Vacuum clamping making Domino that much faster

[Bill Wyko]

This is just a plastic block with a hole drilled through top to bottom, then a hole drilled in the side to intersect the other hole and screw in a barbed fitting. Next put a ring of foam tape in a circle about 4 inches that goes around the drilled hole. Next make a circle of foam tape on the opposite side that is in a shape which will seal the work piece. Now set the block on a smooth, secure surface and turn on the pump. When you set your work piece ont the top, it will vacuume it in place. Now you can safley use your Domino to make the plunge and your work is very secure. Disconnect the hose and put on the next piece the re-attach the hose. This is about 10 times faster than using mechanical clamps. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

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[peter halle]

Bill;

Great idea.  I use a similar setup to hold one end of crown molding or other molding in place while working alone.  Instead of disconnecting the hose from the barb, I have a short section of hose attached to the barb and then a john guest fitting attached to the main hose.

Peter

 

[Bill Wyko]

|Good idea, thanks.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Bill;

Great idea.  I use a similar setup to hold one end of crown molding or other molding in place while working alone.  Instead of disconnecting the hose from the barb, I have a short section of hose attached to the barb and then a john guest fitting attached to the main hose.

Peter

What's a john guest fitting??

 

[Bill Wyko]

I think it's like a ball valve but push button. :-\

 

[peter halle]

The fitting is like a compression fitting but instead of a wrench it has a little push ring that allow you to disconnect it by just pushing it in.  Remember chinese handcuffs when you were a kid.  Lowes, Home Depot and the other big box stores sell them in the area where they have brass fittings but these guys are plastic.  I'll take a picture and post.  Used a lot with diy people and pex plumbing.

Peter

 

[peter halle]

Sorry for my delay in getting back.  Here is a fuzzy photo of the fitting I mentioned.

Peter

 

[Michael Kellough]

I didn't know these worked with vacuum tubing.

 

[peter halle]

Yep.

I set up a jig for holding up crown or anything else on a wall - eliminates a helper.  Easy, cheap.  Reusable and reconfigurable.  Really makes the clients appreciate your other side too!!

Peter

 

[lat]

This is just a plastic block with a hole drilled through top to bottom, then a hole drilled in the side to intersect the other hole and screw in a barbed fitting. Next put a ring of foam tape in a circle about 4 inches that goes around the drilled hole. Next make a circle of foam tape on the opposite side that is in a shape which will seal the work piece. Now set the block on a smooth, secure surface and turn on the pump. When you set your work piece ont the top, it will vacuume it in place. Now you can safley use your Domino to make the plunge and your work is very secure. Disconnect the hose and put on the next piece the re-attach the hose. This is about 10 times faster than using mechanical clamps. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

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What kind of vacuum pump do you use?

 

[butzla]

Nice clamp but wouldn't it be easier to just use some sort of bench dog to bare against?

 

[Bill Wyko]

Actually I think the vacuum is more stable because it holds the piece from moving any direction. I don't have to worry about it slipping and I don't have to hold the wood at all. IMHO.

 

[richard.selwyn]

Looks like you'll be competing with the Festool vac sys (if you can still get mortgages in the US - to pay for one)  It's due here in September at about 1000 euros.  I think I like your inexpensive solution.  Can I have one in green tho?