Old guy wrote:

How about a 1/4 flex plastic hose ductaped to the tool?

Several of reasons why not.

First, with all the turning and twisting and swinging/pivoting
of the tool(s), the damn thing would either be in the way
- or get pinched between the tool and the tool rest.

Second, duct tape leaves a sticky residue behind - which
would load up with dust and chips.

Third, would still need a hose from the compressor to
the plastic tube, a reducer to get down to 1/4", a shut
off valve and a bleeder valve (I don't think my pressure
regulator will do down to 2-4 psi. I want to PUFF the
dust and chips out of the way - not blast them all over
hell.

Maybe a little vibrating aquarium pump and a goose neck
lamp neck might work. Hmmmm - I've got one of those
pumps around here somewhere (the kid's gold fish has
been gone for a while).

But if the scroll saw folks built a small diaphram pump
into their motor drive - with hose, flexible or adjustable,
why don't lathe makers get on the ball. No adapting, no
pressure bleeders, no shut off valve, no hose from the
compressor.

Lathe makers - are you listening. This might earn you
an Innovators Award from one of the woodworking
magazines.

charlie b

patent pending, void where prohibited by law, your
mileage may vary, consult your doctor before using,
keep out of reach of children, use only when wearing
safety glasses, kevlar gloves, hearing protection,
dust mask rated for nuclear reactor containment
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Do not use when taking medications that specify that
you should not drive or operate machines or power tools