Vacuum Setup

Re: Vacuum Setup

John K Jordan

I researched this recently for my Jet 1642. For connecting the vacuum to the lathe (once you have the pump) I found several options. One is a tube that fits through the hole in the spindle. To me this seems the least desirable.

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/149362/universal-vacuum-adapter-kit.aspx

An good, easy, and expensive option may be a precision adapter made just for the 1642:

http://www.jtturningtools.com/adapters-Jet

Then there are a couple of do-it-yourself options from Joe G:

http://www.joewoodworker.com/veneering/vacuumchucking.htm

I bought all the pieces to machine my own adapter. Then I decided to get a bigger lathe and got an adapter for it instead. I still may adapt one of my 1642s later so please post how what you decide on works out.

JKJ

Re: Vacuum Setup *LINK*

Dave Paine

You should be able to use a vacuum on your Jet 1642. I have a vacuum system on my NOVA DVR XP 16in swing, 24in bed.

I started by looking at various web sites and articles, Joe Woodworker is a good place to start.

You will need a source of vacuum. Examples are vacuum pump or venturi which uses compressed air - a lot of compressed air. Vacuum pumps are more expensive than compressed air with venturi.

You will need a vacuum adapter. A method to connect the vacuum tube to the rotating lathe headstock. Essentially a bearing or two bearings and some method for sealing.

You will need a chuck or faceplate with hole in the middle and a rubber O ring type seal. Many people make their own from e.g., PVC fittings.

I recommend some size of vacuum buffer. A vessel, can be made from 4 or 6in PVC pipe with caps glued on. This provides vacuum "storage" to allow for leaks in the vacuum chuck or wood so can help to maintain a more consistent vacuum on the work.

The cost varies a great deal based on pump vs venturi, purchased or home made vacuum adapter, purchased or home made vacuum chucks.

I probably have spent $120 - $200 on my system and I was given a vacuum pump. I purchased a vacuum adapter from JT Turnings and a vacuum chuck from Hold Fast. I made some from PVC fittings which are not often used.


http://www.joewoodworker.com/veneering/welcome.htm

Re: Vacuum Setup

john Lucas

It can be done cheap, or it can be done expensive. I built my first one from an automotive compressor using plans found in American Woodturner. Built the adaptor that goes from the compressor to the spindle using lamp rod and a bearing.

Later on I found a Ghast compressor at the flea mkt for $35. it's close to the same one Oneway sells for more like $300.

I looked at venturi style vacuum systems but at the time they were air hogs and I didn't have a decent compressor. The new vacuum system sold for wood lathes uses very little air and really a decent system. I believe it's called Holdfast but I'm having a senior moment.

Re: Vacuum Setup

Alan Hollar

Packard Woodworks has the complete Holdfast venturi vacuum system, as well as the complete Oneway vacuum system based on the Gast vacuum pump. Big price difference. If you already have compressed are the current generation of venturi systems is quite attractive. You can build up a system that works as well with scavenged and homemade components if you have the time and the inclination.

Are you talking about a vacuum chuck or dust?

Re: Vacuum Setup

Bob Lalonde

Hi. I have the Jet 1642 EVS as well and just installed a vacuum system on it two weeks ago. I got my system complete and assembled from Bob Leonard at Frugal Vacuum Pumps. Here is the link.

http://www.frugalvacuumchuck.com/

It pulls 27 mm at the pump and 25 mm at the chuck. For a 5 inch chuck, that is about 150 lbs. I can't pull the bowl off the chuck with my hands using this chuck, Haven't tried the smaller ones yet.

The pump itself is reconditioned or rebuilt medical vacuum pump, depending on how much you want to spend, I got the rebuilt one plus two chucks and parts for a third for about $225.00. The pump is 100% guaranteed for one year, same as a new one.

I saw Bob at the Desert Woodturning Roundup last week and got some helpful tips.

Good luck.

Re: Vacuum Setup *LINK*

David Walser

Brian -- Take a look at Frugal Vacuum Chuck's website. They sell a turn-key system that'll have you up and running 15 minutes after opening the box. They also sell various kits that allow you to save some cash by making some of the assemblies yourself.

Their system uses a tube through the headstock. However, unlike the Holdfast system, the tube attaches to the bearing in the chuck itself. This means you would need another tube and bearing if you wanted more than one size chuck. (Those components cost $15, if bought from him, so having several sizes of chuck is not too expensive.)

I had a chance to speak with the owner at last week's Desert Woodturning Roundup. He has a relationship with a re-builder of vacuum pumps. He has access to a completely rebuilt pump that he's selling for relatively little money. It's a commercial quality pump, pulls the requisite vacuum, and is super quiet.


Frugal Vacuum Chuck

Re: Vacuum Setup

Brian B

Thank you all for the info. The frugal option looks very appealing..I will post when I decide what I'm going to do.

Re: Vacuum Setup

David Gilbert

I bought the JT Turning Tools adapter for my Jet 1642. It works fantastically! And when I bought my Powermatic 3520b it works on that too! Easily installed and removed. You won't regret getting it.

Re: Vacuum Setup

Don Orr

Hi Brian,

I have a Jet 1642 that I built a vacuum chuck system for many years ago and it work nicely-not perfect, but close. I made my rotary adapter myself using the JT Turning tools version as a model. I used glued-up Corian, 2 double SEALED bearings, 2 O-rings, a hose barb and some RTV sealant. The rotary adapter is the most important part in my opinion. The rest of the parts and pieces are readily available at hardware stores, except for the vac pump.