NOVA VACUUM CHUCKING EQUIPMENTS

Vacuum chucking is a handy way of remounting bowls to return the outside - to add more decoration or simply remove previous holding areas to give a completely smooth bottom.

The Vacuum coupler accessory allows enables you to adapt your Nova 3000, NOVA 1624-44, DVR XP, DVR 3000, TL1500 or Comet lathe to a vacuum source. The vacuum coupler consists of a sealed ball bearing unit with a boss section with threaded holes to allow you to attach a plastic tube (not provided) which goes to your vacuum source - most commonly a household vacuum cleaner.  Some custom fitting of the hose to the vacuum cleaner will be necessary.  
 

NOVA Handwheel (Available)

Codes: LHB

Fit Nova 1624-44, NOVA 3000, NOVA 1500 lathes

This Handwheel is threaded, and screws into the back of the Headstock spindle on the Nova Lathes.

The Handwheel can be used simply in a Handwheel function for turning work on spindle easily prior to switching on the lathe and so on. Many users turn a smooth Wooden disk attachment that they fix to the outside diameter for the Handwheel to use as a Handbrake.

The Handwheel also has a stepped section inside, which fits the Vacuum Coupler attachment.

Code: 25008

The Vacuum Coupler is a separate unit that fits into the Handwheel Accessory. This unit then works in conjunction with the vacuum faceplate for vacuum chucking work. Includes a manual for the set up and operation of the unit.

The Vacuum Faceplate Unit (Phase Out)

Code: FPV

This is designed to fit into the standard Nova and SuperNova chuck 50mm jaws. This provides a faceplate facility to enable you to vacuum chuck. Includes a manual for the set up and operation of the unit.

For More information on the Vacuum Chucking, please read the article at:

http://www.woodturners.org/new_gwg/tech_tips/vacuum_chuck/basics_of_vacuum_chucks.htm

http://www.woodturns.com/articles/tools/vacuum_chuck.htm
 

The Vacuum coupler system is designed for high volume low pressure usually from a shop vac or household vacuum cleaner system. This allows for loss of vacuum from the fit between work piece and rubber sealing plate and the various seals and fittings. In is actually important for the vacuum cleaner type system to have a by pass flow of air to keep the motor cool.

It is essential to provide an air bleed (a deliberate leak) in this type of system to prolong the life of the vacuum cleaner as the motor relies on the air flow to keep cool. If you have a perfect seal, you will burn the cleaner motor out

The vacuum type pump produces a high vacuum, but has low capacity to extract air (so that the pump can't keep ahead of the in flow of air)

It is difficult to maintain a good seal between work piece and vacuum chuck face. The high volume of the vacuum cleaner means that the pressure against the faceplate will be maintained under turning conditions regardless of the movement or flexing of the work piece. With a low volume pump there is a danger of any loss of seal causing the vacuum to de-pressurize and the work piece coming loose. The margin between successful holding and loss of work piece pressure is very finite. It is not recommended to use a vacuum pump, but if one is used the pump needs to be able to deliver good volume

In general vacuum chucking needs to be treated with caution and turning should always be done at low speeds, a faceplate and other precautions are required. Only light cutting and sanding finishing should be attempted.

Vacuum chucking works successfully with larger diameter pieces as the diameter reduces the pressure differential holding force reduces, small pieces may not hold successfully.

Avoid too much pressure - higher vacuums can impose high forces and break or distort a work piece, monitor pressure with a gauge and regulate with some by pass.
 

Is it necessary to use the Teknatool Nova Vacuum Faceplate, or can I use some other product?

The vacuum faceplate we supply is for use with the Nova and Super Nova chucks. This allows for quick changing of the chucks between different modes and the chuck doesn't need to come of the spindle from rouging of the blank to fine finishing on the underside with vacuum.

However any type of chuck can be used as the backing plate for the vacuum faceplate. It is normally a piece of MDF (or similar timber disk) and has foam rubber glued on the front face, also often a series of grooves are cut in the face to take cardboard and plastic tubes.

Both the 80mm and 150 mm faceplates are suitable as backing plates.