Re: [TCML] Vacuum Pump Question

[Paul Brodie <paulb.brodie@xxxxxxxxx>]

The Harbor Freight vacuum pump was only about $80 the last time I looked.
This is the smaller, lower horse power one. They have one with more horse
power for about $130. They should be fairly decent pumps, as they are
designed to evacuate auto air conditioning systems.
Think Positive
Paul

On Sat, Oct 8, 2011 at 10:31 AM, <jhowson4@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Hello David,
>
> I have tinkered with both the little food saved pump and the air
> conditioner pump back in the day when i was messing with a farnsworth fusor,
> both are very leaky. Very might be an understatment. I mean, really really
> really stinkin leaky.
> The issue is that those are single vane pumps while most of the ones you
> need to get down to the torr to mtorr range are rotary vane pumps.
>
> I ended up buying one of those cheapo Chinese HVAC pumps off of eBay. Cost
> 200+ shipping new I believe. If you care careful and really lucky you can
> get one that gets you to about10mtorr. ( Definitly worth the investment ). I
> think I clocked mine in at about 15mtorr, but i would have to go home and
> look to be able to tell you. most HVAC pumps are good for 30mtorr so 15 is
> excellent.
> Granted its still crap compared to the good scientific pumps but it has
> served me well for 5 or 6 years and it sure beats trying to jury rig
> something every time I want a little vacuum.
>
> So for your laser, I dont know if those pumps will get you to a single
> torr, I am betting on probably not.
>
> You should also invest in a nice needle valve. You life will be easier when
> making your laser.
>
> In either case check for both on ebay. Make sure the auction is in good
> condition, and says rotary 2-vane, and HIGH vacuum pump. or some veriation
> of that.
>
> Hope this helps you
>
>
>
> Thanks,
> John "Jay" Howson IV
>
>
> "Why thank you, I will be happy to take those electrons off you hands."
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Harold Weiss" <hweiss@xxxxxxxxxx>
> To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Friday, October 7, 2011 11:41:28 PM
> Subject: [TCML] Vacuum Pump Question
>
> Hi All,
>
> This is a little off topic, but applies to Geisler/neon/laser tubes.
>
> Has anyone used, or tried to use, a vacuum pump out of a Food Saver for
> pumping down to around a torr or less, or is it too leaky for that kind of
> vacuum?
>
> In this case, I'd like to use it for a small low flow CO2 laser. I'd also
> like to try using it for some of Tesla's lighting experiments once I get
> better at glass blowing.
>
> I do have a pump out of an air conditioner if this won't work.
>
> David Weiss
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