David Pascoe
02-08-2017, 4:59 PM
For those of you who may be looking for a good quality vacuum pump, at a reasonable price, that won't burn up in a couple months, here is something to consider.
I've done almost daily vacuum laminating of shop-sawn veneers for about three years now. In that time I've gone thru three Robinair and one other Hvac pumps that lost vacuum power and started spewing smokey vapors. Two were replaced on warranty and crapped out within months. Finally exasperated, I did some research and discovered that these HVAC pumps (so called because they were designed for use with evacuating refrigerant from refrigeration and air conditioning systems. They are not intended for continuous duty operation that a vacuum press may require.
Armed with this info I gallantly went forward looking for a continuous duty pump, of which there is no shortage available. But I got a real slap in the face at the prices of these commercial grade machines is . . . . $1200 to over $2,000 for a small, portable pump pulling at least one atmosphere (29" Hg). I next went to Ebay looking for used machines where I was surprised to find a plethora suitable candidates, priced at almost ridiculously low prices. There were at least 8 used Leybold model D2.5E pumps priced at $300 or less. I picked up one for $108.00 INCLUDING shipping. Folks, this pump retails for $1826.00 new. Its 220V, 60 Hz with a rather slow but very powerful draw of 1.5 cu.ft./min. Note: large CFM's are not needed for small bags of 16'sq. or less. These prices were so low that it made me suspicious: what's wrong with them, worn out, inoperative, What?
Why so cheap? These pumps are used by the thousands in research, pharmaceutical and bio med industries and they apparently change them out like changing underwear, and dump them off to salvagers, so that's why there are so many of this and other big name brands. The market is pretty much flooded with them. Mine was in excellent condition and worked perfectly. It was a risk, for sure, but at that price well worth risking a hundred bucks to find out.
This pump runs for hours on end without overheating or excessive smoking. But like all rotary pumps, it will leak back thru the pump, so a check valve is needed (costs more than the pump) in the suction line.353502Leybold Trivac D2.5E;Weight, 33 lbs.; Single phase 220V., 1/4 hp; Dual stage, rotary vane; speed, 1.9 cfm; ultimate pressure: 29" Hg.; noise: 46 dbl.
I've done almost daily vacuum laminating of shop-sawn veneers for about three years now. In that time I've gone thru three Robinair and one other Hvac pumps that lost vacuum power and started spewing smokey vapors. Two were replaced on warranty and crapped out within months. Finally exasperated, I did some research and discovered that these HVAC pumps (so called because they were designed for use with evacuating refrigerant from refrigeration and air conditioning systems. They are not intended for continuous duty operation that a vacuum press may require.
Armed with this info I gallantly went forward looking for a continuous duty pump, of which there is no shortage available. But I got a real slap in the face at the prices of these commercial grade machines is . . . . $1200 to over $2,000 for a small, portable pump pulling at least one atmosphere (29" Hg). I next went to Ebay looking for used machines where I was surprised to find a plethora suitable candidates, priced at almost ridiculously low prices. There were at least 8 used Leybold model D2.5E pumps priced at $300 or less. I picked up one for $108.00 INCLUDING shipping. Folks, this pump retails for $1826.00 new. Its 220V, 60 Hz with a rather slow but very powerful draw of 1.5 cu.ft./min. Note: large CFM's are not needed for small bags of 16'sq. or less. These prices were so low that it made me suspicious: what's wrong with them, worn out, inoperative, What?
Why so cheap? These pumps are used by the thousands in research, pharmaceutical and bio med industries and they apparently change them out like changing underwear, and dump them off to salvagers, so that's why there are so many of this and other big name brands. The market is pretty much flooded with them. Mine was in excellent condition and worked perfectly. It was a risk, for sure, but at that price well worth risking a hundred bucks to find out.
This pump runs for hours on end without overheating or excessive smoking. But like all rotary pumps, it will leak back thru the pump, so a check valve is needed (costs more than the pump) in the suction line.353502Leybold Trivac D2.5E;Weight, 33 lbs.; Single phase 220V., 1/4 hp; Dual stage, rotary vane; speed, 1.9 cfm; ultimate pressure: 29" Hg.; noise: 46 dbl.