Hello All,
I've been trying to research vacuum pumps for setting up a vacuum chuck system on my lathe (Laguna Revo 18|36). I thought I'd find some information here, but I only found one post (from Nov 2011). That post suggested at least a 4 CFM pump, and someone else suggested an Oil-less pump, but no other specifics. It was suggested that used GAST pumps can be purchased on ebay fairly cheap, but it was also suggested that others have had success with the cheaper pumps (Harbor Freight was mentioned). I don't turn a lot of bowls, but wanted to turn more, and I've had instances with smaller projects where the vacuum system would have come in handy, so I thought I'd start looking into the parts to set up a system. So here are my questions:
1) INITIAL Pump cost.. Used Gast pumps are about $200 on ebay. So since I'm just starting out, it would seem prudent to spend $50 for a cheap pump, then upgrade later if I find I'm going to use the system more. Would this make sense? If I start out with a cheapie then, what should I look for in those?
2) About the (cheap) pumps... The ones I found are small portable units (with handles) targeted at refrigeration recharging. The CFM is 4 or higher, so are these OK (as long as they have 4 CFM or higher)?
3) About the GAST pumps... From what I've found the model 523 is the one to get. But I found different versions of the same model. The middle number is different (ex: 0523-xxx-G588DNX), but they all look the same. Even on the Gast website they all show the same pump and specs, but they have different rebuild kit numbers, so it tells me something is different.
4) Does the 110v pumps pull a lot of juice (amps)? Does the amps increase as the vacuum pressure increases? If so, then I guess the 220 (dual voltage) would be worth getting (I use 220 in the shop so 220 would not be an issue).
5) Is there anything else I have to consider in a pump? (I know there are several other parts I need for the full setup).
I looked at those venturi systems to use with a compressor, but after adding up the cost of the items, I thought the vacuum pump setup would be better way to go.
Thanks for the assistance!
Cordially...JEB