A $20 DIY VACUUM TABLE FOR CNC AND WOODWORKERS -- CAD, MACHINE, & TEST. DOES IT SUCK REALLY GOOD???

This video uses VCarve Pro to model (and then make and test) a low-cost vacuum table by leveraging highly efficient tool path techniques. Most CAD software will also work (including Vcarve Desktop, Vcarve Aspire, etc). Ultimately, a shop vac powered vacuum table is machined with a CNC in less than 15 minutes utilizing a 1/4 inch down cut bit. This DIY vacuum table make requires less than $20 in supplies to complete (assuming you already own a shop vac that may be used to power the vacuum table). The vacuum table which is made may be mounted to a CNC bed or used at a workstation for woodworking purposes. The vacuum table may also be built with a router and/or router table with minimal modifications to the directions covered in the video. Finally, the video demonstrates the vacuum table being used to hold down a veneered board (removing its bow) as it is machined with a Vbit to make a small sign. I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW WELL THIS $20 SHOP VAC POWERED VACUUM TABLE WORKED. For $20 in supplies and in about 1 1/2 hours including CAD and machining time you can have this up and running.

Video link to part 1 of my vacuum table build:

DIY SHOP VAC VACUUM TABLE FOR CNC OR WORKSTATION! BUILD FOR LESS THAN $25 IN ABOUT 1 HOUR!

   • DIY SHOP VAC VACUUM TABLE FOR CNC OR ...  

If you haven't yet watched the part 1, I recommend you watch it first.

Materials needed/cost to construct vacuum table:
I am NOT an affiliate of any of the products/or manufactures below:

Melamine Multipurpose shelf 35.65 in x 15.75in (90.55 cm x 40 cm) at Lowe's cost me $14.43 or if you require something larger -- a piece a 4'x8' Melamine Sheet costs about $44.00 (Note: Most big stores will do a couple of free rough cuts for you if you ask)

Orbit 2" sprinkler head at Lowe's cost me $3.05

Pool Noodle approximately $1.50 (I think I bought it at a Dollar store a couple years ago)

(Shop Vac -- hopefully you already own one of these)

Optional Accessory -- If you want to try a rubber seal for more friction/reduce down grid size then try Orgthin 20FT Backer Rod 1/4 inch, Black Rubber Caulk Saver, Concrete Expansion Joint Filler, Weather Strip Seal for Gaps and Joints about $9 on Amazon (or $12 for 40 ft).

Machining Tips and measurements:
If you have a dust boot use it (and of course use a dust mask as you don't want to breath in melamine dust)
Use a 1/4 inch down cut endmill for all machining paths. Group all tool paths together if you have a large CNC bed and cut in 1 job. If you have a smaller CNC bed cut sprinkler hole first with centered rectangular air channel (its length you choose based on how far it is from the machinable area of your CNC to the very edge of your CNC + add 4 to 5 additional inches for extra coupler hookup room). I use a rectangle width of 20 mm (.7874 inches). This works well if you want to seal with packing tape.
Cut grid grooves 4 mm (.1575 inches) deep using a single continuous polyline vector toolpath. Grid spacing is up to you (I haven't explored the optimal spacing or geometry). However, I spaced my grid lines 1 inch apart and that seemed to work very well. Use a LINE ON PROFILE CUT (I would recommend at least two passes but use whatever is appropriate for your machine) -- If you don't understand how to a single vector continuous polyline, I explain how in this video (It's a great trick for faster machining times! The few minutes it will take to watch could save you massive machining time!)
Cut small air inlet hole (about 1 inch diameter but varies in size with vacuum power/air cooling needs) in sidewall of pool coupler to allow some air flow to help reduce the chances of your vacuum overheating (and/or use Fein vacuum)
Cut Orbit Sprinkler hole 43.75 mm (1.7224 inches) in diameter -- Or pocket cut out this entire hole (full depth of melamine). Else for a faster machine paths use a profile INSIDE cut (with tabs).

Safety:
When using the vacuum table with CNC or any power tool always utilize an alternative board clamping mechanism in case of suction failure.
Always wear safety glasses and dust mask
Cut small air inlet hole (about 1 inch diameter but varies in size with vacuum power/air cooling needs) in sidewall of pool coupler to allow some air flow to help reduce the chances of your vacuum overheating
Verify vacuum strength is sufficient to secure wood to vacuum table BEFORE using CNC/power tools (always use an alternative hold down as a failsafe in case of vacuum failure)
Monitor your shop vac to ensure it is not overheating or it could burn out motor/or even start of fire (stop job immediately if it starts to overheat).
Follow all video's safety guidelines and evaluate all risks yourself before using or machining vac table and take appropriate precautions (including a backup hold down method that secures board in the event of vacuum table failure).
Use and/or make the vacuum table at your own risk

BONUS TIP --- Use the back side of melamine board to make an additional custom sized grid.