While working on the lathe the other night my brother was in the garage and asked me how exactly you attach the wood to the lathe. I explained the various ways including a vacuum chuck which I don't have. That night I began contemplating vacuum chucks and how to build one. With a bit of research I decided I would start building one tomorrow. Turns out it is easier than I thought. It didn't cost me a dime because I already had everything I needed.
1. First I got a hold of a wet/dry vac which luckily was already in my garage. It is 3 HP by the way.
2. Next I got a can that fit over my hand wheel and created a seal between the can and the headstock. The seal is basically cut up bike tire.
3. Next I cut a hole in the bottom of the can and made a seal for where the vacuum hose would go through. The seal for this is also made of tire.
4. Next I mounted an old piece of wood about 4 inches long and 3 inches wide. I hollowed it out and left it about 1/3 an inch thick. I sanded the rim a bit and then attached a seal. The seal is made of an old yoga mat. I stapled it on and cut a small hole in the middle.
5. Next turn on the vacuum, attach the can to the headstock and lastly attach the bowl to suctioned headstock.
Boom it was that easy. It took me about 2 hours total. I had to play around with a few different types of seals to find the best kind. I might change the seals later.
I tested a few different bowls I had. The bowl in this picture is about 9 inches wide and I took it up to 1000 rpm and it seemed alright. I put a smaller one on there, that was about 6 inches wide and I took it up to 1600 rpm no problem.
If anyone knows of anything I did wrong or can improve please tell me.
Alex
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