Author Topic: Vacuum jig (Read 10579 times)

jjweb · « **on:** September 13, 2005, 06:20:03 AM »

Are there any advantages to using a vacuum jig system versus other type jig systems?

clintdaley · « **Reply #1 on:** September 13, 2005, 02:25:14 PM »

The Vacuum jig lets you drill a ball without the ball being clamped down. it is very easy to move the ball and get everything lined up. I have alwasy and always will drill on a Vacu Jig from AMF/Century....very good piece and is worth every penny.

One caution, the Vacu Jig I have is VERY hefty...like 750 pounds for just the press itself...you will need a few good men to move this puppy.

Clint
--------------------
Clint Daley-Owner
Lets Go Bowling Daley
Inside Hunt Club Lanes
Salem, Ohio 44460
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jjweb · « **Reply #2 on:** September 13, 2005, 02:39:42 PM »

I know most mill/drill's weigh close to 650lb-700lbs. I've heard of balls being flung out of the jig, so I've always been a little worried about that.

I plan on getting something very soon. In fact, I'm already ordering most of the tools today or tomorrow.

I'm just stuck between whether or not I want a mill or a drill press with a standard jig.

Any help and advice is greatly appreicated.

clintdaley · « **Reply #3 on:** September 13, 2005, 02:45:20 PM »

As for the balls being flung out of the jig, it is true for one of a few reasons: 1. You are drilling a ball with less than 10 pounds of pressure 2. You are cutting down a slug or plug with less than 10 pounds of pressure. If you can't get a good seal, they do provide you with a plate to put on the ball. It can happen when you are drilling and a label hits the cup the ball sits in. Once you put the plate on and use some common sense, you are fine. I used one at the old shop I worked at for 3 years and just bought one for my shop and I have NEVER had a ball come out (knock on wood)

Clint
--------------------
Clint Daley-Owner
Lets Go Bowling Daley
Inside Hunt Club Lanes
Salem, Ohio 44460
TRACK ADVISORY PRO SHOP STAFF

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jjweb · « **Reply #4 on:** September 13, 2005, 02:52:53 PM »

Is the plate some sort of metal ball ring that goes over the top? You could use it normally (I'm talking about the plate) for added safety, right? I have been looking at the Innovative Vacu-Jig, so I don't know if they have a clamp thing or not.

clintdaley · « **Reply #5 on:** September 13, 2005, 02:56:11 PM »

I do not know much about the Innovative machine, but the Vacu Jig's plate goes over top of the ball. You can even use it when the Vacuum is on if you so please ( I do not).

Clint
--------------------
Clint Daley-Owner
Lets Go Bowling Daley
Inside Hunt Club Lanes
Salem, Ohio 44460
TRACK ADVISORY PRO SHOP STAFF

http://www.trackbowling.com/

http://www.startabowlingrevolution.com/

jjweb · « **Reply #6 on:** September 13, 2005, 03:48:40 PM »

Where did you order your mill from?

wasted talent · « **Reply #7 on:** September 13, 2005, 11:08:46 PM »

I personally bought an Innovative Mill Drill a few years back and have both loved it and hated it at times. I've owned mine for over six years and have had a couple balls fly off when cutting down plug or slugs. This was mainly due to the rubber rings wearing down over time. I replaced them a while ago and haven't experienced anything like that again. The on/off switch has gone out once which should be expected with as many balls as we drill a year. They wouldn't replace it for free so I had to buy a new one which cost around $40 I believe. The vacuum switch went out a couple of times from all of the use. They happily sent me a couple of new switches just in case if it happened again. One of the digital readouts went out and they gave me the number to the manufacturer and the gentlemen there sent me a new one without any questions. The motor on the vaccuum went out just after a year and they said they would happily sell me a new one since it wasn't under warranty. I'll stick with my vac. from Home Depot because I can get a couple years out of theirs. Most the the problems I've had with the press are things that I would expect with normal wear and tear. The price of the Innovative press is probably the best on the market. The Mill Drill package with the vacu jig is around $6000 dollars and that includes digital readouts which is a must and a complete bit set with holder. The shipping is rather expensive. I believe it was around $500 when I purchased mine. Another shop that I own has the same press in it without the vacu jig. It is just as easy to use. If I was to purchase a new one I would go with the Mill press without the vacu jig. I believe this one is around $4000 from Innovative and comes with every else except the vacu system.
Ebonite sells the press without the vacu system and it is around $7000 and doesn't come with bits which are over $1000 by themselves.

Sorry so long just trying to help save you time and future headaches. Message me if you have any questions.

Mike Austin · « **Reply #8 on:** September 13, 2005, 11:33:57 PM »

I originally bought a stripped down AMF/Century Vacu Jig Mill/Drill. We later added on the Innovative Vacu Jig set up. As much volume as we do, the Vacu Jig system is very good, very fast on and off the press. There are times that I miss the safety plate that comes on the AMF version. We have thrown balls off the press, usually only when cutting down plug or slugs with the plug cutter.

In 7+ years only one ball could I not get a seal on. We put masking or duct tape over labels and serial numbers. If that is not strong enough, then we use a ring of modeling clay around the rim of the jig where the ball meets it. This is usually enough. Most of the time that we threw balls off the press, we had plenty of pressure, but just didn't take enough time.

Have replaced a couple of switches to turn the motor off/on and that is about it. Vacuum motor has never failed, we average around 25lbs of pressure/suction/vaccuum. We don't have digital readouts, never have, don't really know how to use them. Always said I was going to add that on, but never have.

Ebonite is a little pricey. I think AMF is too, but not sure. Check out Innovative in California and Jayhawk in Kansas. Have dealt with both of these companies before, have always got the job done, good people.

--------------------
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jjweb · « **Reply #9 on:** September 14, 2005, 12:49:53 AM »

I like the idea of the Vacu jig, not so hot on the thought of being hit by a ball. It does give some extra workspace, right? I mean, you could keep the ball in the jig while laying it out?

I forgot that Innovative had another mill with three clamps. I haven't seen either of them used, only the Tri-oval (I've drilled on) and the AMF Vacu jig.

The Innovative clamp mill also has the Digital Readouts?

mrh57 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 14, 2005, 01:53:12 PM »

Have you looked at precision's oval-matic systems?

jjweb · « **Reply #11 on:** September 14, 2005, 06:10:07 PM »

I have looked at the Ovalmatic, but I can't afford the $7000-$8000 price tag. It does look like the most accurate way though...

Author Topic: Vacuum jig (Read 10579 times)

jjweb

Vacuum jig

clintdaley

Re: Vacuum jig

jjweb

Re: Vacuum jig

clintdaley

Re: Vacuum jig

jjweb

Re: Vacuum jig

clintdaley

Re: Vacuum jig

jjweb

Re: Vacuum jig

wasted talent

Re: Vacuum jig

Mike Austin

Re: Vacuum jig

jjweb

Re: Vacuum jig

mrh57

Re: Vacuum jig

jjweb

Re: Vacuum jig