I am thinking I need a way to hold small bowls or cups so I can complete the bottom. Which one is best to buy and why? There is a guy that makes the Longworth chuck, and he has a CNC machine to make them. He has two kinds, and one has long and short slots, while the other has all long slots. What is up with that?

 

Thanks, guys.

You will like the longworth better. As to the slots I have always thought that was just different designs and no effect on holding. Either one of these you use keep the tailstock up until the last nib is ready top remove.

Agree with Gerald, the longworth is better. With that said, for only a few dollars more you could have a vacuum chuck. One of the best investments a bowl turner can make IMO.

 

Steve

Steve, you have A nice YT channel. I may get a vacuum chuck when I get a better lathe. I have an old spindle lathe now so maybe I will get a Longworth chuck.

 

Thanks, guys.

Most chuck manufacturers offer a set of Cole Jaws.  These also work well for small bowls.  You have to change jaws when you want to use them or buy a second chuck and dedicate it to the Cole Jaws.

 

I'm a little late to the party and can't really add much to the discussion.

 

As for the Longworth chuck, making one is really easy- if you have the necessary woodworking tools (router, bandsaw and drill). Here is a link to a pdf for construction-

http://www.tnvalleywoodclub.org/articles/PDFs/Construction of a Longworth Chuck.pdf

 

I bought rubber corks used for wine/beer making for the holders and made a wooden chuck block for mounting to the headstock.

 

The Longworth chuck works great on symmetrical pieces but if you have something that is not symmetrical, the Cole chuck is a little better suited as you can adjust each contact point to a different position. You can make a cole chuck with the same set of tools.

 

 

14 hours ago, Steve Krumanaker said:

for only a few dollars more you could have a vacuum chuck

I have been thinking about a vacuum chuck, so could I pick your brain for a few minutes?  If you were starting from scratch acquiring a vacuum chuck, would you opt for a ready made system, or would you buy the components separately and make a home made system?  Do you have any recommendations as to who to purchase systems/components/kits from?  What do you think would be a reasonable expense for a novice turner such as myself? I have a compressor in my shop, so that expense is not an issue. Any info or suggestions will be appreciated.  Thanks Steve.

6 minutes ago, PostalTom said:

Any info or suggestions will be appreciated.

I don't have a vacuum chuck but here is a great article on getting started-

https://www.woodworkersinstitute.com/wood-turning/techniques/ancillary-equipment/chucks/using-vacuum-chuck-systems/

40 minutes ago, PostalTom said:

I have been thinking about a vacuum chuck, so could I pick your brain for a few minutes?  If you were starting from scratch acquiring a vacuum chuck, would you opt for a ready made system, or would you buy the components separately and make a home made system?  Do you have any recommendations as to who to purchase systems/components/kits from?  What do you think would be a reasonable expense for a novice turner such as myself? I have a compressor in my shop, so that expense is not an issue. Any info or suggestions will be appreciated.  Thanks Steve.

Tom

It happens I have done it both ways. My first vacuum set up I made everything, including the rotary adapter. While a lot of people say it won't work I used my Sears shop vac to generate the vacuum. It worked very well actually and I never had a failure when using it. The biggest thing about using a shop vac to consider is they use the vacuum air flow for cooling the motor as well. It could shorten the life of motor if left running too long when using for a vacuum chuck.

I would probably still be using it but I stumbled onto a used holdfast venturi system for cheap and purchased that. I didn't like it at first  because I felt the shop vac setup was actually a more solid hold. Since then I've gotten used to it and it works well.

Even though the home made set up worked well, starting over I would go ahead with a purchased system. The holdfast system is available from Craft supply and/or Amazon. You will need the venturi and a rotary adapter, together they will cost $180.00 or so. The rotary adapter will work with pretty much any vacuum pump and would cost around 60 bucks by itself.

It's pretty simple for a person to make their own vacuum chucks and that's an easy way to save a few bucks. The one I use the most is just a piece of maple tapped to fit my spindle with self stick craft foam on the face. Bob Hamilton has a series of videos on his channel about using a shop vac if you'd care to watch them. Hope that answers your questions, if not, let me know and I'll help as I can

 

Steve

 

 

There are different places for buying parts for a vacuum system.  Here is one of them where you can buy parts or the complete system and everything in between.

 

https://www.frugalvacuumchuck.com/partspumps-accessories.html

 

Dan

I have the Frugal system. Looked buying parts and building but for only about 50 more I could get the whole system and then you can make your own chucks for little or nothing. I think I have had mine for 5 years and he has now upgraded some items in the kit.