QCW Vacuum Slats - Installation Instructions
Step 1: Installing the Pump Exhaust Mufflers
- Locate the four included exhaust mufflers.
- Install them on the underside of the pump before operating.
Step 2: Setting Up the Pump Intake - Refer to the appropriate product image on the website for the correct intake setup.
- Use the included PTFE tape generously to:
○ Adjust the gauge to a convenient viewing position.
○ Clock the intake filter with the canister pointing downward, as shown in the
reference image.
Step 3: Mounting the Manifold - Choose a convenient location to mount the manifold where you can easily access the
valves. - Securely mount the manifold in place, ensuring it is positioned for efficient air line
routing. This can be done with VHB tape or screws. Do not screw the manifold into the
bottom of a slat or you will breach a necessary seal. - Confirm that the installation location allows for easy adjustments and operation of the
individual slat valves.
Step 4: Selecting and Installing Slat Fittings - Locate the hardware box for each slat, which contains two fitting options:
○ (1ea) 5/16” OD x ⅛ NPT straight fitting
○ (1ea) 5/16” OD x ⅛ NPT 90-degree elbow fitting (recommended for cleaner air
line routing) - Choose the fitting that best suits your setup.
- Each slat has two edge inlet options for connecting air lines, one on the front edge and
one on the rear edge. To determine the front and rear of the slat, look at the underside.
The front edge has two 1/4-inch diameter holes, and the rear edge has two 1/4-inch wide
slots. Choose which edge you will use for each air line connection. - Remove the installed ⅛ NPT plug with a 5mm hex key and install the selected fitting. Do
not over tighten the fitting and take caution to avoid cross-threading. - Keep in mind that shorter air lines yield better vacuum performance due to reduced head
loss.
Step 4: Connecting the Air Lines - Use the included 5/16" OD air line to connect each slat to the provided manifold.
○ The manifold includes valves that allow you to turn each slat “on” or “off”. This
helps isolate vacuum to specific slats as needed. - Connect 1/2" OD tubing between the manifold and the pump.
○ Shorter tubing is optimal for vacuum performance.
○ If necessary, experiment with the full 8-foot length before trimming based on
your pump placement and manifold mounting. Our vacuum pumps should be left
on the ground in a convenient location for air line routing and access to power.
This also avoids vibration from the pump translating into your CNC frame and
showing in your carves!
Optional Step: Squaring Your Slats to X/Y Axes
This step is optional and can be completed at any time to enable precise alignment between the
1/4" holes in the top grid and your CNC X/Y axes. Proper alignment allows you to use the
included dowel pins for reliable stops, similar to dog holes or a fence system.
Steps to Square Your Slats: - Determine the exact locations for your slat installation. Refer to the appropriate DXF
file for default layouts and adjust as needed to provide clearance for any QCW
mounted accessories. The slots on the bottom of each slat allow Y-direction
adjustment for accessory clearance. - Roughly position your slats on your QCW frame. If you’ve already mounted your
slats, loosen the mounting screws by 1/4 to 1/2 turn. - Install the included 1/4" x 1.5" long dowel pin into your spindle.
- Jog the spindle to a suitable X/Y coordinate for one of the front most dowel pin
holes relative to your desired mounting position. - Lower the spindle into one of the dowel holes on the top side of the slat. Do not
exceed 1/4" depth into the dowel pin holes. - Tighten the front most screw located underneath the dowel hole that the spindle was
lowered into. - Retract the spindle. Jog the machine in the Y-direction until you are above the rear
most dowel pin hole you can reach with the same X coordinate. - Slowly lower the spindle until the dowel pin enters the second hole, ensuring the slat is
squared. You may need to manually pivot the slat before completely lowering the
spindle to ensure alignment. - Tighten the rearmost screw underneath the second dowel pin hole.
- Verify alignment by retracting the spindle and checking the original hole alignment.
Repeat adjustments as necessary for the desired accuracy. - Fully tighten all screws to secure the slat. Do not over tighten screws.
- Repeat this process for each slat.
For precise X/Y coordinate selection in Step 1, refer to the DXF file containing your slat system
geometry.
Your vacuum workholding system is now installed and ready for use. If you have any questions,
please refer to the support documentation or contact customer service at support@airweights.com