We've had a lot of requests from customers on how to build our vacuum system, so here it is. Low power, low noise, and straightforward to put together. We sell them, but we're equally happy to help you DIY. Follow just the vacuum section if you already have a chip jar, or keep reading for the full setup.
VACUUM
This will work with any lathe. First off, you need the buy the pump. We would recommend using a Jecod/Jebao PA-100. We have tested the PA-60 and PA-80 which all work perfectly well, but it never hurts to have a touch more suction.
Here is the pump in its original state
Take off the top cover, this is its air inlet, remove the cover and the filter.
Now you need to get an adapter 3D printed, use the files below for either 32mm or 38mm vacuum hosing depending what you want.
32mm: CLICK HERE
38mm: CLICK HERE
You must glue and seal this adapter to the top of the pump, we use an adhesive and sealant all in one called Sika Stixall, but even silicone will work fine. Once set, tape the adapter down nice and tight and leave for 24 hours to set and cure.
You now have a working, low power, low noise vacuum for your lathe.
CHIP JAR
There are many ways to make a chip jar, in these images it’s simply a glass jar and air tight bamboo lid, 1.8l capacity.
Our latex hosing from the lathe has 12mm OD, so we have used 12mm ID pneumatic coupling, but you could also use a barbed hose tail if that suits you better. Then for the vacuum end we use a 32mm OD barbed hose tail with 1” BSP male thread, and on the other side, a 1” BSP female thread filter.
Seal it all up nice, you can use the same sealant as used for the vacuum adapter, or if your holes are cut nicely you could just use rubber washers. Just make sure you cut the inlet and outlet holes to match your inlet and outlet parts.
Now you have a complete vacuum system for any lathe.