Compressor for my new lathe??????

Barefoot turner · 25 Sep 2015

Hi there,
I've just ordered a Jet 4224b lathe from Axminster. It comes with a vacuum chuck but needs a compressor to work it. Has anyone any idea on a good make and what to look out for?
Cheers.

SVB · 25 Sep 2015

Nice feature, not seen that before.

As even, call to manuf / APTC will be needed as depends on capacity of venturi pump system but I would estimate circa 3 - 5 cfm @ approx 90psi will be somewhere near what I would expect.

S

jurriaan · 28 Sep 2015

Do you perhaps remember making a vacuum in school? Based on the Venturi principle, vacuum was created by a fast water stream.

This only works while the water is kept on running, which also means your compressor will have to keep on running - be sure to get
a quiet compressor that is specced for continuous usage. I'm not sure if this principle is preferable to a real vacuum pump. I think
these are quieter?

woodpig · 28 Sep 2015

Most small compressors are very noisy and wouldn't last long running for prolonged periods like that. I'd see what Jet reccomend but wouldn't expect it to be cheap.

SVB · 28 Sep 2015

Decent size accumulator would be a must for sure (if nothing else than to mitigate power cuts!).

Simon

Monkey Mark · 28 Sep 2015

Surely it could be run off a vacuum pump? Minus the venturi of course.

I've looked at making a vacuum press/ vac former a few times. I was going to go down the venturi route but came to the conclusion that a vacuum pump would be better (especially if used in conjunction with a home made accumulator to stop it cycling as often). Keep an eye on ebay. Ex lab and school ones come on pretty cheap.