Need to know a good brand of pump to use with a vacuum chuck. I don’t have the chuck yet so suggestions on the chuck/pump combo are appreciated. In addition, don’t like buying junk and thought I ask first and buy a good one instead of buying two.
Gerald, thanks, I’ll go check it out.I have been happy with the system I bought from Frugal Vacuum Chucks ... four years and counting without a single problem or issue.
Thank you Mark.I will echo the Frugal Vacuum Pump recomendation. You can buy a complete kit with pump and chuck included. I use mine all the time.
This has been discussed quite a few times on this site. Do a search in the above box for "vacuum" and you will be reading for awhile. I don't recommend any system where a tube or lamp rod goes through the spindle - use the spindle itself as the tube (most lathes). I would source the pump, rotary union (adapter), and chucks separately. Other than the pump you can make all the parts yourself - or - purchase them. A good source for the rotary union that is reasonable and is well made is Craft Supplies USA .... if your lathe is one of the options.Need to know a good brand of pump to use with a vacuum chuck. I don’t have the chuck yet so suggestions on the chuck/pump combo are appreciated. In addition, don’t like buying junk and thought I ask first and buy a good one instead of buying two.
A good source for the rotary union that is reasonable and is well made is Craft Supplies USA .... if your lathe is one of the options.”
https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/102/6659/precision-machine-Rotary-Vacuum-Chuck-Adapter?term=vacuum+chucking&term=vacuum chucking
Great ideaOne guy in our club lived next to a guy who discarded dehumidifiers and refrigerators. He got a bunch of these vacuum pumps for nothing. I made more than a few systems from these for club members. I have been using one for 10 years now and it still pulls 26 or 27. The club paid for the parts so the folks gave $30 back to the club. They are also very quiet.
John, .... beside the fact that a compressor is noisy it is also an energy hog with its 2 - 5 - 7hp (or more?) motor. My Gast pump is only 1/4hp and is rated for continuous duty....and much more quiet! Back when I used to do production stuff, sometimes I would use the vac pump for 3-4 hours continuously without shutting it off.I use the vacuum generator sold by hold fast chucks. It uses my compressor and I didn't like all that noise, so I put some isolating feet on the compressor and now it's pretty quiet. It is a very simple device and doesn't take much room. Looks like this...
Thanks for the photoI use the vacuum generator sold by hold fast chucks. It uses my compressor and I didn't like all that noise, so I put some isolating feet on the compressor and now it's pretty quiet. It is a very simple device and doesn't take much room. Looks like this...
Thank you JohnThanks for the photo
The second valve or dump valve as its sometimes referred to is good for any system especially to reduce vacuum on thin turnings so you dont crush them. Also a common practice to open the dump valve prior to shut down to unload the pump to reduce the chance of kickback on the vanes or piston. While most pumps are robust enough to not be bothered by this it can help extend the life of the pump a bit if you hear a loud rattle right after shutting it off.I bought the new dry carbon vane pump that frugal vacuum chucks sells and it is working great so far. It pulls so much vacuum i had to install a second valve to break the vacuum to release the turning.