I made a simple modification to the hand wheel on a Jet 1642 lathe to adapt
it for Vacuum. I counter bored the aluminum wheel to accomodate a sealed
automotive bearing. I chose a bearing with an ID that was very close to
the OD of a common brass thread adapter at a local auto parts store ( ~ $
8.00 ). I simply epoxied the brass assembly into the bearing. The bearing
is retained in the handwheel with 2 set screws for easy removal for knock
out bar use when used for standard turning.

I salvaged the pump from a piece of industrial equipment that was being
scrapped. The control setup allows me to bleed air for vacuum adjustment
since this pump draws 26 in. Hg. I added a quick connect for additional
vacuum take-off for a future veneering vacuum press if I ever get aroung to
building one. For now it gets used to suck plastic beverage bottles flat to
make more room in the recycle bin. Sure is fun, but my wife thinks I'm
goofy.

It works very well and was a simple modification that has greatly extended
the versatility of this fine tool.

On Sun, 21 Oct 2007 06:55:35 -0700, "Dick Mahany" wrote:

I made a simple modification to the hand wheel on a Jet 1642 lathe to adapt
it for Vacuum. I counter bored the aluminum wheel to accomodate a sealed
automotive bearing. I chose a bearing with an ID that was very close to
the OD of a common brass thread adapter at a local auto parts store ( ~ $
8.00 ). I simply epoxied the brass assembly into the bearing. The bearing
is retained in the handwheel with 2 set screws for easy removal for knock
out bar use when used for standard turning.

I salvaged the pump from a piece of industrial equipment that was being
scrapped. The control setup allows me to bleed air for vacuum adjustment
since this pump draws 26 in. Hg. I added a quick connect for additional
vacuum take-off for a future veneering vacuum press if I ever get aroung to
building one. For now it gets used to suck plastic beverage bottles flat to
make more room in the recycle bin. Sure is fun, but my wife thinks I'm
goofy.

It works very well and was a simple modification that has greatly extended
the versatility of this fine tool.


Looks like a good setup, Dick..

My only question is why take off the handwheel?

On my 1442 I sort of did hat you did, but left the handwheel in place.. Just
feels weird not to have one..


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

Mac,

I did not remove the handwheel on the Jet 1642. That cylindrical aluminum
piese IS the handwheel. It's sort of an odd design, but the VS motor
location on that model doesn't allow for a more traditional wheel.

Dick


"mac davis" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 21 Oct 2007 06:55:35 -0700, "Dick Mahany"
wrote:

I made a simple modification to the hand wheel on a Jet 1642 lathe to
adapt
it for Vacuum. I counter bored the aluminum wheel to accomodate a sealed
automotive bearing. I chose a bearing with an ID that was very close to
the OD of a common brass thread adapter at a local auto parts store ( ~ $
8.00 ). I simply epoxied the brass assembly into the bearing. The
bearing
is retained in the handwheel with 2 set screws for easy removal for knock
out bar use when used for standard turning.

I salvaged the pump from a piece of industrial equipment that was being
scrapped. The control setup allows me to bleed air for vacuum adjustment
since this pump draws 26 in. Hg. I added a quick connect for additional
vacuum take-off for a future veneering vacuum press if I ever get aroung
to
building one. For now it gets used to suck plastic beverage bottles flat
to
make more room in the recycle bin. Sure is fun, but my wife thinks I'm
goofy.

It works very well and was a simple modification that has greatly extended
the versatility of this fine tool.


Looks like a good setup, Dick..

My only question is why take off the handwheel?

On my 1442 I sort of did hat you did, but left the handwheel in place..
Just
feels weird not to have one..


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

On Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:10:13 -0700, "Dick Mahany" wrote:

Mac,

I did not remove the handwheel on the Jet 1642. That cylindrical aluminum
piese IS the handwheel. It's sort of an odd design, but the VS motor
location on that model doesn't allow for a more traditional wheel.

Dick


Ahh... ok... I was wondering about that...
Looks like the aluminum mandrel for a Beall buffing wheel.. lol

My 1442 had a nice hand wheel and I improved it, IMHO, by gluing a piece of
corien on it and turning it to the diameter of the wheel..
The center of the corien is bored as a recess for the sealed bearing with a
brass fitting in it.. Poor man's rotary valve (4th or 5th attempt) and a nice,
usable hand wheel..


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing