you will like it.
Garret is an awsome teacher so glad I found his videos
christinaholle7366, I'm glad you're enjoying these videos! Happy CNCing!
Thank you. You are the first person the covers the unused area on the gasket. I use thick painters plastic. Its easy to cut and cheap. I am very happy with my airweights system.
donaldstarnes4533, You're very welcome! I'm glad you found the video helpful and that your airweights system is working well for you!
Thanks for the video Garrett.
I purchased my 24x48 AirWeights on the Wednesday night you had Jace on your Live video cast. I have had it about a week now. I too was amazed on how simple it is to install and get up and running. It fits perfectly onto the bed of my Nextwave Shark HD520. I have found that I no longer need clamps on most of the items I cut regularly, thus reducing the amount of waste I end up with. In fact I haven't needed a clamp since I got it.
Dealing with AirWeights has been a pleasure. I highly recommend the product.
Great to hear, Joe! Glad you're enjoying it!!
JosephWerle-je4ww, You're welcome! I'm glad you're enjoying your AirWeights, they definitely make woodworking a lot easier with less waste. Keep up the great work!
I know I'll be buying at least two of these new bits when they get released. They do really nice clean cuts. When my budget allows me to, I will also be getting this vacuum table.
PaganWizard, That's great to hear you're excited about the new bits! A vacuum table can definitely make a big difference in your projects. Enjoy your woodworking journey!
awesome vacuum table accessory, about time someone came up with one. I will be getting the 24 x 48, thank you.
garciarosa100, I'm glad you enjoyed the vacuum table accessory! The 24 x 48 size is a great choice for larger projects. Here is a link: airweights.com/?ref=IDCWOODCRAFT Happy CNC woodworking!
Garrett you retransforming my CNC life thanks. I'm also seeing you Altmill in the back ground HaHa
cunninghamguitarz5216, I'm glad to hear that the content is making a difference for you! And yes, the Altmill is definitely a handy tool in the shop. Enjoy your CNC journey!
Do you recommend this if you most do straight through cuts.
Hi Dwayne. There's been concern about if a person can cut through the project and into the vacuum bed. So I did a video that will come out this week that shows that it works just fine for cut up.
Hey Garrett, have you tried holding down a big piece of EVA Foam with you vacuum system? Will it work? Thank you
bubaslf, Yes, using a vacuum system to hold down EVA foam can work quite well, especially if the vacuum pressure is strong enough. However, the porous nature of EVA might require additional precautions like using a seal or a non-porous backing to maintain effective suction. It's always a good idea to test it out on a small piece first to see how well it holds. Thanks for the question!
Thank you for the video! Definitely going to look into this as I do alot of sheet cutting and something like this would make setup quicker and easier.
reece674, You're welcome! I'm glad you found the video helpful. Using a CNC machine for sheet cutting can definitely streamline your process. Good luck with your woodworking projects!
I may be more impressed with new BN bit and looking forward to it. As for Air Weight, I do a lot of cut throughs and I don’t like using tabs on them so maybe a better version may be coming up. I may get two 48z24 when I receive the AltMil but that’s a few months away. The price is a bit much for my 48x30 for now but may change my mind and just get one for now to transfer over to Altmill when it arrives. Great video as always. -Peter
ifiwooddesigns, Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Peter! It sounds like you have some exciting projects in the works. Can't wait to see how they turn out with your new tools!
Enjoyed your videos thank you for showing the table
nancej100, You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the video brother!
Wow! this is really amazing. thanks for sharing this video.
ronnorris1504, Thank you for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
On your fixture make round corners with a 1/4 ball nose end mill for the seal. Now for the seal use round foam/rubber seal and super glue the two ends together that way you have a perfect seal and it is quick to replace rather than a flat seal with 4 corners to fit.
Nice idea!
kb6dxn, That's a great suggestion! Using a ball nose end mill for the round corners can definitely create a smoother seal. Super gluing the foam/rubber seal ends is a clever way to ensure a perfect seal and easy replacement. Thanks for sharing your tip!
Great video. Curious why you aren’t using the Musclechuck?
joehall7164, Thanks for watching! I actually prefer using a different collet for my specific workstation setup and the type of projects I work on. Each woodworker has their own preferences, and it's great to explore different options to see what works best for you.
So when you are doing a profile cut going all the way through the material, how do you not cut into the vacuum bed like you do the spoil board ?
Fixture Plates offer this capability. They are combined with gasket material to create vacuum pockets under the final part geometry. Then you can cut thru outside of those vacuum pockets. You can also cut thru using Tile Gasket + MDF, which is more universal and requires less setup. Each has it's advantages and limitations.
drbeaker2, When doing a profile cut all the way through the material, the vacuum may not be the best fit for this project. But there are accessories in the works that will make it possible!
where can you purchase more of the rubber seal
eastridgehardware2176, here is a link brother: airweights.com/products/in-board-gasket-roll?ref=idcwoodcraft
Nice to see that AltMill in the background. Will these folks make a 48x48 for AltMill?
48x48 is challenging due to shipping and handling costs, but you can create full 48x48 coverage with 4ea 24x24 or 2ea 24x48 systems! It's nice to have a manifold with independent control of each zone, just like a larger machine.
guate6 and AirWeights, Yes, breaking it down into smaller zones definitely helps with shipping costs and also gives you more flexibility in your CNC projects. Having independent control of each zone is really convenient for fine-tuning your work. Happy woodworking!
Yeah pretty cool but would be paranoid ever doing a full cut through of leaving gouges in this very expensive spoil board
In many cases, gouging into the vacuum plenum is not cause for concern. If a user cuts through on the edge or completely thought the thickness, then there's something to worry about.
AirWeights, thanks for the great info! You're right, minor gouging into the vacuum plenum usually isn't a major issue. It becomes more critical when the cut goes through the material. Checking the depth and adjusting your settings can help prevent this from happening in the future.
What does the back of the vacuum table plate look like, does it have to seal against your router bed?
Each AirWeights Vacuum Table has a baseplate on the bottom to seal the unit and allow for simple installation onto any surface, even porous MDF!
youngfg2, Yes, the back of the vacuum table plate typically has a rubber seal to create suction. It's important for a tight seal against your router bed to ensure maximum hold during the machining process.
Standard air pressure is ~14.5 lbs per sq inch. So each square inch is experiencing over 14 lbs of pressure. A 10x10 piece then would then have 1400 lbs of pressure, assuming no leakage.
My question though is what if you need to cut through your piece?
Fixture plates with appropriate gasket zones to form a vacuum pocket under your FINISHED part allow for cutting completely through. So does the Tile Gasket + MDF method, which is far more universal.
AirWeights, That's a great tip for cutting through material with a CNC machine! Using fixture plates with gasket zones or the Tile Gasket + MDF method definitely helps maintain a secure hold while cutting. It's all about finding what works best for your specific project and setup.
A typical vacuum pump is around $100-150. If you just mill your own grid you should EASILY be able to make your own vacuum setup for ~ $200, and you can just replace the MDF if you accidentally cut through the piece. If you cut through this, you're out $1600.
Are you referencing an oil-filled rotary vane pump? If so, they smoke unless they're pulling deep vacuum against a closed system. I'd love to see a $100 oil-free vacuum pump with 5 CFM free flow rate! Would help us out a lot. We're also all for those who want to make their own vacuum table. We're here for those people who want a solution that's ready to use. Keep in mind we do offer accessories that allow for complete cut thru and provide an extra layer of protection against damaging the vacuum table.
cavedog1279, That's a good point about the cost difference between making your own vacuum setup versus risking the CNC router job. It's important to weigh the pros and cons based on your budget and experience level with woodworking.
May work ok if you are not doing cut throughs. Not sure it is worth the cost for the little bit of time that you save by not using tape or clamps.
We do offer accessories that allow complete cut-thru
rjbrownley1, While tape or clamps can work for securing the material, using a vacuum table for CNC work offers benefits like consistent holding pressure and the ability to machine all the way through the material without obstruction. It can also save time by not needing to constantly adjust or replace clamps.
I really like that concept. But I don’t have room for another compressor.
Maybe you can use one you already have?
kevinrich4637, I understand brother!
You can use pieces of laminate to mask around your work piece.
johnparrish8918, That's a great tip! Using laminate pieces can be a helpful way to protect areas while cutting. Thanks for sharing brother.
How flat is it?
The table thickness itself is 0.8" ± .005", but the installed flatness is dependent on how carefully the user completes installation. If you need perfectly flat references, a fixture plate that is surfaced on YOUR machine will provide the most accurate Z height.
AirWeights, Absolutely, ensuring the flatness during installation is crucial for achieving accurate results. A custom fixture plate machined on your specific machine will definitely help maintain precision. It's all about attention to detail and taking the time to set everything up correctly!
I'm that guy with 50 years as a master machinist. I can't imagine spending $1000 for a vacuum table as I have always made my own.
$1600...
That's fair!
If you can make your own, you're clearly not the target demographic for this product.
jeffteeter501, That's great to hear that you've been able to make your own vacuum tables! DIY solutions can be just as effective, especially when you have years of experience like you do. Keep up the awesome work!
Could you make a video showing the process?
won't work for 2-sided job or cut-thru
We have some new accessories coming out that allow for accurately locating on the vacuum plenum. Adding locating features to fixture plates or Tile Gasket + MDF do enable 2-sided jobs. Those same accessories also allow for complete cut-thru.
@@AirWeights the moment you cut through, the vacuum is gone
eitantal726, You're right, at the moment it may not be the best if you require cutting through materials or two-sided operations until the new accessories are released. It's always important to consider the specific project you have in mind.
Wow that price is way way to much $1550. for myself i dont think i would use it much. for one when im carving im doing a lot of different shapes. ill be burning up that gasket you have to cut up. 2 i fit my bed with a lot of small parts that need to be cut out. puzzles that kind of thing. would feel like im putting $1600 on the line on damage per project. There is a reason they call it a waste board. If i spent 1550 on a waste board it would turn into a garage trophy and never be used.
st0mper121, I totally understand your concerns about the cost and how it might fit into your projects. Vacuum systems can be a significant investment, especially if you have specific needs like cutting many small parts or tackling different shapes. It's important to weigh how often you would actually use it and if it aligns with your woodworking goals. Remember, there's a wide variety of options available that might suit your projects better!
For one off projects it doesn’t seem any quicker or handier than clamps or CA glue. Expensive investment and have to mess with the seals each time. Just my opinion.
The production aspect seems more useful.
taylorbynam1929, I appreciate your perspective on using clamps and CA glue for one-off projects. Each method has its pros and cons depending on the project at hand!
Guy basicly commercialized joe woodworker information.
But wait ... didn't Joe commercialize that info? :) He's got great stuff!
sawmilldan, thanks for sharing your perspective brother!
Sorry, but this Vacuum table is only a toy. I am work with a real CNC with real vacuum table.
What CNC and vacuum table are you using?
@@AirWeights Casadei Busellato Easy Jet ATC CNC.
On this vacuum table, you can the vacuum inlets open and close with a special magnetic tool. So you have very powerful vacuum.
Zeix02, That's a solid machine choice! It should serve you well for your woodworking projects.