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Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998

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Needing Vacuum Chuck Help

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Needing Vacuum Chuck Help

#1

Needing Vacuum Chuck Help

Thomas Skaggs, Foothills of Mount Level

It's been a long time since I have visited the turning side! I'm still turning, but mostly parts for furnishings, lighting etc. Anyway, I have decided using a vacuum chuck would really help me grab things that are otherwise hard to grab.

I cruised the web a little and I have seen different makes. I'm sure I will need different bell sizes for different size work. I already have a vacuum pump that I use for my vacuum press. So what I need is the setup for my lathe (Delta 1642 steel bed).

Yes, I know I can make my own. But frankly I'd just as soon purchase a setup that is tried and true. I'd appreciate any recommendations please.

Thank you,

Tom

Re: Needing Vacuum Chuck Help

#2

Re: Needing Vacuum Chuck Help

George

Tom,

I can't help you with the pre made since I made my own. My first setup on my Nova used the Universal Vaccum adapter from Craft Supplies. It worked well but when I got my Oneway, I upgraded to their Vaccum adapter which threads onto the out feed side of the spindle. This works really well. The adapter uses the same adapters as their talon chucks, which makes it really convenient if you change lathes. I also use the Oneway bells. They are great too. Good luck, it's a great way to hold thins.

George.

Re: Needing Vacuum Chuck Help

#3

Re: Needing Vacuum Chuck Help

Dave Paine

Are you looking for the adapter for the handwheel end of the headstock, or the vacuum chucks to mount on the spindle thread, or both?

Re: Needing Vacuum Chuck Help

#4

Try jtturningtools.com

Rich Pearson in Mill Creek, WA

I have a JTTurningtools vacuum system. My hand wheel turned out to be a custom threading job, done very reasonably and with top quality machining.

Very good guys to work with and they produce quality components. Very accessible on the phone and ready to solve your problem. In fact, they probably have everything you need ready to go!

Re: Needing Vacuum Chuck Help

#5

Through the headstock

Thomas Skaggs, Foothills of Mount Level

My need for a setup would be for mounting through the headstock spindle. I believe it is a 3/8" channel. Thanks

T.

Re: Needing Vacuum Chuck Help

#6

Re: Through the headstock *LINK*

Dave Paine

You need a vacuum chuck which mounts on the spindle thread. Can be purchased or home made from plumbing fixture and gasket material.

I have a HoldFast 6in chuck which I like. I also have some home made ones.

You also need a vacuum adapter. This includes bearings so the spindle can turn while the tube to the vacuum pump does not turn.

www.JTTurningTools.com makes excellant adapters. I purchased a handwheel and adapter from them for my NOVA DVR XP. This was before I purchased a metal lathe.

I made an adapter for a friend for his DVR XP to replace his HoldFast adapter which is cheap and mounts in the spindle hole, but a pain to remove when you need to mount something in the MT of the spindle. Also not a very robust design. Single small bearing.

This picture shows the components to give you can idea.




http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=packard&Category_Code=lathes-acc-vc-holdfast

Re: Needing Vacuum Chuck Help

#7

Re: Needing Vacuum Chuck Help

john lucas

Send me your e-mail and I'll send you a copy of my handout for building my version of the E-Z vacuum adaptor. It's very quick and easy to build and conducts the vacuum through the lathe spindle.