Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Vacuum Chucks
Doug Reynolds
I am just about to enter the world of vacuum chucking and see that there are two major brands of vacuum chucks; the Oneway Vacuum Cylinders and the Hold Fast Vacuum Chuck Head by TMI.
Not interested in making my own.
Primary use is twice turned bowls and, removing the spigot or tenon.
If cost is not a concern is one better than the other?
I plan to use a GAST vacuum pump.
Thanks for you advice as I embark on this new way to hold my turnings.
Re: Vacuum Chucks
Alan Czyzewski
Take a look at https://www.frugalvacuumchuck.com/
Re: Vacuum Chucks
Bill Blasic
If cost is not a factor Oneway is the way to go.
Re: Vacuum Chucks
George Balock
I agree with Bill. If cost is not an object, go with Oneway. Years ago when I started vacuum chucking, I was going to make my own chucks, but time and energy dwindled, and I bought the 3 1/2” and 6” Oneway chucks. I’m so glad I did. They have been work horses in my shop. I replaced the neoprene rings with Foamies after the neoprene wore out. Whatever you decide to do, you wil love vacuum chucking. I consider it the second best addition to my shop, with the first being the Oneway 2436.
Handy even without the vacuum
How does the Oneway connect to the lathe?
John K Jordan
I'm not familiar with the Oneway vacuum chucks and can't tell from the Oneway site - are their chucks threaded for the Oneway lathes or do they use some kind of adapter to fit different lathes?
Also, what is the purpose of the Former that Oneway says comes with some of the chucks, calling it a "lid"?
JKJ
Re: How does the Oneway connect to the lathe?
George Balock
John, the Oneway vacuum chucks use the same adapters as their four jaw chucks. I can’t remember whether it’s the Talon or Stronghod adapters. The fit in a taper, so you get a fit with no leaks, or at least a leak the Gast pump can keep up with easily.
The lid has the same radius as the chuck, so when you put on a new gasket (I use Foamies) you can apply vacuum with the lid and it gives the gasket a good push onto the chuck.
Re: How does the Oneway connect to the lathe?
Tom Gall
I use the "former" all the time because I store my chucks upright when not in use. Keeps the foam seal clean(er) and lends some weight to keep the seal from de-laminating from the chuck. Also works great for new seals as George B. stated. If used on the chuck under vacuum it also works as a great test for leaks in the system.