Vacuum Chuck Demo

Carl Ford III provided a sound overview of vacuum chuck equipment and use on a lathe. For those who have wondered about the advantage of a vacuum chuck, Carl highlighted the total access the turner has to the bottom of the bowl, in cases where a smooth base is desired -- or where a previously finished bowl needs to be touched up or repaired.

 Carl demonstrated three applications for vacuum equipment: a) turning bowls b) spindle turning, and c) use as a stationary vise. In addition, he provided step-by-step instructions for building a vacuum chuck and related accessories for half the price of commercial packages. A 19 page primer with diagrams and bill of materials is available here.

 Carl’s tips:

1. Although One-Way suggests at least 20 lbs vacuum pressure for use in turning, Carl has found 15 lbs pressure sufficient in cases where thin wall turning is desired. Greater pressure can crack thin walled vessels.
2. People intuitively guess that a larger vacuum chuck is more efficient in all applications. While, it is true that larger chucks provide more surface area, therefore more “pull”, it also assumes a perfectly true edge on the piece being turned. Carl finds that chucks larger than the diameter of the piece under construction, will lead to ‘creep’ or movement of the piece across the surface of the chuck. Generally, Carl recommends a chuck one third the diameter of the piece.
3. One hole or crack in the turning blank can degrade the vacuum -- air may be sucked through the grain of the piece being turned. Use of painter’s tape or pallet wrap on the piece will usually solve this problem.
4. Neoprene, old mouse pads, and fun foam all work well to reduce leaks between the vacuum chuck and the piece being held.
5. Filters strategically placed on the vacuum pump will not only keep foreign matter out of the mechanism, but will also reduce noise level and may boost vacuum power.

Vacuum pump assembled by Carl in foreground - use of filters made this a very quiet machine

A scroll chuck on tail stock is used to center the bowl on a One-Way vacuum chuck.

Carl’s hand-built plywood and PVC chucks are in foreground

A vacuum pump can also be adapted as a stationary vise for carving or other applications.

Carl mounted this articulated vacuum arm in a portable hobby vise

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Last modified: 01/06/08