Abstract: Apparatus for gripping workpieces using a vacuum includes a plurality of throat bores in a support block, each bore having a constricted portion of its length of a diameter such that the air flow permitted through all of the bores together is less than the pumping capacity of a vacuum pump that draws a vacuum through the bores. In a preferred embodiment, the constricted portions of the bores have a diameter of about 0.008 inches. A rubber pad affixed to the front face of the support block has pad bores therethrough corresponding to the locations of the throat bores, and also has suction cups on the front face of the pad, through which the vacuum is applied, to aid in gripping the workpiece. A vacuum manifold over the back face of the support block draws a vacuum through the bores, thereby gripping the workpiece.