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vacuum gauge source?

bowlman

bowlman

Joined
Apr 27, 2004
Messages
117
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Location
Indianapolis, IN
Website
www.dickgerard.com
While I am recuperating from my prostate cancer surgery, I am planning to add a vacuum chucking system to my Delta midi lathe. ANyone know where I can get a good vacuum gauge at a not too expensive price? I like the oil filled one that came with my setup that my wife bought for me when I retired from DOD, but I am open to suggestions.

All help greatly appreciated.
 
Well, I like Grainger's because I get a discount, they have a huge selection, and they are nearby, but they aren't necessarily the cheapest. I have bought cheap gauges and they are generally cheap for a good reason. There are some really good ones for a price that isn't too much more than the cheap ones. I have also been thinking of getting a new vacuum gauge because the one that I am using has such a tiny scale for vacuum. It is an old gauge from a HVAC service technician's worn out hose and gauge set and 80% of the scale is for pressure which means that it is hard to resolve vacuum differences of anything less than 5 inches of mercury. It is also not very accurate when measuring a vacuum.
 
I have used ones available (www.wbnoble.com) but you can just go to a surplus store, a swap meet, or whatever and look around. For the purpose of watching vacuum on a wood lathe, you don't need a "good" gauge, in fact if you think about flying wood and stuff, you may want a cheap gauge instead - this is not a place where precision matters, there is a table at the start of the article on my site about vacuum chucks showing force versus diameter and vacuum - that can help show what amount of vac is sufficient, the only role for the gauge is to alert you if you are starting to lose vac for some reason -at least that's my opinion
 
Source for Vacuum Gauges

I found that a dry (not liquid filled) vacuum gauge works very well in a vacuum chucking system. I purchased my 2" dia. dry vacuum gauge from Northern Tool and Equipment several years ago and it has performed flawlessly. I just checked Northern's website and this gauge can be purchased for $8.99 plus shipping. If you live near a Northern Tool and Equipment retail store I believe you can have it shipped there for pick up and thus avoid the shipping charge. I would call your local store to confirm this. You may even get lucky and they may have one in stock.

Good luck, vacuum chucking is definitely the way to go, especially for reverse chucking of natural edge bowls for finishing off the bottoms.

Peter Toch
 
Vacuum gauges

I want to first thank all of you for your responses. As I stated in my inital post, I already have a complete set up for my General 260, circa 1985, ... and I have been a proponent of vacuum, chucking for nearly as long as Davr Lancaster. AI routinely use it for bowls, platters, plates, and lately for spheres. I know I can turn without one, but I wouldn't enjoy going back to pre-vacuum chucking days. I just needed this info so I can complete my vacuum system for my Delta midi. Got the chucks and pumps and assorted hardware, now I just need the gauge.

Again, thanks to you all!!!!!!!
 
bowlman said:
I know I can turn without one, but I wouldn't enjoy going back to pre-vacuum chucking days.
Click to expand...

Dick:

I have said this for YEARS:

"Once you go VAC, you never go back...."

I can't agree with you more - it is a wonderful addition to one's turning accessories that really makes a difference.

Rob

(BTW - I also get my vacuum gauges and other "tinkerer" miscellania from Surplus Center in Lincoln, NE - I usually place an order there about once a year...)
 
Rob Wallace said:
Dick:

I have said this for YEARS:

"Once you go VAC, you never go back...."

I can't agree with you more - it is a wonderful addition to one's turning accessories that really makes a difference.

Rob

(BTW - I also get my vacuum gauges and other "tinkerer" miscellania from Surplus Center in Lincoln, NE - I usually place an order there about once a year...)
Click to expand...

I too am a Surplus Center guy, but for one gauge plus shipping, it may not be worth it. I bought a big pump so I can do vacuum forming, vacuum chuck, stabilizing, and whatever else I want in the future. For woodturning, 2-5 CFM is great, vacuum forming, bigger is quicker with a hot mold. Price difference isn't that great.
 
Vacuum pump experience

I've been using a Hold Fast system on my small lathe for years and it works fine. But now I have a 3520B and I want a pump for its vacuum system. I've searched for learned, experienced turners' opinions on brands and sizes of pumps that they have had good luck with. If you're using a vacuum pump other than a venturi system, would you mind posting on this thread what kind of pump has worked best for you? I'd sure appreciate it and I think a lot of others might find it useful too.

Bob
 
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