Serious Work Holding Question!

[pitywhisper]

Hi, totally new to CNC routing. My business partner and I recently ordered a Millright CNC M3 Router for accurately cutting inner and outer blanks for rings, to be glued together after milling. We used to cut these blanks on a drill press and machine them to dimension on a machine lathe, hoping to replace both steps with this Router.

We will be cutting two stock sizes from two materials: wood and carbon fiber. Each are 1.5" across, but the wood is square, and the carbon fiber is circular. We plan to arrange them in a checkerboard pattern, possibly 5x5. 

What do you recommend for work holding? Looking for a sturdy/effective solution that doesn't cost more than the price of the machine, haha. Really need some help! Again, completely new to this and could use any pointers. Thanks in advance!

[linkreincarnate]

attach a spoilboard to the router,
face the spoilboard,
put blue painters tape on the surface of the spoilboard and the bottom of your workpiece.
Apply superglue between the taped surfaces and put pressure on it for 30 minutes or so.  (make sure to get a bit of glue coverage on each finished part otherwise individual parts may detach during machining)
Machine your blanks
pry them up from the spoilboard when you are done.

If that seems like too much work maybe a vacuum clamp would be a bit faster.

[gemmi8]

I second the painters tape and super glue. Since I started doing that I haven't looked back! I have a 1/2" MDF spoil board I surfaced and only do the tape and glue option now.

[rowiac]

If you use the super glue on one side (for example, under the part to be machined) and spray activator on the other side, the part will stick instantly and you can start machining right away.

[mike1332]

I know this is an old thread, but for someone who is new like me, this is a great method. I as well have gone with the tape and super glue method...and not looking back. Especially with the m3, clamps can get it the way of full size pieces on the bed.

[oldtech]

If you are using MDF as your spoilboard, putting a coat of enamel on it will allow the tape to stick better. A coat of enamel can also be useful if you are using a cutting oil since the enamel will protect the MDF.