To start with, it is possible to build or buy a magnetic clamp that
moves the magnet into contact with metal mag feed routers or moves
the magnet away so the piece is released.
I have purchased neodymium magnets which are awesome for size
and holding power. I will mail you one if you would like to play
with it.
It is also possible to use an electromagnet to hold parts down. That
sucks power
however.
Here are some photos from Harborfreight.com that may help
 5645-0VGA
Cen-Tech MULTI-POSITION MAGNETIC BASE WITH FINE ADJUSTMENT
$18
 5646-4VGA
Cen-Tech MULTI-POSITION MAGNETIC BASE
$13
 33487-2VGA
MAGNETIC CHUCK $100
 90504-0VGA
8'' x 4'' MAGNETIC CHUCK
$60
On 2006-Aug 28, at 06:34hrs AM, lcdpublishing wrote:
Hi Gus,
I sure am interested! Vacuum could be a problem on this machines as
I don't have room though. However, magnets is an interesting idea I
have not seen used - that one has my interest! Please expand on it
if you don't mind.
Chris
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Gus S Calabrese <gsc@...>
wrote:
>
> magnets or vacuum can work well.
> I can expand this answer if you are interested.
> AGSC
>
> On 2006-Aug 28, at 06:01hrs AM, lcdpublishing wrote:
>
> Hi guys,
>
> I am looking for some ideas on work holding for PCBs. I plan to do
> drilling and probably some isolation milling with my CNC machine.
> So far I have made good progress on most apsects of the machine's
> design, but the one thing that continues to elude me is the work
> holding.
>
> I would think that there should be a waste or spoil board under the
> PCB that is being machined - this is normal in other similar
> applications. So, I figure I would use masonite or other similar
> and cheap material.
>
> Of the very few photos I have seen for workholding, the only two
> methods I have seen so far are
>
> 1) Basic toe clamps which clamp the work down to the table. Simple
> and effective, but would prefer something more elegant
>
> 2) Some sort of clamping system that comes in from the edges. This
> is appealing as it can be made for short in height.
>
> Both examples have limitations and such so I am looking for any and
> all ideas. If you have any suggestions or know of any photos
showing
> PCB clamping, I sure would appreciate a link to the photos.
>
> Chris
>
>
>
>
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> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
AGSC Augustus Gustavius Salvatore Calabrese
4337 Raleigh Street
Denver, CO
720 222 1309 303 908 7716 cell
adding " spam2006 " bypasses my spam blocker. Please place in the
text or at the END of the subject line.
( i am hard to reach by phone )
All ideas, text, drawings and audio , that are originated by me, and
included with this signature text are to be deemed to be released to
the public domain as of the date of this communication . AGSC
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]