Raw Steel and Vacuum Pump Suppliers?

[Dick Strauss]

I'm looking to build a deep hollowing rig. Has anyone here built there own unit? I favor the closed loop style units. I'd also appreciate any drawings you might have. Can you provide links to any reasonable metal suppliers that you have used (especially in NW Ohio or SE MI)?

I'm also trying to build a vacuum chuck system. I haven't had any luck finding a good 110V rotary vane pump for under $150. I've tried SurplusCenter and a few others but it seems only the 220V pumps are available at a reasonable price. And, unfortunately these motors can't be wired for 110V. I've also checked the E-place but most don't want to promise the unit will work. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Are there other types of pumps (other than rotary vane) that work well, have good long term reliability, and are less expensive?

Thanks in advance,
Dick

[Brad Schmid]

Dick,

I think you can get a transformer from SurplusCenter for about $40 so you can run the 220V pump off of 110V. I wired mine up for 220V, but I remember seeing the transformer for it on the same web page as the pump.

Good luck
Brad

[Joe Tonich]

Dick,

Can you run a 220 outlet in your shop? There's a gal on ebay that usually has 220V vac pumps for about $70. PM me if you want her seller name.

I go to Metal Mart http://www.northcoastmetalmart.com/ for the steel I need. He has pretty good prices.

[Scott Gibbons]

How about McMaster Carr. www.mcmaster.com (http://www.mcmaster.com)

[Cecil Arnold]

Dick, I talked to one of the tool building wizards with GCTA at the Houston WW show about this. One thing I remember him saying was to be sure to get cold rolled steel for your parts (boring bar and captive handle) since it is much more size consistent than regular bar stock. I have seen plans somewhere for the boring bar (Jamison design) and the rest seems to be a matter of heating, bending, and welding up the collar.

[Paul Downes]

Dick, I buy a lot of the steel I use at a local scrap steel yard. You can't beat the price, unless you find it free.

[Travis Stinson]

I've made a couple captive hollowing rigs with cold rolled steel from Enco.
http://http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRHM

[Dick Strauss]

Guys,
Thanks for all of your help! I'm sure I'll need to buy some stuff to complete my projects!

Brad,
I though about using an old 160VA transformer that I have but it can't supply enough current at 220V. I found the vacuum pump on p73 and the transformer you mentioned on p115 of the SurplusCenter catalog for others interested.

All,
I think I may have found a source of some materials for my hollowing rig. My buddy has several feet of 1.25" scrap stainless steel rod that I'll use for the boring bar (to hold the cutters/scrapers). He is checking on the other items like some plate steel. I should know by this weekend what I have to work with and what I need to buy.

Is there anything special to know about stainless (assume 304 type)? I know that you use different materials to do the welding. How does stainless hold up to abrasion, how hard is it to weld, how hard is it to drill and tap....???? Do I need cobalt bits to drill stainless?

Thanks in advance,
Dick

[Paul Downes]

You can weld 300 series stainless with a stick welder. The local welding supply will be able to suggest the appropriate rod. 400 series stainless has carbon in it that can cause the welds to become brittle from welding if not properly heat treated or stress relieved. On heavier stock you should chamfer the joint to ensure penetration. Stainless is tough, generally, and if you want to bend it I would definantly heat it to bend the radius you want for a hollowing rest.

[Raymond Overman]

I've had good luck with drill rod and bits from http://www.wttool.com for steel to build tools.

[Charlie Plesums]

I have a relatively crude vacuum chuck setup. With all the leaks around the bearing, etc., I get about the same results with a shop vac (Fein) as I do with my vacuum pump. I am able to do some pretty aggressive turning on bowls as small as about 3 inches with either "vacuum" source.