If you want to build a vacuum chamber big enough to do multiple size rotors/states for motors/generators, you could try to build it out of concrete.
Take a 55 gal steel drum, and drill a 1" diameter hole in the bottom of it. Then mount a 1" black iron pipe to the hole and let it stick out about 5" or so. Then for added concrete attachment, tack weld regular bolts to the outside of the drum, at every 45 degrees and spaced vertically every 4-5".
Then take 2 pieces of plywood and cut them 6"+ more in diameter than the drum. In one, drill a 1" hole in the center for the iron pipe.In the other, drill 4-6 1.5" holes about 0.5" out from the diameter of the drum...these holes are for the concrete to be poured through.
Place the drum on the lower plywood, making sure it is 3" above the plywood and the iron pipe sticks through the center. Take the upper plywood sheet and mount it to the drum.
Then take a piece of sheet metal or plastic and wrap around the circumference of the plywood in piece. If it doesn't want to wrap around properly, take some ratchet straps to position it and to tighten up the seam. Use duct tape to seal the edges and seam.
Then you can pour the concrete through the upper holes. Use one hole to pour and the others to agitate the mix in place. After its filled and has set, you can remove the formwork.
Let the concrete cure for about a month. Then seal it with an epoxy paint on all sides. I'd recommend 2 coats to be sure it's sealed.
Then go find a scrap piece of security plexiglas from a convenience store installer and cut it to fit the lid.Then add a rubber/silicone seal to it. Drill/tap 3 holes into it...one for your vacuum pump, one for a vacuum gauge, and one for a vacuum release hand valve.
Then you'll have a vacuum chamber that should last a fairly long time. And if you can get access to refractory materials, you can use the same construction method to build a burnout/foundry furnace.