Problem with Vacuum pot gauge fitment

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ccccchunt

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Joined
Nov 29, 2020
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Location
Silverdale, WA
Hello everyone,
Wanted to see if someone could give me a "sanity check" on something. Got my new vacuum pot in the mail today and was going about setting it up. Like expected, has a small hole in the top for the vacuum line/gauge to go through into the pot. It came with 2 steel washers and 2 rubber washers and a nut for on the underside. From the bottom up, it is..... Nut, steel washer, rubber washer, LID, rubber washer, Steel washer. When I tighten the nut, it does not have enough threads to cinch up tight. Wondering if this is supposed to fit tight or if the vacuum, once running would pull it down enough. There were also 4 small black rubber washers that do not seem to fit over the shaft of the vacuum pipe extending into the pot. Not sure where those would go.

I'm SO ready to stabilize some of the curly Koa I brought back from Oahu about 15 years back!!

Any thoughts or ideas on this problem??
 

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It has to fit tight or you won`t be able to pull a vaccuum . Are you concerned about stripping the threads if you really cinch it up ? Looks to me as though they penny pinched on the insert length . I would check with the supplier before doing anything . Smaller washers - replacement seals for gauge attacment ??
 
It looks like you bought the same one I did. There is a link to a video in the paperwork somewhere that shows you how to install the gage into the glass cover. it involves using the washers on the outer side of the glass cover and then making a twisted rope out of the Teflon tape included with the unit to seal the inner side.
I did the same thing you have done and that to think not enough hardware was provided but if you follow the video it all works.

If you cannot find the link in the paperwork here is link that shows the same basic technique but from a different manufacturer
Vacuum Gage install
 
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I think I got it fixed. I went into Home Depot and got some nylon washers and stacked them in so the nut would tighten down. Seems to be holding. If not, I think I will just give it an attitude adjustment with some 2 part epoxy!!
 
ccccchunt said:
I think I got it fixed. I went into Home Depot and got some nylon washers and stacked them in so the nut would tighten down. Seems to be holding. If not, I think I will just give it an attitude adjustment with some 2 part epoxy!!
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I tried the same thing and could not hold a vacuum. I followed the video's instructions and it works like a charm. Giving something that is pulling an absolute vacuum an attitude adjustment is not something you want to tinker with.
 
ok....not to hijack this but it seems like I have the same one, but your gauge has fluid/oil in it..... mine didn't come that way. Did you add fluid/oil? if so what type? Or does it need it?
 
jakoop said:
ok....not to hijack this but it seems like I have the same one, but your gauge has fluid/oil in it..... mine didn't come that way. Did you add fluid/oil? if so what type? Or does it need it?
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Jason,
My gauge came with oil in it. But the pump did not. I ended up going to Tractor supply and getting Vacuum pump oil but they only sold it by the gallon!!!
 
jakoop said:
ok....not to hijack this but it seems like I have the same one, but your gauge has fluid/oil in it..... mine didn't come that way. Did you add fluid/oil? if so what type? Or does it need it?
Click to expand...
I also found that the 2 gallon white buckets in Home Depot fit PERFECTLY inside my 2.5 gallon vacuum pot. Allows me to fill the bottom half with wood and pour in Cactus juice with about 2.5 inches above the wood. Then I can remove the white bucket and put the lid on for storage. I figure, once I get this down I can store different colors in different buckets but for now I'm just concentrating on clear stabilizing.
 
ccccchunt said:
Jason,
My gauge came with oil in it. But the pump did not. I ended up going to Tractor supply and getting Vacuum pump oil but they only sold it by the gallon!!!
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My pump was empty also, but I got my from O'Reilly's auto of all places
[h3][/h3]
 
Mortalis said:
I tried the same thing and could not hold a vacuum. I followed the video's instructions and it works like a charm. Giving something that is pulling an absolute vacuum an attitude adjustment is not something you want to tinker with.
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I ran a full vacuum for 6 hours this morning without a problem. All bubbles are gone and I'm letting them soak until tomorrow!
 
jakoop said:
My pump was empty also, but I got my from O'Reilly's auto of all places
[h3][/h3]
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My O'reilly's didn't have any. Or at least the guy I spoke with could not find it. My oil is BLUE because it is designed for high runtime systems like Milking systems. Seemed to work on my 5-6 hour vacuum trial this morning. No flames or burning smell from the pump.
 
You don't add glycerin or mineral oil to the gauge. It factory installed to dampen fluctuations when it is made. A sign of a better quality gauge.
 
Thought I would post an update! Things have NOT BEEN GOOD! Finally got all the fittings tight and achieved a solid vacuum. 2 days later my lid caved in!! Came out in the morning and the plastic lid that came with the vacuum chamber was shattered in pieces. Luckily I didn't have the pump running (I'm too scared to leave anything unattended in my garage). Anyway, I got smart and ordered a 3/4 inch glass lid, modified my vacuum chamber by drilling a hole in the side near the top to mount my vacuum line and gauge. Put it all together and it now works like a champ! I'm on about my 10th load of stabilizing blanks and everything is going smooth!!!
 

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