Making a Vacuum Chuck - Where to get a Lamp Rod?

[Tim Dorcas]

I live in Calgary. I have been to several locations in the city but I'm not sure where to get a Lamp Rod. Any ideas? This shouldn't be too difficult, eh?

Tim:)

[Cliff Holmes]

I would think your local Home Depot or Lowes or whatever you've got there would have it.

[Tim Dorcas]

I would think your local Home Depot or Lowes or whatever you've got there would have it.

They only had it in 12" length.

[Ralph Lindberg]

Tim

I would try Home Hardware, True Value or any good home improvement store.

I've seen lamp rod up to 36 inchs (1 meter) at good shops

[John Altberg]

A decent electrical supply house should have it, also.

[Mike Minto]

buy a junk lamp from a thrift store and...

[Stephen Massman]

I bought a 36" piece at Lowes for about $5

[Jon Finch]

Why would it need to be longer then 12"? Doesn't it just need to extend thru the bearing and into the mandrel a bit? Just wondering?

[Stephen Massman]

I think that the 12" size was the same price or close and 36" allows for messups or you can make one for a big lathe and one for a mini. Or make several for friends.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Go to the lamp section of Home Depot. I just bought a 36" piece.

[Tim Dorcas]

Bernie,

You are indeed correct. I went to another Home Depot and find it. Thanks!

Tim

[Gordon Seto]

Unless your head stock spindle has cross holes drilled through, you don't need any lamp rod in the first place. Your vacuum adapter can be held by the vacuum suction against the hand wheel alone. Without the lamp rod, it would save you the trouble of threading it at the other end. It would be easy on and off.