Vacuum Table Build Guide
(Designed for 24" x 20” Screens)
Materials & Estimated Cost
Lumber & Surface
(2) 8 ft. 1" x 2" boards – $4.25 each
(2) 24" x 47" Melamine boards – $23.00 each
Hardware & Tools
2.5-gallon Craftsman shop vacuum – $40.00
Speedball Deluxe Hinge Clamps (Set of 2) – $29.00
Box of 1.5" Trim Screws – $10.00
Wood Glue – $5.00
1.25" Hole Saw – $10.00
4-Pack Wood Clamps – $40.00
(2) 7-pack of 1/16" Drill Bits – $2.00 each
Estimated Total: $190–$200
Cut List
Melamine Boards
Cut both boards to 24" x 30"
Note: Melamine is prone to chipping. Use a sharp blade and cut slowly.
1" x 2" Frame Pieces
(2) pieces at 30"
(2) pieces at 22.5"
Assembly Steps
1. Build the Frame
Arrange the 1" x 2" boards into a rectangle with the 30” pieces on the outside.
Screw together at the four corners using 1.5" trim screws.
Note: Position the 1" x 2" boards vertically (on edge) to make the frame taller rather than wider.
2. Attach Bottom Panel
Apply wood glue to one face of the frame.
Clamp the frame to one melamine panel (this becomes the bottom).
Allow glue to dry fully before moving on.
3. Attach Top Panel
Apply wood glue to the exposed face of the frame.
Clamp and secure the second melamine panel to the top.
Let dry completely.
You should now have a sealed box structure.
4. Cut the Vacuum Port
Using a 1.25" hole saw, drill a hole into the side of the 1" x 2" frame.
Recommended placement: 5" from the bottom of the table.
This prevents the vacuum hose from bending sharply. Adjust if needed for your setup.
5. Drill the Grid
Draw a 1" x 1" grid across the entire top surface.
Drill a 1/16" hole at every intersection point.
Important:
This step is time-consuming — work carefully.
Drill bits will snap if not drilled straight. Having extras is essential.
Do not increase hole size — larger holes may show in prints.
6. Install Hinge Clamps
Attach the Speedball hinge clamps to the top board.
Recommended spacing: 5.5" in from each side edge.
Adjust spacing based on the screens you plan to use.
