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?
vacuum, would be the best way in my thinking. probably cheaper and easier to just buy the correct thickness of plastic
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.
Can you make them oversized, bolt down, mill, and trim afterwards?
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.
Why not just use some plexi or similar material?
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
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...
Would crazy glue stick to the plastic? Warm it up and it lets go, maybe too warm for the plastic though.