How to hold a Template when using a Pantagraph (duplicator)

[sweettractors]

I have just about finished building a Plasma duplicator table for my plasma cutter and am looking for something to adhere a template piece to the steel table surface. I have tried double sided tape and Velcro without success. I do have some double sided upholstery tape ordered to try. Any suggestions appreciated. Ken Sweet

 

[s219]

Hot melt glue?

Could also try the gray 3M double stick tape used to adhere automotive trim/decals/etc, but use it sparingly since it's strong stuff. Can cut it off with fishing line or dental floss worked between the surfaces.

 

[Looking4new]

A vise?
'C' clamps?

 

[Al 2]

Magnets?

 

[Looking4new]

Magnets?

If you use magnets, don't heat up earth magnets like you find in computer hard drives. They lose their magnetism when heated.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Never used a pantograph. But first thing that occurs to me is drill a hole in the middle of the template and a small threaded hole in middle of the table. Then screw the template down.

 

[Snobdds]

3m spray adhesive...

 

[mapper]

Use rare earth magnets. Drill several holes in the template that are the same diameter as the magnets, if you need to hold it down as well as keeping it from moving laterally, place steel washers on top of the magnets.

 

[BukitCase]

FYI - I'm pretty sure ALL magnets will lose their magnetic properties when heated - google "curie temperature" if you're curious... Steve

 

[Big Barn]

The magnets won't be affected by heat as Ken is using them for his template on pantograph table, not near the torch.

If the template is non ferrous then the adhesive solutions should work or a hole in the center with a small bolt and nut.

Edit. Oops. Downsizing mentioned this already. Guess that's where I got my brainstorm

 

[Ed of all trades]

I understood that most pantagraphs were set up so the template was up above the torch and a pin or magnetic rotor followed the template. Ed

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

This is what I use for woodworking. Buy Woodworking Tape 2" x 5' at Woodcraft.com

 

[aarolar]

Maybe ask this guy?

 

[Big Barn]

Maybe ask this guy?

View attachment 462919

I would, but he looks a little busy....

Holy crap!

Terry

 

[Mysfyt]

Like Ed said, the one I had you would mount a metal template above and a magnetized rotor would follow it. There were one or two threaded rods that would require a hole in the template. What kind of pantograph do you have? Picture would help.

 

[sweettractors]

The 3M contact glue, hot glue gun and automotive grade double sided tape work pretty good. I tried velcro with little success. Have been busy in the business lately, however, I will get a pic of the project posted shortly.. Ken Sweet