Vacuum Chuck System – How I Built Mine

[Bob Justin]

OK, Thats it! I've put this off for about a year and a half now. You show pictures of my lathe so I had to place the order this morning with the guys at surpluscenter for the vacuum pump. Looks like I'll be busy putting this little gem together shortly.

Great how-to instructions along with clear pictures that show the details.

One note on teflon tape, keep it back off of the first thread so it can't get into the air path after assembly.

[Ben Gastfriend]

Wow! Yet another tutorial! Really nice description. I'll repeat what I said in the thread about HFs.... I'll store this for future use!

[Bernie Weishapl]

Thanks Steve for the information.

[Tom Hamilton]

Thanks, Steve, another turning mystery unraveled. Thanks for the detailed explaination.

Now, have you worked out the details of supplying these to the Creeker's who prefer to have an original made by the inventor? I'll take unit number # 2, as you obviously have claimed unit # 1.

Paypal or Credit Card?

Congrats on a great tutorial, Thanks, Tom

[Hilel Salomon]

Steve you are a wonder!!! Not only is the ARTWORK you create fantastic, but your generosity with your time is truly great. I really appreciate this tutorial.
Thanks Again, Hilel.

[mike johnston]

Toms adapter is a great idea, Just remember if you have a power matic lath there can be some variation in the ID bore in the spindle. so measure carefully. Tom takes great steps to insure a propper fit.

Mike

[robert hainstock]

Your usual very thourough job. Thanks for al you give to the Creek and others, and thanks for a;; you do for me.
Bob

[Bob Justin]

Just too outstanding of a project illustration not to copy.
A few questions . . .
Any thoughts to adding a small expansion tank and vacuum switch so the pump can cycle off and not run at 100% of use time?
A common manifold to supply to a laminating bag or maybe making a set up for stabilized wood processing?
Possibally one of the acrylic flowmeters with a brass control valve for fine control of air flow?

A very nice clean design from the original to the recent revision with so many possiblities beyond just the vacuum chuck.

[Dennis Peacock]

Most excellent writeup Steve!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You did GOOD my friend.

Bob,

I've talked with a couple of folks in the vacuum industry. They state that it's best for a lathe vacuum chuck setup to be a "full time run" type setup. This is primarily due to the woodgrain allowing air through and into the vacuum setup. I'm not saying it can't be done, but you will run into times where, no matter what, you'll be running the vacuum pump full time to keep the bowl or platter "stuck" to the lathe chuck. DAMHIKT!!!!

[Jon Lanier]

Steve that looks great. Only problem is... that was way over my head. I'm way to dyslexic to follow... I need to see it being done. Want to come down to Ohio and show me how to do it?

[Jeff Cremers]

very nice job

[Larry Rupert]

Really nice job, start to finish. I saved it as a .pdf for my future reference as well. Thanks for posting it. Larry