Vacuum Chucking for Woodturners

Mike explains what a vacuum chuck is and, how it works, why a woodturner might consider making or buying a vacuum chucking system, and explains how he built his wood lathe vacuum chuck.

[unopine]

"... it's a toy" which is, of course, my number one reason for wanting one. Thanks for the info, Mike. This video answered the questions I had.

[plamb]

Well done again. The turning community thanks you!

[charleyandsarah]

Great information, Mike. Opened our eyes to a whole new world.

[peterhendriks]

Hi Mike,

Thank you for this great video.
I have not explored the internet for vacuum chucks.... I like to make one my self.
After seeing youre video... I realy understand and know what to do.

Thx again,

Peter

[AlFurtado]

This is one of the best explained videos I have ever seen on vacuum chuck, You explanation is priceless and even though I haven't made one yet I plan on making one for my shop vac but wonder if it will actually hold the piece for me.
I am impressed by your comment and display on the holding power of the one you are using.
Great video.
Albert

[ErikAnderson]

A world of information here Mike I will be sure to re-watch some of this one.

[thomasckuzia]

Hi Mike,
I made my first vacuum chuck using a shop vac and found it worked OK as long as the filter was very clean.I didn't know about the motor overheating so thanks for that info.
I now have a vacuum pump and it works great!
Thanks for the video and have fun turnin chips!
Tom

[ronaldcumpsty]

Very interesting video Mike especially on what to expect from the vacuum pump. Mine is an oil filled one and at first there was a detectable mist coming from the exhaust so I fitted a fuel filter on it and have not experienced any evidence of oil in the area it is situated. Mine actually gets to 27 1/2" of mercury so I guess I am doing good. Thanks for all the valuable information.

[canadian.scrollworks]

Excellent information Mike.  Thanks for the video.

[gnosticsoul]

Mike, I think your informative style is terrific. I use the "Hold Fast" system and mount it to my lathe leg with a heavy magnet. It stays there all the time. It gets sufficient holding force and I use a threaded (pointed) wooden piece on the tail stock. This allows me to get all but the nub off while the tail stock is engaged. Then it is a matter of taking off the 1/8" nub. However, I really like your system and wish I had the ability to put one together.
LLoyd

[muziqjazz]

Thanks Mike for the video;   I found all your videos pertinents and very informative.  Thanks for sharing.    Marc

[jeffoldham]

great video mike, , i finally got me a vaccum pump and it works great, , , love that book by doc green, , he is a member of my wood turning club her in Greensboro, , like yourself he is a pro and super nice guy, , thank you again for all your videos, , , i have learned a lot from you

[karlrichards]

Thanks again, I will check it out,
Karl

[karlrichards]

Thank you very much, I guess that I will keep my eye open for something else.
Karl

[kevinmiller]

Great informative video Mike.   Thanks for doing this.

[paulgibson]

Great video, Mike. Just what I was looking for. One question: I notice a fair amount of vacuum pump noise in the video, and I'm wondering whether that is a function of the microphone being near the pump, or is it really that loud? Also, would it be feasible to enclose the pump in a plywood "box" with a filtered opening at the top to allow air flow while dampening the pump noise? I now realize that's more than one question. Sorry! And thanks for this excellent video!

[deeanne]

I've tried to make 2 vacuum chucks and have failed every time mike, I watched carl make them and he makes it look simple, I do have the holdfast but I think I'm going to get a real pump I do have a brand new two stage pump I've never used will that from Cailf.

[MD-enzm]

I just got a V812 holdfast venturi vacuum generator, but I can’t get more than 5 mmhg on anything. Are the vacuum pumps much stronger? Trying to figure out what my problem is. Compressor is plenty powerful to keep up and pressure in the tank remains high enough. I’ve tried several different vacuum chuck heads and no difference.

[jeffoldham]

mike how would you mount the piece back to the vacuum chuck if you didn't have a foot on the bottom to aligned with the vacuum chuck for it to run true

[martinjacques]

Hi Mike
Have you ever experienced vacuum chuck issues if you try to chuck up unfinished wood with the grain. As I have recently acquired a vacuum chuck and I was trying to turn some spheres and when I tried to uses the chuck to remove the 2 end nubs it would not hold but if I turn them through 90deg (across the grain it worked perfectly, have you ever experienced this.
Keep up the great work. Regards John from UK.