Homemade Vacuum Chuck

[Nate Davey]

I didn't realize the Holly had so much spalt until I turned it round. Fortunately, I've got a lot of it. I used the example Steve did on his for the chuck portion and a threaded lamp rod through head stock from the example on Woodturners Resource. As I've spend way too much money on turning stuff this month, I set this one up to run off my shop Vac. The plug that goes into the shop vac hose has a 1/4" bleeder hole to prevent deheading the vac. It's not pulling 25 grams of mercury, but it does a pretty good job. As money becomes available again (I don't feel so guilty spending so much), I will upgrade to a vacuum pump system.

Thanks for looking

 

[PChristy]

Cool:icon_thum That is going to be a nice looking bowl:eusa_danc

 

[Trent Mason]

Beautiful bowl. :eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap I'd be interested to know more about making your own vacuum chuck as I can't afford to buy a nice one and already own a Shop Vac. :eusa_thin

 

[Grumpybear]

I also appreciate the "bowl" but am very interested in how you made the vacuum set up. I have a Jet 1642, so, I think this would be workable for me.

 

[Nate Davey]

The "bowl" is actually part of the chuck. As far as the plans to make it, I got all my inspiration and concepts from www.woodturnersresource.com . In the Tutorials Projects and Tips section, towards the bottom is a very good write-up and in the video section in the members forum area is a great video.
http://www.woodturnersresource.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1266878113

 

[Alan in Little Washington]

Pretty neat!

I would be careful, however. While a shop vac will pull a vacuum, when you restrict it like that the motor is no getting much needed cooling air, so watch the temp and don't use it too long.

 

[Nate Davey]

Pretty neat!

I would be careful, however. While a shop vac will pull a vacuum, when you restrict it like that the motor is no getting much needed cooling air, so watch the temp and don't use it too long.

Thanks Alan, I'll keep that in mind. I did drill a 1/4" bleeder hole to help with that but will watch it.