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Gast 0522 vacuum pump

S

softop41

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Dec 30, 2007
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Does anyone know if this pump from Surplus Center will be adequate for vacuum chucking: it is slightly smaller than the 0523 model that has been available from Surplus Cehnter for the last year or so. The 0522 pump max flow is 4.0 CFM at 0 PSI compared to the 0523 model that had 4.5 CFM at 0 PSI. I realize there are a lot of variables regarding vacuum chucking; I am interested in opinions of whether or not this one will work if a sound, leak-free system is built.

Thanks,

Jerry
 
Last edited:
softop41 said:
Does anyone know if this pump from Surplus Center will be adequate for vacuum chucking: it is slightly smaller than the 0523 model that has been available from Surplus Cehnter for the last year or so. The 0522 pump max flow is 4.0 CFM at 0 PSI compared to the 0523 model that had 4.5 CFM at 0 PSI. I realize there are a lot of variables regarding vacuum chucking; I am interested in opinions of whether or not this one will work if a sound, leak-free system is built.

Thanks,

Jerry
Click to expand...

Hi Jerry:

I suspect that if the airflow rating is truly 4.0 cfm, the 0522 might work, but I recall that the actual cfm of the 0522 is closer to 3 cfm, and may not have the capacity to pull as strong a vacuum (most are rated around 25-27 in. Hg). I have used a 0522 oil lubricated vacuum pump in my lab for many years and it seems "small' compared to the two 0523's I have in my shop that I use for vacuum chucking and vacuum clamping. I think the motor HP is also smaller on the 0522 than on the 0523.

It might be good to confirm the true vacuum and cfm ratings for the model 0522 - checking the Gast web site just now, I couldn't easily find the 0522 data for the lab-type pump I have. You may want to be sure of the ratings before purchasing.

If the venturi-based vacuum systems that are sold today for vacuum chucking are adequate to hold a turned piece to a vacuum drum, the smaller pump might work OK. I have not compared the achievable vacuum level and cfm ratings for the venturi systems, but I do know that there is no way I'd want that much noise around the lathe while I'm working. "True" vacuum pumps are the only way to go...

Good Luck!

Rob Wallace
 
Small Pump

I use small Gast vac pump rated at 1.5 CFM and it works surprisingly well. Found it at an estate sale fo $5. I can easily pull down to 21" Hg on solid wood. My system has few joints and they are very tight. I contacted Gast Tech and told them what I wanted to do and they replied it would not likely be adequate. However, I have not had a problem yet. I use home made chucks made of PVC pipe (4") and MDF coated with Poly. These are direct threaded to my spindle size and work very well. I recently held a 14" Walnut platter to finish the bottom and pulled over 20" of vacuum with this little pump. I also made my own rotary adapter for my Jet 1642 out of Corian, a sealed bearing, a 1/4" hose barb, some O-rings and RTV sealant. Works great ! I even adapted it to my Jet Mini.

My point being that a 4CFM pump should be more than adequate for finishing bowl bottoms in sound wood.
 
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