Making a laser vacuum bed

A vacuum bed is a useful feature of any laser cutter for three reasons: It is a better way to remove the hazardous fumes from the cutting than an overhead exhaust; it holds down the veneer firmly when cutting, without the need for tape or magnets; and finally, it can reduce edge charring. 

A vacuum bed is a useful feature of any laser cutter for three reasons: It is a better way to remove the hazardous fumes from the cutting than an overhead exhaust; it holds down the veneer firmly when cutting, without the need for tape or magnets; and finally, it can reduce edge charring.

You can easily turn a standard honeycomb frame into an effective vacuum bed from a piece of  34”  MDF panel.. I designed it for a 300 x 200mm honeycomb bed, but you can modify the dimensions to fit any size bed. Keep in mind that it’s easier to pull a vacuum on a smaller bed. I use a home vacuum cleaner as a vacuum source. ShopVacs will pull more air, but are significantly louder. 

Attach two air ⅜” hose fittings with into the side of the honeycomb bed, and use tubing to connect those to a 3D printed cup that connects to the vacuum cleaner’s hose. If you don’t have a 3D printer, you can fashion a coupling out of wood, or even just use duct tape!

Enclose the bottom of the honeycomb bed by routing a ⅜” pocket that just fits the bed, forming a nice rim to lock-in the air. Place the bed’s aluminum place at the base, then add the honeycomb bed and seal it up with silicone caulk.