My CNC was not originally designed for vertical work but I find it is a critical capability for me. For a while I had a clamping arrangement part under the table part above the table.
A recent project requires another batch of drawers so I decided to take that opportunity to improve the vertical hold down.
So I machined a slot right through the bed of the machine. The router had no problem with the aluminum (some speed and feed changes from wood).
The yellow cam clamps were designed for 20mm pass through holes, but I cut off the post and printed an adapter to use with T slot.
And made an hold down insert that could be put in/out as a section from the rest of the spoil board. I chose not to go with just the vertical insert, because the horizontal force of the clamping I wanted integral support (which backs up against another aluminum extrusion underneath the table, and stops against the edge of the cutout)
It clamps quite well and is a simple lever to hold the piece. I would recommend these yellow clamps
Next will be putting the spoil board back on with a swappable section for this. Oh, and then going back and fine tuning various design features (counter bores, t nut location, etc etc). For you geniuses that get a design just right first time I applaud you. It seems I always have to make a complete design before I 'learn' and then have to go back and iterate again. As noted by my recent tote machining project - so many iterations.
Was nervous about machining a hole through the base - but so far so good.
But... this is significantly improved.
This little router has been serving me well. I have limited space for much larger but so far do not have yearning for 'bigger'.
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