Vacuum Table ideas

General Composites Discussions Equipment Talk
#1

Currently I use West Systems 105/205 and will also be using 207. I am looking at building my own work table/bench. I plan on using it also to cut my fabric and store rolls of fabric under neath the table. I can build the basic table just trying to figure out what to use for the table top. This table top will be a combination of cutting surface, but for the smaller projects, I plan on setting the vacuum bag right on the table (using the table as the backside of the bag), the only issue I have is what to use as a top?

Options I have come up with are:

Formica-laminate: Cheap and easy to install/replace as needed but dont know how well it will hold up or if it would need any extra sealing?

Solid Surface (Corian, etc): pricey, but should hold up to the cutting and the bagging process as it is non porous, thinking I should just need to wax the area for a release.

Butcher Block: can be pricey, according to West System help, I should be able to put 3-4 coats of epoxy on the block, then a couple coats of laquer and be fine, the epoxy I think would add a lot to the cost, but could easily be smoothed out/re-applied as needed.

Stainless Steel: not for sure on the price since Im not sure what gauge I should get, but with a wax placed on it for a mold release, I think it would hold well for cutting and the vacuum process.

Does anyone have thoughts on this? I am just getting started so dont want to have too much money into this table (but could upgrade the top down the line as needed), but I also want a top that should hold up for awhile well (unsure of how well formica laminate will hold up over time)

Thank you in advance for any help.

#2

I use a glass table and just put a cutting matt down when I’m using it as a work bench.

#3

I second the glass table. That’s also what I have on my work bench. Just got the obligatory cutting mat as well!

When i do infusions on the glass, i just use paste wax as release. I also cut my material on it, glass is great for this. Also great for when I cut rip stop nylon with a soldering iron for my kites. :wink:

#4

So, what size glass tables are you using? How thick of a table? Is it one pane of glass of multiple?( If multiple how did you seal them?). And last, what type of glass is it?

#5

mine is like 5ft by 3ft or so… It was a table top for a dinner table I think… a friend of mine got it from a good will store for nothing and gave it to me. I think it’s tempered but honestly not sure… Seal it? I just bag directly on the glass when I do infusions or bag parts on it. It’s really nothing special.

#6

I picked up a dining table from someone on “offerup”. Paid $30 for it, the glass is rounded on the corners, 3/8 thick and just under 63"x35".

The table came with for decent steel chairs that we will use for game nights, and adjustable legs/supports that I will you to make a wood working bench. Meanshile, I am thinking of making my own bench for the glass top, planning on having wood hang over the top about 1/4" all the way around, build a fabric storage on the bottom with shelves on the leftover space (might build it to house pump/pan) and a few cross supports for the glass. I will also put shelves above for resin, mixing pots, brushes, etc.

#7

I use a 1/4" aluminum plate to do my composites work. I always have it covered in mold release so nothing really gets stuck to it and, if it did, I can just use my sander to remove it.

I recently made a custom table frame using aluminum t-slot extrusions. Aside from making the build very quick, it makes it super easy to customize with shelves, storage, height adjustments and future size expansion. They are also cheap, I am using them for my new curing oven too.

Glass is not ideal for me because I use a lot of silicone and glass is the only thing it sticks to. If I didn’t, it would be ideal because it’s a strong, smooth, hard, super flat surface. It’s exactly what is need, espiecally if you make your own prepreg. The only thing that might be better is a granite surface plate if the budget is available.

#8

Just wondering on thoughts. I will be building a workbench and using a glass panel for the top of that bench. Now, I will be building a wood surround on the bottom and setting the glass on top, and then building a surround to go on top of the glass, so it will be sandwiched between 2 pieces of wood with legs on each corner and a bottom shelf to help stabilize everything. My question is, would I need to put supports across the middle of the glass to help, or would the support on the outside edges be enough?

The glass panel is 36"x63" and 3/8" thick.