I was watching the jam chuck piece by Mike Peace in Lew's Wednesday post. I know what they are and have made one or 2, but not very well. But i'm wondering, does a vacuum chuck take the place of a jam chuck in most cases? I have a vacuum press and could use the pump to power a vacuum chuck easily enough but have no idea of how useful that would be.

I have often thought about buying/making a vacuum chuck. My current lathe supports the installation of one.

 

One of the drawbacks of the vacuum chuck is that some species- like red oak, ash and some others come to mind because of there open grain. Also, the turning should be smooth and not have an irregular shape. 

 

@Gerald and @Steve Krumanaker I believe have a vacuum chuck. Not sure but @calabrese55 may have one also.

There are certainly pieces where a jamb chuck just won't work, just as there are pieces where a jamb chuck wouldn't work. I wholeheartedly believe though anyone who turns bowls can benefit from having a jamb chuck. They are just so convenient to use. I would add that when I'm using either I keep tail stock support for as long as possible. I don't recall ever having a problem with  any open grain wood using a vacuum chuck, maybe because a bowl is cross grain to it?

1 hour ago, Steve Krumanaker said:

I wholeheartedly believe though anyone who turns bowls can benefit from having a jamb chuck.

doh, of course I meant vacuum chuck

Thanks for the note wish I could contribute but never tried vacuum chucks. I made a donut chuck and used it for a time until I scavenged the material for my steady rest.

Just now, calabrese55 said:

Thanks for the note wish I could contribute but never tried vacuum chucks. I made a donut chuck and used it for a time until I scavenged the material for my steady rest.

That is a really nice steady rest!

I have a Frugal Vacum chuck and it works for most turnings I do. As Steve said I have never had a problem with open grain woods. Yes you lose some vaccum but not a significant amount. You do need a consistent curve for vacum to work. I have used it on hollow forms also but it is difficult to get good results. Best case is to keep tailstock up till almost finished. Oh and when using it always take light cuts. 

Thanks    Fred   Gerald   Headhunter    lew  for looking in , always appreciate you ongoing contributions here