Thanks everyone for sharing!
Here's what I came up with for my first attempt, based on something I saw searching another forum (SMC) -- the control manifold is attached directly to the rotary coupler with a quick connect fitting hanging off the end of the headstock. There is another quick-connect fitting between the manifold and the hose to the vacuum pump (which for now is still just on the floor by the headstock end).
View attachment 35054
But I don't really like it, as it
bounces around a lot when the lathe is running. (I could replace the quick connect between the manifold and rotary coupler with a nipple, but that might make it worse!) So I will probably re-configure things to be something more like Jeff Smith's arrangement, and other examples I've come across, with a more solid mount up and behind the headstock (probably utilizing the light support socket on the back of the shelf there).
I still have to find a better place for the vacuum pump, and wire some kind of
on/off power switch for it...
Keep the ideas coming -- I love seeing how others have their shops set up!
BTW, what is the purpose of plumbing
compressed air into this system? @Tom Gall,
@Dennis Weiner (or anybody else who has that too).