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Principles for locking large sheet material

This article describes the methods for fixing large sheet materials to SmartBench.

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Once you are happy with the position of the material, fix it properly to SmartBench. This can be achieved by using:

  • Clamps

    • On wheel tracks

    • On Y Bench end plates

    • On Leg hinge plates

  • Woodscrews

    • Into a spoilboard

    • Into the Y Bench clamp panels

Clamps

Using clamps is a quick and easy way to fix your material to SmartBench and release it, but this method limits the overall size of a job due to the clamps protruding above the top surface of material.

We recommend using speed clamps (F-clamps). The jaws of these normally have plastic pads, which will not damage SmartBench.

Avoid using G-clamps (C-clamps)!

These transfer too much mechanical force and can damage the components of SmartBench.

Clamp locations on SmartBench

Wheel tracks

Only ever use speed clamps when clamping on to the wheel tracks. 

Heavier clamps will cause damage to this part of SmartBench. 


End plates of the Y Bench

Leg hinge plates

Where not to clamp

Never clamp in the work zone! The clamps will interfere with moving components of SmartBench.

Woodscrews

It is possible to fix material directly to the clamp panels (A) of the Y Bench or to a spoilboard under the stock material using woodscrews. Make sure that they are:

  • Positioned away from the cutting toolpaths to prevent damages to the tool.

  • Driven at least 1mm below the top surface of the material (provided you are using a spoilboard), so as not to disturb flatness.


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Rami

Rami is the author of this solution

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Updated on Wed, 25 Aug 2021