VacuuMaster Adapter

[olaf Vogel]

This is a bit exotic, but in my case possibly the only solution for me to use a vacuum chuck
And not cheap.

I have an old lathe, with no through hole.
Nor can I get the spindle drilled out. The thrust bearing is at the far end.

Has anyone tried this product?

http://sierramold.com/index.php/woodturning-tools/vacuumaster-vaccum-chuck-assembly/
It looks like a Oneway style chuck adapter (and they have my size!)

Thanks

 

[JeffSmith]

Olaf - there’s also a rotating union made by Vicmark that can be setup either on the spindle or held in a four-jaw chuck. Don’t know how it would compare price wise, but it does work well from what I’ve heard...look at vacuum chucks on their website.
A quick check on woodworkers emporium site - thevicmark option looks to be substantially less expensive...

 

[john lucas]

Definitely expensive from the looks of it. I have seen them work but never used one. That being said there are a million ways to turn the bottom without needing a vacuum chuck. Now granted I have a vacuum chuck and love it but after I moved I didn't have access to it for about 6 months and still turned everything I usually turn. I just used one of the other methods of holding the work. Here is a link to an article I wrote a long time ago but it's still valid.
http://nebula.wsimg.com/7bf500f3fd5...EC0DC707F1FE36FCB&disposition=0&alloworigin=1
Also there are a ton of excellent articles and links on our club website. Look them up. http://www.cumberlandwoodturners.com/tips--links-and-projects.html

 

[olaf Vogel]

http://nebula.wsimg.com/7bf500f3fd5...EC0DC707F1FE36FCB&disposition=0&alloworigin=1
Also there are a ton of excellent articles and links on our club website. Look them up. http://www.cumberlandwoodturners.com/tips--links-and-projects.html

Hi John,

Yeah its about $400 - a lot more than I'd prefer to spend.
I've tried:
- Longworth chuck. Good, but only for very light cuts. and of course it needs to be a smooth bowl
- Big Adjustable jaws - I have the Oneway version, pretty good. Its totally replaced the Longworth, but with slightly better holding power and the same restrictions.

(I do a lot of odd shaped pieces that do not have flat tops)

- Jam chuck. That's my go to. My main issue here is odd shaped & Unbalanced pieces, many are large.

But you raise a good point. Maybe just keep trying to be creative about the mounting solutions.

 

[olaf Vogel]

Olaf - there’s also a rotating union made by Vicmark

Thanks Jeff - looks to be the same idea, but from a very well known manufacturer. And a LOT less expensive.

Plus they have all the accessories and an adapter for my machine.
https://vicmarc.com/index.php?optio...mart_product_id=171&virtuemart_category_id=21

Thanks for that tip.

 

[hockenbery]

do a lot of odd shaped pieces that do not have flat tops)

A simple mod to a doughnut chuck is to add a stand-off of PVC pipe with foam.
This accommodates Natural Edge bowls nicely

I prefer to jamb chuck my bowls over a a resessed wood mounted in a chuck.
With a dense foam pad.
I have a vacuum system but for me the jamb chuck is simple quick and I don’t have risk of cracking a bowl from too much vacuum.

 

[JeffSmith]

Thanks Jeff - looks to be the same idea, but from a very well known manufacturer. And a LOT less expensive.

Plus they have all the accessories and an adapter for my machine.
https://vicmarc.com/index.php?optio...mart_product_id=171&virtuemart_category_id=21

Thanks for that tip.

Olaf - woodworker’s emporium is in Nevada - better shipping rates than directly from vicmark, and good support from what I’ve heard.

 

[olaf Vogel]

Olaf - woodworker’s emporium is in Nevada - better shipping rates than directly from vicmark, and good support from what I’ve heard.

Thanks - will check.
Unfortunately, getting stuff over the US / CA border can be really expensive.
The problem is customs and how couriers handle that. It can be good or absolutely outrageous.

Normally, I can get items shipped cheaper from China, than from the US.
Haven't tried NZ yet.

So much for free trade......