Day 1 of 2024 release week! (part 2) AirWeights WCW Vacuum Slats for the QCW

Announcements
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@DrSys There has to be what, an inch of usable cutting space within the 3” side slats on the Woodworker QCW? Even less once grid gasket has been applied. I would think that anything in this area is going to be overhang, held by the adjacent main slat. What application did you have in mind?

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23

Thanks @studiotoiyabe , no application in particular just the OCD in me is wondering about this :slight_smile:

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@DrSys, @studiotoiyabe is right. There’s such little useable area that we opted to leave those out. Diminishing returns. Since vacuum workholding is area dependent, the relative holding force is poorly distributed on those 3” wide strips (long and narrow). By the time we make the slat, I think we’d end up with a ~2” wide vacuum region that’s actually under vacuum (within the seal). It could be interesting as an alternative upgrade for those who ONLY want the outer slats for edge clamping. Those users could then leave a spoilboard under the primary section of their stock and cut thru into it, but then you’re back to tabs, onion skin, wasted stock/poor yield, etc… similar to brad nails or screws. In that case we’d try to maximize the width of the outer slats to gain the most useable area under vacuum we could, even though some of it would sit outside the cutting area. Food for thought and happy to keep the conversation going! Could be a neat little offering for those who don’t have the budget to spring for a full vacuum table.

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26

@AirWeights @OnefinityCNC
I currently have the 24"x24" version of your airweights product. I love the idea of the QCW slat approach. Two questions?

  1. Why is it SO much more expensive for the slat version?
  2. Will you make just the QCW slats and hardware required (air connectors and bolts) available for those of us who have already purchased the complete set and only require the slats?

Jay

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27

Hey Jay!

  1. The cost per unit area is actually the same for the slats, and the whole system is a better deal than our standard offerings when considering all the included accessories. Note that we are also fabricating 3-5 individual vacuum tables (in-house) for each system sold, as opposed to 1ea. We designed for complete coverage, (including full length slats that extend outside the machinable area) since that’s what most customers tend to want, and that means a bigger vacuum source. However, our smaller pumps have enough flow to accommodate individual slats, which are available for purchase. We are WELL aware of the feedback that the system is expensive and we don’t take that lightly. We’re listening.
  2. Yes, individual slats are available for sale on our website now along with any of our accessories. Each slat comes with all the required fittings, air lines, etc… just like our other vacuum tables.

Hope this helps and we appreciate the clear feedback!

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