What size vacuum pump do I need

[Carey Silk]

Hi am new to lathe vacuum pump setup for a Laguna Revo 1836 lathe. I have looked at a 71litre/minute 2 stage pump but not sure if this has enough volume for a vacuum chuck.

[ChrisA Edwards]

That's around 2.5CFM, that would be the minimum I would go with. The more volume you have, in the vacuum, the more it can deal with leaks and porous wood.

My cheap $49 (Amazon) pump pulls 3.5CFM (99LM) and that worked fine.

I would guess the larger the chuck contact area, the more room there is for leaks, so extra CFM can help.

I'll be setting up my 24-36 in the next week or so, it's sitting here in a box, so I'll be setting the vacuum chuck up on that.

[Don R Davis]

Hey are there any more pumps at that price? We live in Murfreesboro so we don't live too far apart.

[ChrisA Edwards]

Hey are there any more pumps at that price? We live in Murfreesboro so we don't live too far apart.

This was the one I bought https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BXMRP4I/ref=dp_cerb_1

It's an oil model and does puke a bit of (mineral?) oil mist from the pump exhaust, but I just lay a piece of kitchen towel over this and it absorbs it.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61oCfXxaQKL._AC_SL1200_.jpg

This is my setup with vacuum gauge and bleed valve.
https://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i452/cedwards874/Woodworking/ArksenPump_zpsdxumvq5t.jpg

I also just bought a reconditioned Gast pump off eBay for $51. This is an oiless pump and pulls about 3CFM. I haven't had chance to try it yet.

[Don R Davis]

Thank you Chris. When you try it out please let us know your opinion. "Good or Bad"

[Richard Coers]

That's around 2.5CFM, that would be the minimum I would go with. The more volume you have, in the vacuum, the more it can deal with leaks and porous wood.

My cheap $49 (Amazon) pump pulls 3.5CFM (99LM) and that worked fine.

I would guess the larger the chuck contact area, the more room there is for leaks, so extra CFM can help.

I'll be setting up my 24-36 in the next week or so, it's sitting here in a box, so I'll be setting the vacuum chuck up on that.

I guess you are talking about leaks in the lines? Leaks at the work piece make the whole system useless (including porous wood). I bought the smallest pump I could find. There is very little air volume needed for a couple feet of house and the chuck itself.