Harbor Frieght Vacum Pumps

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Kendallqn

Kendallqn

Member
Joined
May 9, 2013
Messages
114
Location
Phoenix, Az 85044
After Making a trip down to the local harbor freight store I noticed they sell 2 different vacuum pumps. They have one that's a single stage and one that's a 2 stage. Are either one of these worth buying? And is the 2 stage a better way to go. I want to build a chamber for use with the cactus juice and am just wondering if either one will work or if I need to look for a better one elsewhere.
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
I would recommend that you take a look at the Robinaire 15310 over any of the HF pumps. You can pick it up at Amazon for $115 shipped. It is still an asian import but is much better, IMO, than the HF pump. The chief complaint I hear from folks with the HF pump is that it puts out an oily mist in the air of their shop. The Robinaire does not.

As for single stage vs. two stage...I used to recommend two stage pumps as they are capable of pulling a deeper vacuum. However, after doing a lot of testing of my own with both a 2 stage and a single stage, I now recommend saving the money and buying a single stage. For stabilizing, you will just not recognize the benefit of the 2 stage, IMO. BTW, my testing was done with a digital HVAC vacuum gauge that measures in microns which is MUCH more precise than an analog gauge that measures inHg and the single stage pulled a similar vacuum to the two stage.
 
I just realized I have a vac pump already I have a huge vacuum mounting table for art work it has a pump under it that is made by GAST model 71R dual. That should work am I right?? I don't know what the numbers mean but I pasted them below. Can one of you who knows let me know if this will pull enough vacuum for what I want to do???



Description

The outstanding performance and flexibility of Gast oilless Rocking Piston air compressors and vacuum pumps, available in standard, twin, and miniature styles, make them the perfect choice for hundreds of applications.
Air flow capabilities from 3.4 lpm to 5.5 cfm (9.35 m3/h) are available as are vacuum capabilities up to 29 in. Hg (31 mbar) and pressure to 175 psig (12 bar). Choose from dual frequency, shaded pole, and permanent split capacitor (psc) electric motors with AC multi-voltages available for worldwide applications as well as 6, 12, and 24 volt DC models in brush and brushless types. Horsepower range from 1/20 to 1/2 HP (0.04 to 0.37 kW).
Applications

  • Oxygen Concentrators
  • Beverage Dispensing
  • Body Fluid Analysis
  • Automotive Suspension
  • Dental Vacuum Ovens
  • Vacuum Frames
  • Core Drilling
Performance Summary

Max Flow (50 Hz)3.25 - 4.5 cfm (5.52 - 7.65 m3/h)Max Flow (60 Hz)4.0 - 4.5 cfm (6.8 - 7.65 m3/h)Max Pressure15 - 100 psi (1.04 - 7 bar)Max Vacuum28 in-Hg (65 mbar)Power Rating1/3 - 3/4 hp (0.25 - 0.56 kW)
 
Yes, it sounds like it will work IF yours is one of the models that will pull the 29" Hg vacuum. If it is lower, it will still work and is worth using but you will not be getting the best results possible.
 
Last edited:
tomas said:
ToolTopia.com has a 3CFM, 2 stage pump for under $115.

Tomas
Click to expand...

I just went and took a look. If you are talking about this one Great deal on FJC 6909 at ToolTopia.com, it is NOT a two stage pump! "Twin port technology" and two stage are not the same. Also, FJC is basically the same pump that HF sells with just a different name on it. I know folks that have FJC pumps and they complain about the oil cloud just the same.
 
I've experianced this mist on a first hand basis...a fuel filter on the exhaust port (search function) works very well! On a positive note, my truck was happy to get a wash after the oil dusting!!
 
Overall, Gast pumps are very nice, and often expensive, machines. They are very popular for daily use in scientific applications.
 
I have the Robinair 15310 and Curtis used it at the MAPG. Worked fine. After the MAPG, I stabilized several blanks with the Cactus Juice system with the Robinair pump. Turned the blanks today and they are everything I expected them to be.
Thanks Curtis, great system!!

Bill Sampson, Richmond
 
MesquiteMan said:
tomas said:
ToolTopia.com has a 3CFM, 2 stage pump for under $115.

Tomas
Click to expand...

I just went and took a look. If you are talking about this one Great deal on FJC 6909 at ToolTopia.com, it is NOT a two stage pump! "Twin port technology" and two stage are not the same. Also, FJC is basically the same pump that HF sells with just a different name on it. I know folks that have FJC pumps and they complain about the oil cloud just the same.
Click to expand...


Curtis,

You are correct, except the one I was looking at was the Mastercool, but it does say 2 port rather than 2 stage.
Tomas
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom