New Vacuum Chucking System Positioning

[Vince Welch]

Hey gang,
After contemplating for a long time whether a vacuum chucking system was right for me I took the plunge and made the purchase. WOW! Does this make life simpler! I remember posting a thread, some time back, and reading everyone's positive response. Some said they did not know how they got along without a vacuum chucking system. I am going slowly with using the system because this is still trial and error time for me. Safety never takes a day off. For the longevity of the pump I am interested to know where some of you are positioning your pumps. The pump seems to need to be near the lathe but I do not want dust and shavings getting into the pump. Thoughts???? VWNW

 

[TurnedAround]

Post a picture. I want to see the setup. Also, what type of pump and how much did it cost for just the pump, and for the pump plus amenities.

Thanks, Larry

 

[Mark Mandell]

Dust

Vince,

Your concern is well placed. If you do not have a proper filter in line between the pump and the lathe, STOP, GO NO FURTHER untill you get one installed.

Here's a suggestion for about $13,

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2005071013245928&item=4-1672&catname=air

although a sintered bronze element will be more durable.

Note too, that a filter on the outflow side works as a noise muffler in addition to trapping any stray particulates.

Mark

 

[bowlman]

vacuum pump filter

Mark,
Is the filter you recommend a dust filter or what purpose does it serve? Just curious since I have used a Gast pump for quite awhile now with no inline filters. And I really don't want to be guilty of neglecting something that might cost big $$$ later on.

 

[Mark Mandell]

Mark,
Is the filter you recommend a dust filter or what purpose does it serve? Just curious since I have used a Gast pump for quite awhile now with no inline filters. And I really don't want to be guilty of neglecting something that might cost big $$$ later on.

Dick,

The vanes in your Gast are carbon and will be abraded by dust or broken by stuff moving through the system. Gast actually states that their pumps should not be run without intake and exhaust filters (exhust to muffle plus catch carbon particulates). The filters extend the life of the vanes (fan) substantially. They do sell a rebuild kit, but since I don't use a Gast, I can't tell you the costs.

Yeah, by all means put a filter in the line.

Mark

PS Dick & Vince, Look in the Tips for the very good recap of issues on Vacuum set ups.

 

[Vince Welch]

Pics of Vacuum set up.

Gang,
Here are some PICS of my set up. I will get a inline filter ASAP. Today I used some Danish oil finish on the inside of my bowl and used the vacuum chuck and seen where the finish came through the bottom. Ahh! I was pulling 18hg of mercury holding the bowl. I do not think I need to do that until I get an inline filter.

 

[Vince Welch]

Tips???

Mark, Where is the tips section???

 

[Mark Mandell]

Mark, Where is the tips section???

Go to the Forum Jump box at the bottom of the screen, hit the drop-down menue and select "How to, Tips etc."

:cool2:

M

 

[Jim Ketron]

Here is mine

 

[Wilford Bickel]

I don't have a picture available but I mounted mine on a high shelf above and to the left of my headstock. If I need to work on the pump I use a step ladder and if it is a full rebuild of the vanes then I will unbolt it and bring it down. I then put all of the controls, electrical switch, bleeder valve, gauge on the wall under the shelf but close enough I can reach them without leaving my normal bowl turning position at the lathe.

I purchased a rebuild kit for my gast rotary vane and it was $47 with shipping about a year ago.

Wilford