Thread: Vacuum Chucks

Originally Posted by greyhound

Yes agree this is the way i am going after checking out all the previous information .
one question what is the difference between a single stage pump and a dual stage ??

Seems to be a commonly asked question. I just did a quick Google. https://www.google.com.au/search?hl=...11.tv1FnuwP3BQ

This result seems to cover it pretty well: http://www.hyvac.com/tech_support/2or1Stage%20Pumps.htm

Basically, it seems that a two-stage can achieve a higher vacuum pressure - not important in our case since too much vacuum can kill thin-walled bowls. They can also achieve the desired vacuum more quickly - not sure if this is a consideration here. Perhaps someone who uses one can tell us how long it takes for a single-stage to pull the required vacuum?

By the way, I got a reply on my Vac-U-Gun query - $152 + GST for just a gun without other accessories like bags, hose etc. Still waaay too dear.

Currently I am whoop whoop in the bush with poor internet, I'll chech out those links when I get home.
You don't need a stack of vacuum, you just need a pump that can run for a fair while without overheating.

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

Currently I am whoop whoop in the bush with poor internet, I'll chech out those links when I get home.
You don't need a stack of vacuum, you just need a pump that can run for a fair while without overheating.

Sounds good to me. For mine, I'll try to afford one of the ones I linked to this Tuesday, (payday), after the power bill is paid.
Meantime, earlier I ordered a couple of double-sealed bearings for a spindle adaptor.
Still gotta find pipe, fittings, some sort of bleed valve and a gauge, but I'll get there. Got an engineer mate in Sydney who can make bits and pieces as necessary.
Than the rest is only turning a handwheel attachment for the bearing and a couple of various sized vacuum chucks.

Edit: I just noticed that the number of watchers, (9 total), had jumped by two in the last 24 hours since I found it, so I just bit the bullet and bought one. All other similar pumps are more expensive.
Ha, there goes the budget, and so much for replacing my seized router table motor this week.

Greyhound, if you plan to buy one, it's probably worth getting in quick. Only 3 left and a number of people (guests) watching this thread.

Hi guys,
Sorry i didn, t get back sooner, it seems you
may have made your mind up now but it all
seems a lot of messing around to me, If you
have a compressor and i assume you do, this
set up easy to use and ready in a few minutes
anyhow i said i would post a few piccy, s........
hope these help someone
Cheers smiife

What is that thing worth smiife and where do I get one from


Dave the turning cowboy

turning wood into art

Originally Posted by smiife

Hi guys,
Sorry i didn, t get back sooner, it seems you
may have made your mind up now but it all
seems a lot of messing around to me, If you
have a compressor and i assume you do, this
set up easy to use and ready in a few minutes
anyhow i said i would post a few piccy, s........
hope these help someone
Cheers smiife

G'day Michael. Thank you for posting the pics. I seriously considered a vacuum generator. That could be the best way for Greyhound to go, I reckon, but I decided to go with a vacuum pump for a few reasons: -

First, my little old compressor is pushing to even reach 60psi - I usually only use it for pumping up my pushbike tyres and blowing dust off my turnings. It has no filter, either, and the tank is full of water, dust and God only knows what else that might clag up the vacuum generator.

Secondly, I can put the vacuum pump system together for far less $ - my engineer mate in Sydney is sending me down some suitable stainless steel sheathed flexible vacuum hose, a gauge, a needle-type (bleeder) valve and is turning the fitting for the hose to attach through the bearing. He also has vacuum-seal bearings and has offered me a couple. (He worked for CIG for 30 years, and is a wealth of knowledge on the subject.)
I can turn the other bits on the lathe - a handwheel fitting and some vacuum cups/chucks. So all in all my whole system will only cost me the pump - $100, plus some scrap timber.

Finally, I can also use the vacuum pump for a small vacuum clamp table.

Can't wait to have a go at some natural-edge bowls.

For taps, filters and fittings, try Supercheap Auto.
They have a compressed air range that works fine for vacuum.
They also have cheap inline fuel filters.

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

For taps, filters and fittings, try Supercheap Auto.
They have a compressed air range that works fine for vacuum.
They also have cheap inline fuel filters.

Are inline fuel filters really good enough for this purpose? I've seen references to them being used, but I thought that due to the low surface area of the filter element they'd clog a bit too quickly. I was thinking of looking for something a little bigger.
I also saw one reference to using a container inline with the filter, to drop out the larger particles first, cyclone-style, like in some dust extractors.

Edit: That reference was in dai sensei's thread, here: https://www.woodworkforums.com/showth...91#post1472391 .

Also, in the same thread, TTIT shows a good-looking inline 40 micron air filter that can be pulled apart and cleaned when necessary, here: https://www.woodworkforums.com/showth...77#post1460877
Looks like one of them might be the go, or a combination of the two.

I have enjoyed the back and forth about the vacuum chucks and their different systems, but can anyone convince me I need all that, as I have been happy with my Cole Jaws or Jam(b) Chucks for years now. Vacuum chucking seems a lot of muckin' about, but maybe I have missed something along the way?????

Originally Posted by dougturner

I have enjoyed the back and forth about the vacuum chucks and their different systems, but can anyone convince me I need all that, as I have been happy with my Cole Jaws or Jam(b) Chucks for years now. Vacuum chucking seems a lot of muckin' about, but maybe I have missed something along the way?????

Natural-edge bowls?

In my case, I can't get Cole jaws to go on my little 50mm generic scroll chuck, either. I'm planning on buying a Longworth chuck when I can, but a vacuum chuck covers both bases.
Eventually, I'll buy a bigger better scroll chuck that will take Cole jaws, but not just yet. $ are pretty tight right now.

Edit: On the subject of air filtration, I just bought one the same as TTIT's on eBay - $11.51 delivered.
The link: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Auto-...#ht_1671wt_926

Originally Posted by DaveTTC

What is that thing worth smiife and where do I get one from


Dave the turning cowboy

turning wood into art

Hi dave,
Yeah the web address Is....www.woodturnerscatalog.com
It Is from craft supplies usa.
the price on the web site is US $288
It, s called a holdfast vacuum system
and works a treat, I have never had any problems
with the system and never lost a bowl...........yet
(Fingers crossed)
Hope this helps you and others
Cheers smiife

smiife, that's a great link, thanks. This is the direct link: http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/...m-Chuck-System

I'm wondering, as I'm thick, does anyone have a video of this beastie in operation?

Bummer its only 1 and 1 1/4" x 8 TPI though...

My friend, Mr Google, found this for me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPfv2frGpvU

There are a few more useful vids on vacuum chucking in general here: https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...y=vacuum+chuck