MGould
Rob,
I use the Alcohol Dunking method as Dave Smith has presented with what I feel are great results.
For me it seems to work well. Also seems to reduce checking in crack prone woods like cherry and apple.

I purchase the Denatured Alcohol at Aubuchon Hardware for $35/5 gal container.

A few years back I tried to dry a few sample pieces of fresh cut sugar maple using an industrial vacuum
system.
System used a Kinney KC-15 vacuum pump in a 9" glass bell jar type chamber.
http://www.gasho.org/pdfs/Kinney%20Main%20Heading/Kinney%20Vacuum%20Pump%20Models/KC%20&%20KTC%20Two%20Stage%20Rotary%20Piston%20Pump/KC%205,%208,%20and%2015%20Two%20Stage%20Rotary%20Piston%20Pump..pdf

I was able to hold vacuum (on my gauge) at .02 Torr (mm Hg).
The system is usually used to de-gass urethanes and epoxies prior to mold pouring.

After 30 minutes of constant vacuum I measured no noticeable change in sample weights.
I used a Ohaus Scout 200gram digital scale. The scale measured to 100/ths (.01)of grams.
I measured the sample pieces before and after with no measurable weight change.

All testing was done at standard room temp (72F) with Controlled 50%RH.
Granted it was not a controlled scientific method.

Hope your findings work out better than mine.
I concluded it was not worth the hassle of bringing in rough turned blanks to work and trying to explain to the boss why the Vacuum pump was running all day :-)

---Good Luck---