There is danger of the work piece coming loose during vacuum chucking. This may happen for the following reasons:
1. A power outage will release the vacuum holding the work piece. Do not use this system in situations when a fuse may
blow, or if there is a high risk of power outage.
2. Exceeding the below capacities could cause you to push the piece off the rim while turning.
» 5½" Drum chuck
Minimum diameter of piece - 6"
Be careful turning any feature larger than 5½”
» 8" Drum chuck
Minimum diameter of piece - 8"
Be careful turning any feature larger than 8”
Turning any feature larger than the diameter of the Drum Chuck or turning on the backside of the piece can lever the
work piece off the chuck. When turning features larger than the diameter of the Drum Chuck, if possible, put in the tail-
stock while turning. This will assist the vacuum chuck. When it comes time to finish the center where the tailstock was,
the tailstock can easily be removed and the piece finished. Different shapes will be more resistant to being levered off
than others. It is always a good idea to physically grab a piece and try to yank it off the chuck. This will give you a good
idea of how firmly a piece is being held.
3. Wood that is too porous or in any way split may make it impossible for the vacuum to hold the piece with sufficient hold-
ing power. Before loading the chuck, check that the wood is not split, cracked or otherwise weakened. Do not load dam-
aged wood in your chuck for turning.
4. Always be very aware of the wall thickness of your work piece. Turning through thin walls, or a severe catch can cause
the vacuum seal to be broken. If you hear a crackling noise, it can be the bottom getting broken by the pressure of the
vacuum.
5. Be very careful when turning flat pieces. Flat pieces just sit on the face of the chuck and if unbalanced, centrifugal force
will cause them to slide off. An object like a bowl will sit inside the chuck somewhat and will be much more resistant to
moving from centrifugal force. Keep the speed low and use the largest chuck. Make sure the piece is flat and smooth for
best results. Put in the tailstock if possible.
- 3 -
Note: After your piece of neoprene has worn out, you will need to completely remove it from the drum chuck. Do this
by cleaning off the adhesive material with the appropriate removal substance.
Tip
Neoprene is supplied with this product as we believe every product should be useable right out of the box. However, we feel a
better method of padding is using polyethylene foam and a spray adhesive. Polyethylene foam is used in all types of product
packaging, especially for packaging electronic equipment. It is readily available from most office supplies stores, or check with
any local electronics suppliers, or Moving Company (e.g. U-Haul), in the off chance thay have some they could donate to your
cause. If you still prefer the Neoprene, we would happily supply it to you (relevant Part No.’s are on the front cover of these
Instructions).
Caution
!
Removing the Drum Chuck from the Spindle
To remove the drum chuck, loosen the set screws (if being used), lock your spindle and use the removal lever provided to
loosen the drum chuck off the spindle. Carefully unscrew the assembly from the spindle.
General Safety
As with working with any tools, a sensible approach and simple safety precautions should be followed.
1. Always wear proper clothing and face protection. Also use adequate exhaust and respiration equipment, especially when
turning or sanding toxic or spalted woods, or when spraying with any liquid material.
2. Never stand in the firing line of the lathe while vacuum chucking. This will eliminate most dangers to yourself.
3. Be sure the wood is being gripped tightly by the vacuum before turning.
