this is my occasional post to the group about faceplates and vacuum pumps:
I offer inexpensive welded faceplates, starting at 5 for $25 in common sizes like 1"X8 and 1.25"X8, as well as other sizes.
I also sell vacuum/pressure pumps for use with your lathe - 1/3 horse dual wobble piston units that make nice vacuum chuck pumps and also have enough output to drive a small carving tool (like the powercrafter). These are used but tested.
For information on these items please refer to my web site below and navigate to the appropriate page. I have included (on the vacuum chuck page) a link to a lengthy article I wrote on the subject of vacuum chucks and how to make them, you can also find the article at
-- Bill - reply to wiilliam_b_noble at msn dot com also check out