I keep looking at this vacuum chuck system from Woodturners Wonders.  Does anyone have any experience with this system?  They advertise it as a complete system, minus the compressor of course, for $249.95.

 

I started out with this offering from https://www.simplewoodturningtools.com/products/vacuum-chuck-for-woodturning-on-a-wood-lathe?variant=24831074181.  This is very simple to setup and use. Will work on any lathe provided that you have a 3/8" passthrough.  

 

Pretty quickly you will want to get better alignment of the work when applying to the vacuum chuck.   One option is to use an adapter with a MT2 on one side and spindle threads on the other.  This will allow you to mount the chuck on the tail stock and slide the work up to the vacuum chuck with greater precision.  

 

Why I stopped using and went back to cole jaws. 

Discoloration of the wood.  I've had instances where the finish on the outside appeared inside the vchuck after dismounting. 

Raised wood fibers.  On what was once a perfectly finished surface, I now have a rough spot under the chuck.  

Frequent replacement of neoprene.  As you use your new vchuck, the neoprene gasket will harden over time reducing "holding power"  

Stains from the gasket.  The gasket tends to retain finish residue and grime. This tends to "leave a ring" on the wood where the chuck contacts the surface. 

 

Just my .02

.40

 

Edited January 11, 20242 yr by forty_caliber

I think @Gerald uses a vacuum chuck. Maybe he will have some additional input.

I have a Frugal Vacum chuck system. This is the old link Frugal but he has sold the company and they have a new chuck. Website shows the original info so not sure if still there but there is a contact on site. I like mine and it functions very well. Have gotten up to 26 with good seal. I have not had any problems but as with any system requires light cuts. Have no had any discoloration problems using craft foam. Mine used a lamp rod thru headstock to a bearing in chuck. The new setup uses a hose to a pvc fitting with bearing and a rubber ring for a seal. No pics but a friend got the new chuck and it is cool but I still wonder if the new chuck is not Frugal.

4 hours ago, PostalTom said:

complete system, minus the compressor of course, for $249.95.

I forget what I paid for mine  it's all aluminum and o-rings.  BUT  it did not come with a rotary  vacuum joint and I had to make my own. so think you are golden