C Axis/ 5 Axis Spacer Help

[Georgi Baltov]

Hi guys,

we recently upgraded our machine and put a C axis on it so we can machine door hinges and also mortise doors for lock sets and other stuff like that - basically flat pieces that need to be taken up about 1 1/2" off the bed of the machine to allow the aggregate to go around.

I have been thinking these days what to use as a spacer and honestly nothing that could give me flexibility or be cost effective has passed in my mind.

So here's my request to you. Are there shops out there that use C-Axis or even 5 axis machines and what do you use for spacers to lift up your pieces that will get machined?

Has anyone tried to make curved louver doors with any success and doesn't mind sharing his experience.

Your help and input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Will Williamson]

Most applications that I have been looking at are using vacuum cups to hold the parts off the primary surface for the purpose of using aggregates . I am also in the process of setting my cs45 up for the manufactuer of doors .I would be intrested in develping a dialog with you concernig this subject . will@willmade.com Our primary product is architectual millwork and we specialize in Church furnishings I,m located in Capac,Michigan about 50 miles north of Detroit Metro area

[Will Williamson]

I intend to make my own vacuum cups from 1.25" pvc there is more info already posted on the woodweb.com

[Georgi Baltov]

Hi Will,

we are mainly doing commercial mill work and lately lots of doors. Could you post the link to the woodweb.com forum about these suction cups. I really need to get the idea as right now I really can't imagine it. Could you explain how they work?

[Will Williamson]

Just enter( woodweb .com )at the top of page it has( search entire site) in the next box enter (Vacuum pods)
there are dozens of links to this subject There is also posts on (cnc setup of doors)

[Georgi Baltov]

Did anyone create a universal suction cup system that could work with a flat bed CNC router? I have been reading on internet about suction cups and so far my only idea is making a 60x120 sheet with melamine finish on the bottom side and drilling holes through the entire sheet probably about 1 1/2 or 2" diameter. Find something to cover the holes if not needed and then out of PVC create 2" thick suction cups with probably 4" diameter. Depending on the parts that I am cutting I can close some of the holes on the MDF sheet and keep the rest open. Then position my part on top of the active cups and hope that everything will hold. I am thinking of dadoing these cups about 3/8" deep in the MDF melamine. This way they will not move when under pressure. Any comments or ideas would be greatly appreciated!