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My Vacuum Chucking System
Thought I would provide some pictures and details of my new vacuum chucking system. Thank you Steve Schlumpf for your tutorial which helped immensely.
Pump Setup
Here is my pump setup mounted on the wall next to my lathe using my existing French cleat system for easy relocation. Instead of wiring a switch I simply wired an old computer power cord to the pump and used an old power strip with a switch. I bought this power strip in the early ‘80s for my Commodore Vic 20!
I was able to buy a late model GAST 523 110V with internal filters off eBay. This saved me the expense of having to buy external filters. The 110V Gast saved me the inconvenience and expense of having to run another 220 line or buying and wiring a 220 duplex receptacle to the circuit my PM is connected to. My advice to folks looking at the 220V GAST 522 from Surplus Center would be to compare the options and costs closely as reasonably priced 110 V Gast pumps come up on eBay quite often.
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My Vacuum Chucking System Part 3
I made a holder for the rotary adapter when not in use as shown here.
Here is a picture of my first chuck. I made a wooden face plate using a couple of pieces 5/4 cherry and the Beall 1-¼” tap I recently picked up at the local WC.
The white gasket on the chuck and handwheel adapter is from a sheet of thin closed cell Fun Foam, 99 cents at Michaels.
Total costs for my pump system were $131! I have not had a chance to actually use it yet but it held a piece of wood with 24 inches of mercury so I think I am set.