Need some hold down advice
#1
I have a number or pieces of plastic that will be front panels. They're various sizes between 3x5 and 8x10 but only 1/4" thick. I need to mill them flat on both sides to about 1/8" or maybe a bit thicker. How do I hold these down? If they were metal I'd just mount a magnetic chuck to the table but they're not. Any ideas?
Logan 200, Index 40H Mill, Boyer-Shultz 612 Surface Grinder, HF 4x6 Bandsaw, a shear with no name, ...
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#2
vacuum, would be the best way in my thinking. probably cheaper and easier to just buy the correct thickness of plastic
dallen, proud to be a member of MetalworkingFun Forum since Apr 2012.

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#3
Not an option. It's poured and regardless of thickness the top and bottom need to be cleaned up before a mold can be made of it. The sides need to be squared up too but that's what a vise is for.
Logan 200, Index 40H Mill, Boyer-Shultz 612 Surface Grinder, HF 4x6 Bandsaw, a shear with no name, ...
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#4
Can you make them oversized, bolt down, mill, and trim afterwards?
Mike

SB 10K (1976) Rockwell vertical mill (1967) Rockwell 17" drill press (1946) Me (1949)
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#5
Thought about that but at least one has to be a tight fit for an existing, and readily available, box. So I'd still have to do it for one since I use the existing box for the original mold.
Logan 200, Index 40H Mill, Boyer-Shultz 612 Surface Grinder, HF 4x6 Bandsaw, a shear with no name, ...
the nobucks boutique etsy shop  |  the nobucks boutique
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#6
Why not just use some plexi or similar material?
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#7
I've used double sided tape before with good success. Just tape them down to a sub plate and clamp it to the table. Ordinary Scotch brand tape will work fine with all that area.

Tom
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#8
Or carpet tape.
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#9
I've got a roll of carpet tape too. It holds a lot stronger than you think it would. I've taped small pieces directly to the top of my vise before with good results. Had a heck of a time getting it loose from the vise again actually without bending it. The part, not the vise...   Big Grin
Willie
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#10
Would crazy glue stick to the plastic? Warm it up and it lets go, maybe too warm for the plastic though.
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Greg
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