DreamTime
Member
I use this pump: http://www.amazon.com/FJC-6905-Vacuum-Pump-1-5/dp/B002DMZA2G/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1334439490&sr=8-5 It only costs $85. It’s a 2-stage 1.5cfm and it works great. Done at least 10 runs with it and haven’t had a problem.Ok, I have a question about vacuum purging and I figured this would be the place to ask it since there are a few experienced hash heads here. I've been looking for a good quality vacuum pump because I am sick of the little hand pump, but I LOVE the results it gives, quite clean, it's just not economical.
I'm not about all the "Vacuum purge on the cheap" type threads and ideas, I want to do it right (as right as one can without a vent hood that is) so the question is: What are the best options when looking at vacuums pumps?
It seems obvious to me that I need a 2-stage over a 1-stage pump as the 2-stage pulls a deeper vacuum and more quickly, but CFM doesn't seem to matter unless I get a larger vac chamber.
I'd rather not have to spend more than $200 on a pump/vac-meter/hoses, I have everything else I need except lube for my desiccator(suggestions?). I've been looking at the 2 pumps at Harbor Freight (1-stage) http://www.harborfreight.com/25-cfm-vacuum-pump-98076.html (2-stage) http://www.harborfreight.com/two-stage-3-cfm-air-vacuum-pump-66466.html and the Vac Tester: http://www.harborfreight.com/fuel-pump-and-vacuum-tester-93547.html
I dunno if I like the cheaper one, but I'm always a little iffy on harbor freights *brand*. So I guess really all I'd like to know is what is a good option for a starter Vacuum pump in the range of $150-200. How long will the pump last, how much oil will it take to maintain, and really just overall whats the best bang for one's buck that doesn't totally destroy the wallet?
IMO the cfm doesn't matter. The size of the vacuum chambers we use are so small that even my little 1.5cfm pump will hit full vacuum on my chamber in less than 2 minutes.