Thread: My new Vacuum Chucks

Originally Posted by GPW

Hey Neil

You may need to be careful with the extra load placed on your bearings.

What extra load on the bearings? The vacuum pulls the piece onto the chuck, so same load as any other chuck isn't it?

Originally Posted by Interwood

Would you please post details of the Vacuum Pump please. (ie Capacity, Power, Pressure etc.)

The electric one is a 4.2 cfm one and pulls almost full vacuum (I am sea level +50m max), great for stabilizing, but I will need to be careful on dainty stuff. I have a valve on the line to reduce vacuum if needed. It plugs straight into a std powerpoint.

The air one pulls slightly less vacuum, not much, but also takes 2mins to get there at its working pressure of 80psi air pressure.

Originally Posted by turnerted

Neil
A good post
I have been using a vacuum chuck with a vacuum cleaner for some time now but having read this I may have to look into using a vacuum pump . My current setup definitly will not work when there is only a small contact area Also the howl of the vacuum cleaner is a bit trying.
One area I have found where caution is necessary is when using it to hold a natural edge burl bowl . These bowls can still be quite a bit out of balance when finished and I have had one launch itself off the vacuum chuck . Maybe the increased vacuum of a vacuum pump would solve this.

Ted

Yes, a vacuum cleaner does work, but not for a 50mm head. This is what I need for the trinket boxes and the natural edge form I am making. Sticks well with the electric vacuum, but I still need to be very careful, still not much force holding it there. I will still use the tailstock as long as possible. Balance was not a problem, but bigger ones might pose a problem of out of balance.


Thanks for the comments

Neil
Are you using any type of filter in the vacuum line to prevent dust contamination of the oil in your pump ?One reference I found suggests this is an issue.
Also what type of shop sells all those brass(?) fittings you used to connect everything together?
Thanks
Ted

Hmm, hadn't thought of the dust, but shouldn't be much as I will be gripping only finished pieces to remove tennon etc.

I get the fittings from a hydraulic hose and fittings supplier, like Enzed, check your yellow pages should be one near you.

Cheers

Thanks Neil
Ted

You might get some dust sucked in through the bleeder valve if you use the vacuum chuck while sanding.

Bleeder valve will be shut though whilst gripping the piece, but yes I will need to ensure no dust around as I release it.

nice a new project when i get time!!!

Neil
I have noticed that after sanding the foot of burl bowls in particular, using my vacuum cleaner system,that I often have dust on the inside of the bowl at the finish . It is obviously getting through the fine cracks . I have seen a reference to making a filter to protect the pump from a length of PVC pipe with endcaps fitted and filled with aquarium filter material . Connectors are tapped into either end.
Ted

I guess I can set up some aircon filter stuff I have in the line easy enough.

Originally Posted by dai sensei

I guess I can set up some aircon filter stuff I have in the line easy enough.

Maybe a inline air filter like I've used?!?!? Got it off eBay for bugger all. Only had to glue the tyre-valve into an open position to get it working - can't actually see the dust build up the way I've installed it but it's nice to know the pump is protected . . . and I will take it off and clean it out . . . one day . . . . or maybe just turn it around

The little air filter like TTIT has looks like the go . I thought about this but wondered if it would collapse under vavuum. Obviously not. E-bay has them for less than $13.
Ted

Keen to get a vacuum pump. Checked out eBay but over $300. Can anyone recommend alternatives. Is there one for sale anywhere.

keltrader - Just had a look on ebay, seems to be lot's from $100 up. Take a look at this link.
refrigeration vacuum pump | eBay

Fredo

Thanks Fredo. Could be the go.