Thread: WEDM; Opinions on how to hold large heavy workpiece

How would some of you hold the attached workpiece? It's large and heavy; D2, 2" x 15-3/4 x 19. Let's assume my machine has enough travel to cut both the (2) 1/2" dowel holes and cutting profile (in magenta) in one set up. Aside from using strap/toe clamps to clamp to machine table, any other ideas on how to hold or fixture a workpiece this large/heavy to cut in one set up?

If its the slug you are worried about drill & tap some holes in it , put a clamp there after the wire passes that point......

I've straddled large die plates on bars bolted across the table before. It requires some creative shimming to get it indicated in level and flushing isn't optimal that way, but it can be done. In your case, it could be retained with two of the c'bored screw holes in one side while leveled out with two of the 3/8-16 threaded holes with screw applying pressure on the bars underneath on the other side.

Sliced business card packing and strong wire magnets should hold fine if available

Cheers Kev

Thanks all for the replies. Most of the suggestions mentioned I've used but I've never thought of packing the kerf w/ the biz cards, will have to try that. I think the only real good to way to hold this size/weight of a workpiece is with a large, special clamping vise (sandwich workpiece with two plates & threaded rod) & place a support jack out underneath.

Might want to take a look at FTool system (EROWA subsidiary)

Originally Posted by cpm10v

How would some of you hold the attached workpiece? It's large and heavy; D2, 2" x 15-3/4 x 19. Let's assume my machine has enough travel to cut both the (2) 1/2" dowel holes and cutting profile (in magenta) in one set up. Aside from using strap/toe clamps to clamp to machine table, any other ideas on how to hold or fixture a workpiece this large/heavy to cut in one set up?

Clamp it to the table on a 45 degree angle. Skew the program to one of the sides. Put a .100 stop point before cutoff. When you are at the stop point, put a couple of c - style clamps across the cut and cut it off. Break the wire and move the head out of the way. put some pedestals under the slug and remove the clamps. Use a crane with a magnet to pull the slug out carefully. Remove the pedestals before repositioning the head.