vacuum pump help/suggestions

o2bjedi · Post by **o2bjedi** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 9:11 pm

So I have a old gast pump/oil circulated and it used to pull 15 inches of mercury and now it only pulls 5. i don't think the oil is circulating from the glass container. Does there need to be a medal needle in which the oil releases into the rest of the pump? It may need to be cleaned/serviced? I want to buy a newer/stronger pump but don't want to pay hundreds. Suggestions?

OAC · Post by **OAC** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 11:35 pm

Change the oil. I have to do that from time to time. My pump is from 1975.

o2bjedi · Post by **o2bjedi** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 9:20 pm

I'll try changing the oil but I don't know that it will be able to pull my dense rubber sheet for my bladder/mold table. I have scoured the forums and topics and really don't think my pump will work. I looked at the joethewoodworker stuff and am wondering if their $300 veneer pump is worth it. I have also looked at the gast diaphragm pumps on ebay and they don't seem to have valves to connect a hose. Basically, I need a PUMP that I can hook-up a tube to my mold and pull 15 plus. I am desperate! Finding the right pump is frustrating me. I have searched many forum topics and need a simple (cheap) pump.
HELP!!!

sammer · Post by **sammer** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 9:05 pm

Search vacuum pumps on ebay.
There are dozens that will work.
Or build one from a fridge compressor. For that google is your friend.

I bought one from VIOT (it was cheap) it smokes like crazy. Not really happy, they told me "it's normal".
I use vacuum pumps everyday for a living,
If I was gonna buy a new one it would be a JB eliminator.
They are quiet, don't smoke, and work great but are fairly pricey.
Two stage rotary pumps should have the oil changed every time you use them. Adds a bit to the cost but they last longer.

sam

hafte · Post by **hafte** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 6:51 am

WOW, i only paid $140 or so for my Joe wood worked setup. In pinch you can use a vacuum cleaner. I know of a guy that made surf boards that way. He would go and get user vacuum cleaners at teh pawn shops and use them until they would burn out.

A good combo would be to get the gear to make a vacuum clamber from Joe wood worker and use a fridge pump as mentioned or the vacuum cleaner. The chamber will keep the pump from running all the time during the cure.

I found a AC vacuum pump at the pawn shop for $90 and connected that to the vacuum chamber to keep it from running all the time and smoking me out.

If I remember right the most expensive part of my system was the PVC pipe for the chamber.

Hafte

Jibber · Post by **Jibber** » Sat Feb 19, 2011 10:09 am

I would prefer an oil-free pump (=maintenance free). Search Ebay for Thomas, Becker or KNF Neuberger. I bought a used KNF for around 50€ on Ebay and the pump works perfect. I let it run over night if I press a kiteboard.

Cheers, Christoph

Huck Pitueee · Post by **Huck Pitueee** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 11:42 am

I've used an automotive vaccum assist pump for 10 years.It uses a diaphram so you dont have oil in the system.It's also quiet and weighs about 6 lbs. Cost 50 bucks used.

knightsofnii · Post by **knightsofnii** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 6:11 pm

pipe it to the intake of your car

o2bjedi · Post by **o2bjedi** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 7:19 pm

Nice suggestion knights! I got the pump up to 15 inches. I stripped it apart and cleaned it up-a whole lot of fuss for nothing! Maybe i'll upgrade in the future.

Drew · Post by **Drew** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 5:54 am

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-vacuum ... 96677.html

could that work?

OAC · Post by **OAC** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 8:29 am

Notice that it's a Venturi type. Which means that you need a compressor to get an air flow.
Besides that it will work.
Disclaimer: I have never used one my self, but I know people who has.

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