Originally Posted by Mr. Lim (Post 1262397)

We use hold-down setup clamps, step blocks, studs and t-nuts. Similar to this set found on McMaster: http://www.mcmaster.com/#fixture-clamps/=mc62a5

The top of our router's table has t-slots running down the length.

In between the t-slots, the top surface has black Sintra strips glued to the surface. These came with our router, and we replace them around once a year. When we replace the strips, we face them down with the router to make sure the working surface is level.

Whenever we cut a part on the router, the cutter goes through the part, and barely scratches the surface of the Sintra strips beneath. This does leave scratch marks on the Sintra, but not enough to warrant replacing them more than once a year.

In hindsight, a vacuum hold-down table would've been a nice addition, but we've been able to do without. Cutting COMPLETELY THROUGH plate is easy. Cutting partially through thinner plate is an issue, because the middle section tends to lift off the surface of the table when clamped using the hardware above.

Originally Posted by mman1506 (Post 1262404)

Thanks, is there any advantage using the sintra over wood and other plastics?

Originally Posted by Mr. Lim (Post 1262411)

Yes. Because our router has a Unist mister on it, the coolant it sprays could absorb into wood. Depending on the wood you use, it could maybe even cause it to swell? I'm not 100% sure as I've never let coolant sit around on wood to see if this happens, but I would be concerned.

Over other plastics - yes - it turns out Sintra can be had for quite cheap, and we've started using it for some of our in-class projects and prototypes. Its surface properties are grippy enough to provide a nice clamping surface.

Now we don't see the Sintra as a "sacrificial material" as we barely scratch the surface of it when we cut parts. As I mentioned before, these strips last us about a year before they get scratched up badly enough to be replaced.

If you were considering using it for a true sacrificial material, where you're trashing the Sintra sheet every time you cut parts, then it's probably not going to be very cost-effective.

Originally Posted by Mr. Lim (Post 1262411)

Yes. Because our router has a Unist mister on it, the coolant it sprays could absorb into wood. Depending on the wood you use, it could maybe even cause it to swell? I'm not 100% sure as I've never let coolant sit around on wood to see if this happens, but I would be concerned.

Over other plastics - yes - it turns out Sintra can be had for quite cheap, and we've started using it for some of our in-class projects and prototypes. Its surface properties are grippy enough to provide a nice clamping surface.

Now we don't see the Sintra as a "sacrificial material" as we barely scratch the surface of it when we cut parts. As I mentioned before, these strips last us about a year before they get scratched up badly enough to be replaced.

If you were considering using it for a true sacrificial material, where you're trashing the Sintra sheet every time you cut parts, then it's probably not going to be very cost-effective.

Originally Posted by Mr. Lim (Post 1262411)

Depending on the wood you use, it could maybe even cause it to swell?.

Originally Posted by CENTURION (Post 1265387)

Very nice! Looks like it will be a lot easier to work with the chains now.

I assume you're going to be adding some lightening in there?

Also, why can't you add more spacers in there? It looks like there's plenty of room