#16 Making a Shopmade Vacuum Chuck

This video shows how I made my my own Vacuum Chuck for less than $20.00.

[@royboggs3849]

Stephen, good job, man. Wondering if you would do anything different on these vacuum chucks - 7 yrs. later? Or, put another way, how have the vac chucks held up the last several years? Thanks, friend! - Roy

[@monopinion8799]

Omg! You have saved me quite a few dollars! Great! Thank you so much!

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Sylvie. Glad you enjoyed this project. Make sure you seal the wood to help prevent air leakage. Take care.

[@Tommo158]

Your ingenuity never ceases to amaze me Stephen. You are proof that the brain out does money making rackets, well done 😎

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Tom. I have to be frugal in the shop because it is the last financial priority for my household. This vacuum chuck has saved my tons of money and still works great.

[@earlrumble1692]

Another great job! I really like your approach as to making the tools that you need rather than laying out great piles of cash! Keep up the good work sir, you are an inspiration!

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Earl. comments like these are very motivating. I like doing these videos and just hope it helps or entertains someone.

[@bobham5]

Hi, Stephen: I would strongly recommend putting a few coats of sanding sealer or varnish on the chuck, especially if it is made from red oak which is very porous. The first drum chuck I made a few years ago did not have a very good grip until I put some finish on it. There was enough air leakage through the wood itself to reduce the grip, even on a shop vac based system. Good video! Bob

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Bob, for your suggestion and sharing your experience. I agree and will add a note to the video. As always your input is invaluable. Thanks again.

[@thomasckuzia7129]

Steven,,,Fantastic video tutorial! It is SO easy to understand and follow,,,especially for someone just starting out in wood turning! I have yet to turn my first bowl but have turned several weed/twig pots out of very spalted White Birch logs about 4" in diameter.I will make both types of vacuum chucks as they will be very nice to have when I start to turn bowls! Thank you SO much for doing these videos,,,,they help a LOT! Tom

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Tom. I thrills me get get comments like yours. I am really glad you enjoyed this project and found it helpful. Oh yeah, If you can find sealed bearings you can get a better vacuum pressure. Just saying. Take care my friend.

[@Chamus69]

Thank you for this! I am VERY NEW to this. Just got a lathe a few weeks ago, and I have been educating myself on projects. You have made this look so easy that even I can do it!! Thank you!

[@milltek2]

That's really great Stephen. Thanks for making the video.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed this project.

[@davidoswalt8715]

Thank you for your time on this video. Left no detail unexplained. I only have a low end lathe but plan to add this chuck to my lathe. Thanks again.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you David. Glad you found this project helpful. Take care.

[@fredgraber9385]

Stephen, great job of explaining this one. I've already had a need for one and will be making one soon. Also, I do love this 0462 lathe, having a ball with it. Thanks for the video and hope your recovery is going well for you and looking forward to having you back with us. Fred

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Fred. Recovery is going very well but the Doc will not let me lift over 15 pounds until my next visit in two weeks. I thought you would enjoy the G0462. I have used mine now for almost six years and still think it would be hard beat in that price range and the full 2HP really is a workhorse. Good luck on your vacuum chuck, although mine does not use sealed bearings and I have had no problems I would still recommend them. Thank you for commenting and your concern.

[@bargainbin22]

Thanks for the return comment, I have just turn my first bowl of about 5 inches from seasoned cedar and it turned out well for a first timer. I will be watching and learning so keep up the great videos. Thanks

[@StephenOgle]

***** Thank you sir for commenting. Make sure you keep your first bowl. Cedar is very beautiful wood. Glad you are enjoying my videos. I hope to keep them going. I appreciate all your support.

[@carnutal3627]

Steven thanks so much for taking the time and effort to show your genius. You are great at explaining how you do things and make it easy to copy your methods. I'm going to try making one of these vacuum chucks. Thanks again. Alan in Fl.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Alan. Glad you found this project helpful and are enjoying my channel. These vacuum chucks are worth their weight in Gold when they are used correctly. Make sure your shopvac filter is clean or remove it altogether when using the vacuum chuck.

[@douglassmith837]

Stephen Ogle

[@jonsellars5323]

Stephen,great video!! have wanted a vacuam chuck and now you have designed one that I can afford.i have been woodworking one form or another most of my 77 years.turning was a as need ed. but thr body is starting to rebel so turning is be coming my main focus. tnanks for all your great viseos and the tips that you are giving us . jon sellars

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Jon for commenting. A couple of tips if you build this Vacuum Chuck. Use sealed bearings if you can. Remove the filter from your shop vac for maximum power. I still use this very chuck and it still works great. Glad you are finding my channel helpful and Happy Turning my friend.

[@chiskiewoodcreations9575]

Great instructional video Ogle. Made one of these and it works like a charm. Made mine out of black walnut and sealed it well. It holds very strong, take a lot of effort to pull a bowl off of it.

[@gdaruda]

Steven you just saved my bacon I need a cuple of them chucks and I'll be working on them monday morning. I've been thinking about them for a while and it's time. Thanks a heap.

[@ernestboatwright7172]

love the sound of the rain on your roof

[@Aytheon1]

Hey Steve, first let me say that I really enjoy your vids, look forward to seeing a post from you, the vacuum chuck is the one chuck that I don't have, I've been thinking about making one and the way you did it in your video looks like best way to go. I enjoy making tools that I use for turning as much as I like turning. I don't think that there is any thing more rewarding as making a tool and then being able to use it. my dad always said that if you can go to the store and buy it, it had to be made by man, and if so it can be reproduced and repaired by man, Will

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Will, apparently your Dad is a smart man. I too enjoy making my own tools and seeing them work. This chuck does have good holding power and could be easily adapted to a vacuum pump by using sealed bearings. Thanks again for your comments and compliments.

[@jeffoldham3466]

stephen i just thought i would tell you i found bearings for this at amazon,,you get 10 in a pack for 8.99,,,,turned out good and thank you for the help,,,,,,

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you for the information Jeff. Glad I could help. Happy New Year!

[@AlFurtado]

Another awesome tutorial I see what I have to make next Thank you Stephen but I will definitely seal it as well. will be my first real chuck.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Albert for commenting and supporting my channel. Remember that vacuum chucking is all about very light cuts and sanding or finishing. I still don't trust them for heavier cuts. Thanks again and God Bless.

[@jonsellars5323]

hi Stephen-thanks for the tips on vacuam chuck. I have built 2 so far and they work great.lowes has lamp pipe in a 30 inch length which will make 2 chucks. thanks again

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Jon. I am really glad you found this video helpful. I need to get some of the longer allthread. I am still using the extension. The vacuum chuck I built in this video is still serving me very well. No problems yet. Thank you for commenting and supporting my channel.

[@MrTom7859]

Steven I also made the three sided bowl that you did, everyone loves it, thanks.

[@StephenOgle]

That's great! These things really turn out nice if you pay attention to simple fundamentals and be accurate with your cube. Happy New Year Thomas.

[@billy19461]

I was wondering how to make one of these. Thanks for the video! It was just what I needed.

[@aaronbarton4041]

Great video nice chuck, only thing i woulda done differnt was cross laminting the blocks during glue up

[@MARKBaid]

Hey Stephen Great video! I needed one of these and couldn't afford it but now I can. I have some sealed skateboard bearing from my sons old wheels, (my boarding days are long past) that I will use. Thanks for the videos.

[@StephenOgle]

MARK Baid Great idea Mark, My skateboard days have been over for 20 years. Those bearings should do just fine. Thanks for the input and support.

[@Robbiethewoodturner]

thanks for showing how to make the chuck Stephen happy new year take care, Robbie

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Robbie, I just wanted a different style vacuum chuck and decided to do a video on it. Great hearing from you. Happy New year to you also.

[@TheLostMedici]

Really practical video - thanks for a demonstration of your shop ingenuity and $ savings :) Nice job!

[@StephenOgle]

TheLostMedici Thank you sir, glad you found it informative and maybe you can save some money for the things you have to buy. Thanks for your comments and support.

[@mrlacroft]

Nice video. thanks for showing how to make the chuck.

[@StephenOgle]

You are welcome and Thank you for you comments.

[@framel44]

That really looks nice, will give that a try one day, Thank you Steve. Have a great day. Frank

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Frank. It really is an easy build with just a few parts.

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

If you run the shop vac without air going through it, it'll run very hot and will fail much sooner. Also if it's at all possible use a larger tube and bearing to get more air flow through to the bowl.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Stuart. I understand that without airflow the shopvac motor can heat up. However, a vacuum chuck is not used for a long period of time. They are also used to install pool liners where they may run for days with very little airflow until the pool is almost full of water. They are designed to operate for long periods of time. The biggest problem with using a Shop Vac in the shop is the noise.

[@CarlJacobson]

Great video Stephen, I'm definitely going to make one! Happy New Year

[@boblavoie8186]

Love it... I'm with Carl, I'm definitely going to make one of these. Thanks Stephen.

[@mikeatkinson5611]

Fantastic idea Stephen, I got the pieces glued up now and waiting for them to cure. Happy New Year my friend and thanks for the great ideas and help.

[@StephenOgle]

mike atkinson That's great Mike please let met know how it turns out. Have a happy new year.

[@StephenOgle]

***** I think you will enjoy building and using this chuck. Happy new year.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Carl for your comments. Happy New Year.

[@TIBULURES]

Friend Stephen Ogle: I am new to this woodturning, even I do not speak English, I'm writing a translator for copiarselo, did not understand very well what they showed in this video, you may have made ​​ana vacuum chamber, to attach pieces of wood and tornearlas or'm wrong, as after I did not finish it by the end proved that costruyo grabbed me from doubt and hope their good graces and contestaion their jobs someday hope to turning like you would a hug from Argentina alejandro

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Alejandro for commenting. Yes a vacuum chuck is used to hold your bowl while the bottom tenon is cut and the bottom is shaped the way you want. I have a couple of videos showing my other on in use. These videos are in my Economy bowl playlist. Thank you for commenting my friend and for supporting my channel.

[@24296333]

Many thanks for showing us how to make that Stephen. I definitely need to have a go at making one. I already have a suitable bearing so I'm part way there! Happy New Year and all the best for 2014 to you and your family. Alan

[@StephenOgle]

Yes sir Alan, I think you will enjoy building and using the chuck. The bearing is half the battle. Let me know how it turns out. Happy new year to you also.

[@jackcollins2349]

Really enjoying your videos. Thanks

[@StephenOgle]

+Jack Collins Thank you Jack. Glad you enjoy my channel.

[@richardschaffling9882]

Thanks for a great video

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Richard. Glad you enjoyed this project. Take care.

[@MrTom7859]

Happy New Year Steven, keep the videos coming. I will try this, thank' s for this video very helpful

[@StephenOgle]

I am glad you enjoy my videos, These are really great chucks and I believe you will like it once you build yours. Thank you again and have a Happy New Year.

[@sar7654321]

Steve, I just found you in 2017, wish it was sooner. Great job, Every time I watch, I learn a great deal ! I hope your still alive, LOL ! Don't stop with the great ideas !! Scott in CT.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Scott. Yep! Still alive! Glad you are enjoying my channel and finding it helpful.

[@sootydave1]

Nice after looking at wood craft for 1, glad i found this. Have you ever bolted that Grizzly down? It must walk with a unbalanced chunk of wood mounted..

[@SteveSam66]

Stephen, Great video, very informative. Thanks for posting. Happy 2014 Regards, Steve

[@StephenOgle]

Good to here from you again Steve. I'm glad you like the video. Happy 2014 to you also.

[@fergusrb]

Could you drill a 3/8 hole through your 1 1/8 hole for the lamp rod? Seem to me it would give the bearing more support. Also a lot of people say using your shop vac for a vacuum chuck will ruin it. Have you run into that? Do you have a way around that? following your direction I think even I could do it.

[@josemarin6414]

hey I enjoy your videos. I'm wondering what is the name of your kit that you bought at the local store. Thanks

[@AlFurtado]

Yes I realize that YAY just bought a Nova chuck locally for 85 bucks with 3 sets of jaws and ordered my inset from Teknatool for my 1x10tpi lathe.

[@StephenOgle]

Very nice set up Albert. That is a very nice chuck and versatile with all the jaws. You will really get good service from it.

[@cvitdilip]

Inspiring work....

[@johnmay3266]

brilliant. I'm going to make both.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks John, Glad I could help.

[@jlf1430]

Very informative, thanks...

[@tomwilhelm545]

JB weld works bearing to lamp rod.

[@StephenOgle]

+Tom Wilhelm Thanks Tom. Glad you enjoyed this project. Yes JB Weld would be a good choice on this.

[@timberbucketsphil6818]

Hey Stephen make a donut chuck if you would , I will be watch in for it if you got the time thanks

[@kirkbillings2174]

Strange question....but would this system be strong enough to hold something as big as a bowling ball?

[@TimRobertsonWoodturning]

Nice work

[@huntkrumy]

Steve Somehow I hadn't watched this video before. I also made my own vacuum chuck and I also use a shopvac. I did use sealed bearings and they are easy to come by from Amazon. Here are the ones I bought www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BBO3MC/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 They have gone up a few bucks since I bought mine in 2012, I think I paid about 13 dollars for 10 of them. If you have room in your assembly stack at least three of them back to back. If that link doesn't work let me know Steve

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Steve, for this information. I will definately look them up. The bearing I used was $6.00 from a local hardware store. I really appreciate your comments and input on these chucks. This is how we all get better. Thank you.

[@timothymcswain6235]

Thanks much appreciated

[@StephenOgle]

timothy mcswain Anytime my friend. Thanks for all your support.

[@Safecracker49]

Hi Steven. I built one of these this week. My shop vac is a 6.5 hp but when I turn it on it barely holds anything. I have checked for leaks and can't find any. It just dosnt have enough pressure when reduced to the 3/8 hose. Should I put a bleed hole in the rubber tube do you think?

[@StephenOgle]

Safecracker49 Thank you for your question. Couple of things to check. Ensure that your filter is completely clean or removed. My vacuum chucks get weak when the filter is dirty. Second thing make sure there are NO cracks in your bowl and finish has been applied to it. There is plenty of airflow through the 3/8" allthread to hold the bowl very strongly as long as there are no leaks. Try another bowl, because the first may have cracks or weak wood you don't know about. Any bleed hole you put in should be in the larger vacuum hose and not the smaller parts of your chucking system. Let me know how this turns out for you. I would bet the filter is dirty or you have leaks. The allthread can compensate for small leaks but not larger ones.

[@jackwiley1480]

Hi Stephen, around the 12:00 minute mark I noticed an articulated adjustable bracket or stand that I am guessing holds your dust collection nozzle. Am I right? I would love to know either where you got it or how you made it. Great video (again).

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you for writing. Yes, it is for holding and adjusting my dust collection around the lathe. It was just an old articulating desk lamp. I simply pulled the wires out and replaced the lampshade with a 1/2" piece of plywood cut to hold my dust collection hose. I hope this helps.

[@TheMadmuzza]

Hi Stephen - great video, I am now making two for myself. Missing on the video on the smaller chuck was how to stuck the foam on the rim. Did you cut the outer diameter and then the inner diameter out, spray the glue on the foam and thenpress the rim of the chuck onto the foam and finally fold the foam inside and outside? Could you also confirm the diameter of the smaller chuck you made. Many thanks for your time - great videos all of them Gary

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Luke. Your procedure would work perfectly. I do believe that is exactly how I did it also. The outer diameter of my smaller chuck is about 4 inches with a 3/4" wall thickness. Also, make sure that you use a finish on the chuck to seal it from vacuum. I just used wax. Hope this helps.

[@TheMadmuzza]

Hi Stephen, Many thanks for your prompt response very helpful. Once this project is completed using a shop vac I will be looking seriously at the video of you converting a compressor. Can't thank you enough for your ideas, videos and the way every thing is clearly & fully explained. Only hope I can do your teachings justice Many Thanks

[@stringmanipulator]

Great video and great project! I really like your videos! a question: .. does it not burn out the shop vac making it work so intense (because of the little tube) ?? did that make any sense? ,, lol .. thanks for sharing and have a good one //Ken

[@StephenOgle]

I really don't know sir, however when I had a new liner put into the pool, They used a shop vac for four days non-stop pulling hard and it didn't hurt it. Not to say it may but shop vacs should be made for the hard pull. When vacuum chucking pieces, it usually does not have to run very long anyway. Thanks again String (if that's ok, I don't know your name) for your comments and questions.

[@drummondmj]

First, great video! I, like others on here, enjoy making my own tools and this is one that I have been thinking about for awhile. Thank you and keep up the good work! I did have one question though.. Any idea how this compares to a purchased vacuum chuck? Do you have to turn slower and lighter cuts? What have you been able to do on your chucks?

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks for the compliment and questions sir. As compared to a purchased chuck. I can not answer because I don't have one to compare it to. That being said, I have used these on small bowls (10 inch and smaller) and keeping tools sharp and using easy cuts have worked out very well for me. I hope this helps and thanks again for your comments and your questions. Have a Happy New Year.

[@drummondmj]

Stephen Ogle Great thanks! You should make a Longworth chuck next! I have found plenty of instructions out there but there isn't a good video that shows in detail how to make it on KZbin.. Just a suggestion.. Thanks again!

[@StephenOgle]

I have seriously thought about making a Longworth Chuck because my cole jaws will only go up to 8 inches. Thank you sir for the suggestion.

[@drummondmj]

Stephen Ogle You're welcome! I look forward to the video!

[@allanwright5736]

Thanks for that Idea Stephen How good is that? Great stuff.

[@StephenOgle]

I always appreciate your comments Allan an look forward to them. I'm glad you liked this video. happy New Year.

[@glencowan2466]

Great video. Any details if I go to buy the ball bearing ring? What would I ask for?

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Glen for your question. Ideally you will need a sealed airtight bearing. With it you can use the chuck with a vacuum pump. However the bearing I have in the video is not a sealed bearing. I am relying on the volume of the shop vac to overcome any vacuum loss. Make sure you can get the lamp rod through the headstock and use a 3/8" inside diameter for your bearing. The outside diameter really doesn't matter. If you have trouble with air loss in your bearing you can seal the back side with a rubber washer. I hope this has helped you with your question and I thank you for watching my videos.

[@boomfiziks]

Nice build! I definitely need to make one. Any requirements on the type of bearing?

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Dwight for commenting. A sealed bearing would be my first choice. However the ones I am using are not sealed. The shop vac moves enough air to compensate for any small loss through the bearing and also for small cracks in the wood. If you will be using your chuck with anything except a shop vac I would definitely suggest sealed bearings. Hope you find this helpful. Thanks for commenting and supporting my channel.

[@davidpeterson6444]

Do you loose a lot of suction when downsizing the hose to a piece of tubing/

[@StephenOgle]

David Peterson Yes, you will loose some volume but not the actual power once it is equalized. However the shop vac is capable of holding the vacuum with small leaks where as a vacuum pump may not. hop you find this helpful. Thank you for your question and for supporting my channel.

[@jeremymoore4557]

Mr.Ogle what is the best way to rechuck a vase after you have parted it off and see the neck needs to be reduced down.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Jeremy. Your question is very good and left me puzzled for a few minutes. Then I remembered my vase mount. You can build one very easily and remount your vase for light turning. Here is a link to one of my vase videos in which I use the mount. You should be able to figure it out from there. Check this video link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fV63g32sl9GYbMU If the link does not work it is video #128 on my channel at the 11:55 minute mark. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have questions.

[@jeffoldham3466]

steven do you know where i can get the bearing for this,,

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Jeff. I bought the bearings at my local Ace Hardware store but you can also find them online. You just need a bearing with 3/8 inch ID and cut the rabbet to match the OD. Sealed bearings are the best. I hope this helps.

[@jeffoldham3466]

@@StephenOgle thank you stephan,,,,the reason i asked is that i went to ace and they didnt have any,,,might try another place tommorow

[@StephenOgle]

I used Flange bearings in this build but it was because that was the only ones they had that were 3/8 ID. normal roller bearings would be best. I would suggest if you can not find any local to try ebay. I get nearly all my bearings from there.

[@donnabyers]

Does this cause the vacuum motor to burn out? I have heard that it will.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Donna for commenting. I do not believe using the shop vac for this purpose will hurt the vacuum because I have seen them used for pulling swimming pool liners tight while filling and the shop vacs have to run for several hours if not days none stop without burnout. However, if you don't trust it I would not use it. I hope this helps. Take care.

[@bargainbin22]

OK, I am new to this .At first look it seems as your 4 jaw chuck is holding the lamp rod to turn the vacuum chuck. I now see the 4 jaw chuck is holding inside the cut out on the back of the wood vacuum chuck. You did not show this step but a super video any way. I have a Turncrafter 12" lathe on the way with a couple chucks,ect. Is this a good starter lathe?

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you sir for commenting. Welcome the the woodturning world. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I. Yes, I believe you will be satisfied with the Turncrafter from PSI. PSI also sells lots of accessories for this lathe including a duplicator. I will check the video and make a note on it. Thanks for pointing this out to me and supporting my channel.

[@SQLKC]

Steven, do you still use this method today?

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Mark and I do not still use it because I have a new lathe and just have not built one for it. It really is a good system though. I hope this helps.

[@SQLKC]

@@StephenOgle well looks like I just gave you new content to produce. 😄

[@georgelabounty1534]

Your your dust collector makes too much noise and it's hard to understand you