Frugal and Functional: My Top Hold Down Clamping Methods and Affordable CNC Wasteboard Set up

In this video, I'll be showing you how to replace your old CNC wasteboard with a brand new one. Not only will this improve the overall quality of your CNC work, but it will also make it easier to align materials thanks to the PVC fence I'll be installing.

I'll also be sharing my go-to hold down clamping methods that I use to securely fasten items to my wasteboard. These techniques are not only highly effective, but also budget-friendly and easy to implement.

Whether you're a seasoned CNC enthusiast or a beginner just starting out, this video is packed with valuable tips and tricks that will help take your CNC work to the next level.

Files for waste board:

Items Used:
PVC pipes - outside measurement is 1.05

Spindles
I own the 110v 2.2kw 80mm This sucks a ton of energy for 10 which is more than the basic 110v circuit can handle. I have had no issues and runs just fine for me but be aware of the amp draw of this spindle! Getting 220 isn't all that hard and I would recommend the 220v version if you want 2.2kw.

The link below is from PNW and the spindle is expensive but based on reviews from others in the Onefinty Facebook group it seems to work great. The spindle comes ready to cut I believe, which means you won't need to program anything or solder any wires.
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[tonymarrazzo]

I just upgraded my system to an Axiom CNC and ordered their horizontal clamping system - works fantastic! Not only pushes over but down also and it has a TON of clamping pressure. Game changer for me.

[robertmartin]

I Have a 220V 2.2Kw and I love it, it works like a charm and I have double the speed of feed and I'm working at 18000 RPM with a 2 1/4" Surfacing bit and the machine doesn't know that the bit is there. My X-35 Woodworker kik ass and I did make a vacuum system under neet as a hold down .... love it. I'm about to put some Piston to put as stops like your pipe but they are on the edge off the cutting area so like that I can release them and I still got the full cutting area to work with.

[joshuaweaver]

I Got my first CNC last night. Don’t even have it all put together just making sure I have all my ideas straight before I start. I just want to say using the Jointer to notch the waste board is the best use of the tool when you are still having to justify the expense to a spousal unit.. I’m going to see if it works for me.

[ohcatamount]

Ironic place in time. I use to follow you on social media for a long time, going back to your first big bertha sander ( I believe that was it's name). The reason I stopped was because you started doing a lot of CNC work and at the time I thought I was a purest and it was "cheating". Well fast forward to now and I am close to retiring and am looking at getting into CNC making. So lucky me, I subscribed again. I am in the research phase, so I am overloading doing research on CNC machines, software, techniques etc. Thank you for this video - I may likely go this route when I purchase my CNC.

[iwannaapple]

I came back to watch this again. Gotta nother CNC so I have 2 now. This one is a friggin beast and very quiet by the way. So, that means I've flattened a wasreboard 4x now and I have a tip to not cut too much off which is something most do not mention or like me I keep forgetting
Anyway, I forgot what my first cut was but it did not flatten all which is a good thing. The very next step is to zero your bit where the router did not cut. At the second cut set your start cut at 0 and your finish depth at 0! Do not cut anything because it will be at a lower point then when you started. You might have to do it again but you will not waste wood.
Speaking waste board. I think this time around I'm going to use wedges and a top down tightening system with no metal tracks. Just cut my own key track in the wood.

[cliffjohnson]

I made Morgan’s MatchFit wasteboard. I love the versatility. I made various hold downs with the MatchFit connectors. It was actually fun to do. I’ve been using it this morning and holding rock solid.

[ScottyDuzKnow]

Just wanted to say thanks for sharing this! Really helped me figure out what I wanted to do for my CNC.

[itsnotlevel]

I'm just getting a waste board on my ultimate bee, and I am 100% using this method as my first method you rock dude!

[barryomahony]

I copied your idea of rabbeting the edges of the MDF so that they sit on top of the T-track. I agree with the advantages you state. My jointer doesn't have the capability but it was easy to do with a rabbeting bit on the router table.

[rrr]

Great vid. You have a lot of great ideas I can use.

I use the Festool system. Meaning, I have a grid of 20mm holes across the entire spoil board and a grid of threaded inserts for clamps. I can use all the Festool clamping items. There's a lot of 3rd party clamping fixtures for Festool I can use too.

[gordongroves]

Just found your videos and I like your style so will watch out for more. Thanks for sharing.

[bubba]

good video. i like the pvc method. have you tried a smaller dia pipe so you dont loose as much work area? i use dowel like you have the pvc .5 inch dia. thinking about using the kfeg clamps that use the .750 inch dogholes and was wonsweing if you have used them and your input on them. Id like to see your bowls made. Ive made a few like i think you are doing it and yoyos lol the kids and grown ups have a lot of fub with them. I do several 2 sided jobs. I think id laminate that poplar and do it as a 2 sided job to avaoid the glue up of the 2 halves and just so i could say ive done that lol Best video ive seen in awhile thanks for sharing it with us.

[Woodworking]

You nailed it. Keep the piece from sliding and you need very little “clamping” force. I downloaded TSO CAD files (free) to make my board MFT compatible. I have a professional ShopSabre machine with vac but I use the dog board most. TSO dogs and something like your wood block and maybe tape or small clamps on the corner and you’re good. The vac is HUGE for sheet goods, especially for keeping the sheet flat. One recommendation is to zero to the machine bed for most things, except vcarving. There is a reason the pros do it.

[bobhoyer]

Hello, Loved today's inlay. I am very interested in your work. I am planning on a small CNC system in the new shop. Yes on bowls. And Manny was 11:39 introduced 16:01 in upper left video. Thanks again

[robertbankhead]

Dude, video of the year for cnc'ers. Thanks how about a brief video on your inlay's!!!!

[woodturner]

Yes to the bowls when ever you have time.

[LavinWoodworks]

Yes please make more videos on projects. That dish was amazing. Would love to see how you did the two sided carve!

[dennisbracci]

Great video. Easy and simple. Like your style

[grumpywoodchucker]

And… great ideas in this video. I’m doing the pvc stops for sure!

[RaulNemes]

What an excellent video! I love the simplicity of your method. I'm definitely going to do the PVC fence! I had a piece jump out of my hold downs today and this method would have certainly prevented that from happening. Brilliant!