Dry fit up of Vacuum System

[Gary Conklin]

A couple of pictures from the the dry fit of the vacuum system I am building. The dry fit went well so now to take it all apart and get some PM Gold paint on it.

http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/data/1677/medium/P10101882.JPG
http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/data/1677/medium/P10101871.JPG
http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/data/1677/medium/P10101891.JPG

[Alan Tolchinsky]

All right Gary, looking good. What kind of tubing is that? Can you describe the general set up? Alan

[Gary Conklin]

Thanks Alan. The plan is based loosely on this set of plans (http://www.joewoodworker.com/veneering/vacuumchucking.htm). The hose is just standard thick wall reinforced tubing. Most of my brass and fittings are salvaged, the main housing unit was also reclaimed. The heart of the system is a Gast 0523 in great condition snagged from the Bay, for a very reasonable sum. taking a tip from Steve's setup eveything will be cable tied down. I will also be wiring in a switch and a 220 outlet on the rear of the housing.

One addition that I did make was the center fitting, it is a oneway check valve, I may also install a small pressure tank inside, if power is lost it should provide me a little "safe" time.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Looking good Gary! Couldn't actually read the gauge but was the system on when you took the photos? Looked like the gauge was reading something.

You're really going to love using the system! The first time you use it to clean up the bottom of a bowl you are going to kick yourself for not having built one sooner! Just a total different feel when you have unlimited access to the bottom of the bowl.

Have fun!

[Alan Tolchinsky]

/Thanks Gary, that is on my "to do "list. I already have a pump from veneering projects. So all I have to do is figure out the construction. That looks really cool for finishing bowl bottoms. Can't wait to see your finished project. I just read the instructions on Joe Woodworker and that's some project. Does that outboard wheel stay on all the time?

[Gary Conklin]

Steve the guage is actually a combo psi and vac gauge, again reclaimed. I will probabdly upgrade it in the future. I was getting 22 in. Hg w/o any hose clamps on last nights test.

[Harlan Coverdale]

Looks good Gary. Are you going to be covering the opening above the pump? I suspect it'll be a trap for errant chips if it's close to your lathe. I'm also guessing you'll be seating the hose a bit deeper on the barb fittings before clamping it all up.

Like Steve said, you're going to love having the vacuum setup.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Great looking setup. Looks like it will work great.