Timberly  Nova Handwheel Vacuum Coupler 

Post listed is for New Zealand only  email for a post quote if over seas 

How to set up on your Nova Lathe 

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.

Handwheel or screws not provided  coupler only

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 Hand wheel Supplied with Dvr-XP’s and Dvr 2024 available as an accessory for 1624 Dvr 3000  Nova 3000 and  Nova Comet's

Teknatool Handwheel

Vacuum Chuck Faceplate Rubber

Items required for Vacuum Chucking:

Codes: LHB  Handwheel

Fit Nova 1624-44, NOVA 3000, NOVA 1500 ,Nova Dvr 3000  Nova DVR XP   Nova Saturn  Nova Orion 

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.
Safety warnings, cautions and general questions

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.