vacuum pump

[Bryan Richardson]

I jjust purchased the valves, etc to set up a vacuum pump on my lathe, but I still need the pump. Can anyone recommend an inexpensive place to purchase a new/used pump? Thanks a bunch.
I also just got back from the Richmond AAW conference. Lots of fun!

[Steve Schlumpf]

Bryan - most of us have picked this pump and are very happy with it.

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2005112610274439&item=4-1540&catname=air

Looking forward to seeing your vacuum system once you get it built!

[Chris Haas]

does anyone have a homade vacuum system they have made?? what parts or pieces did you have to come up with??

[Jim Becker]

I agree with Steve...the Gast 523 series is probably the most popular and usually available from surplus sources for a reasonable price.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Chris - I put together a system a while ago and included a short 'how to' with all the pieces used. Check it out and if you have any questions... let me know.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=84279

[Bruce Pennell]

Joe Woodworker (http://www.veneersupplies.com/vacuum_press.php) offers free plans for building vacuum systems, they also sell systems, parts ect.. Hope this gives you some more ideas...Bruce

[Christopher K. Hartley]

Chris try this article from my site. Hope it helps.:)
http://home.comcast.net/~hartleyck/TipsTricks/VacuumTut.pdf

does anyone have a homade vacuum system they have made?? what parts or pieces did you have to come up with??

[Bryan Richardson]

Thanks everyone for your help. Of course, after I posted my question I looked and found a number of previous posts that answered most of my questions. One final question though: most pumps are 220V, can you purchase a pump that runs on 110V? I am not an electrician, so that would keep me from hiring one to set up my shop for 220V.
Thanks again... Bryan

[Ralph Lindberg]

Bryan, yes you can find 110V vacuum pumps, they just cost more (sometimes much more) due to demand
Like $400 (new)

[TYLER WOOD]

Try any type of small motor with a pully that will spin at 1750. Get an ac compressor from a 70's model Ford truck. Hook them up together and for about 150 you can have a pump system. WORKS GREAT. Ernie Showalter has a atricle in American Woodturner Techniques and projects issue that will show you how to make one. I have built one, as well as a couple frinends have built them. Not one has broken or lost a bowl due to the system. In Lubbock Texas I can pull 22 inches of mercury from it. And mine is not really sealed well becasue of my lack of plumbing skills. So a better plumber could probably pull 24.

[Jim Becker]

Tyler, that's not a bad idea, but the Gast pumps most favored for this very often sell for much lower than $150 via the surplus channel. Mine was literally brand new and cost $125. Used ones sell for considerably less sometimes via surplus or "that auction site".

[John Gornall]

I followed ebay for 2 weeks until I bought a 110v Gast in my own area for 125.00 including shipping. Had to be fast as it was a "buy it now" auction.

Almost new, 2 glass bowl filters with clean elements, and power cord.

Vacuum chuck is one of those tools that's really worthwhile - it makes things easy!

[Don Robert]

The Gast pump I have can be wired for either 110 or 220 V.

[Darryl Hansen]

try Noble http://www.wbnoble.com he usually has some very good pumps and lots of suggestions. Darryl