The VacuuMaster Vacuum Chuck will fit on any lathe, or transfer from lathe to lathe, by means of an adapter similar to those used by scroll chucks on the market today. This chuck has been designed so that all the works are forward of the headstock, in a self contained unit.
Vacuum chucking is a technology that can be effectively utilized by any turner with any lathe. It is not reserved for big expensive lathes with lots of horsepower. It is not only for unusual applications. It is for anyone who wants an alternative to conventional methods of chucking, and who wants to improve the quality of their work by improving their access to the piece being turned.
Our model # 0500 (VacuuMaster Vacuum Chuck Assembly) comes complete with three allen wrenches for assembling, the set screw kits to mount the adapter (please specify your thread requirements for your lathe model), optional face plates and optional vacuum bells.
Included with the Main Chuck Body is 10 foot of 1/4″ hose, 2 each 1/4″ quick disconnect fittings, a stop rod and two 2 gram pillow paks of Super O-Lube.
Vacuum Chuck Assembly at Work
The VacuuMaster in different configurations:
Here the VacuuMaster mounted on a Poolewood Euro 2000. No attachment has been installed to give you a clear view of the working parts as set up to run. The vacuum tubing coming out from the side goes to a vacuum pump. The metal rod pointing straight down is a stop rod and is designed to prevent the vacuum chamber from rotating and breaking the tubing. (Photo Courtesy of Bill Grumbine)
This is a shot of the chuck in use. The 8″ bell has been installed, and is gripping a 14″ cherry bowl for finishing off the bottom. (The orange edging on the Bell provides the seal between the bell and your work. It ain’t pretty, but it has the benefit of being non marring and non marking. )(Photo Courtesy of Bill Grumbine)
The same bowl as viewed from the “working end”. It has been finished turned. (Photo Courtesy of Bill Grumbine)
This is a small Norway maple bowl. Cleaning up and finishing off the bottom. (Photo Courtesy of Bill Grumbine)
Vacuum Bells
Vacuum Bells made from billet aluminum with a length of 4″ when utilized with provided foam sheets that will not mar your work are availble in the following diameters
0550-1 3.5″
0554-1 5.0″
0556-1 8.0″
0558-1 10.0″