Vacuum Inverter?

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hrtndlr

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Joined
Dec 19, 2009
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Location
Colorado
I would like to try to stabilize some blanks as well as casting some. I've read several places in the forum that the cheap vacuum pump is an inverter from Harbor Freight (for around $10). When I went to HF they didn't have any idea of what I wanted and I couldn't explain better to them. So all in all it was a lose-lose. Can you fine people help direct me to the right tool for the right job?

I am also reluctant to shell out $80 for a pressure pot. Are there cheaper ideas out there? I keep thinking about a pressure cooker if I found one at the GoodWill, or something similar.

Thanks,

Hrtdnlr
 
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This is the cheap vacuum pump, you will need an air compressor to make it work. The only way to find cheaper pressure pots is to find them on sale and have a coupon or find a used one.
 
I realize I need an air compressor for this vacuum pump but I was unable to effectively relate to Harbor Freight staff what I wanted. The only item they showed me was a stand alone vacuum pump for over $150.
 
The key spec on the venturi device is

Air consumption: 4.2 CFM @ 90 PSI

That is a pretty high pressure and volume

That is not the compressed air volume that will come from a small cheap aircompressor. The venturi units need to be running full volume to keep pulling a vacuum, particuarly the closer you are to a full vacuum.
 
Vacuum

If you search around www.joewoodworker.com you will find plans to make a vacuum system that uses a venturi and runs off your compressor.

I have a friend who made one and he was happy with it.

You won't find a cheaper pressure pot than HF. I got one and had to work on it for about 4 hours to get it so it would only lose pressure in 30 minutes rather than 3 minutes. So, not only is it cheap it is cheap.

If you are handy go find on old pressure cooker like your mother had and use that.

Lee
 
Lee -- I will waive the safety flag about pressure cookers!!! Those were not designed to hold significant pressure, and have a small insert that blows out at high pressure sending pieces of materials flying. They are designed for max of about 15 psi. A+ for creative, and an F- for safety in my book. (And yes, I have seen the results when the little rubber safety release blows out).

The Joewoodworker designs use extra "vessels" to hold an extra supply of vacuum capacity for veneering with bags. There is very little "boil off" in that process and with a good tight system (not a lot of leaks), the extra vacuum capacity holds the press until the glue sets. These will likely work for small volumes, or for short process periods for casting but not likely for stabalization activities. The plastic vessels and solvent boil-off are a potential safety problem also- In Texas there are reports of a "hold my beer and watch this"... kind of thing.
 
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Vasuum

Good points.

I saw Constant's system (Lazerlinez) this week. He can go to 2000 lbs pressure! (I think that is what he said.) The walls on his "pot" were 4 inches thick!

Makes my puny HF pressure pot look anemic. No wonder i have problems trying to stabilize blanks.

Lee
 
leestoresund said:
Good points.

I saw Constant's system (Lazerlinez) this week. He can go to 2000 lbs pressure! (I think that is what he said.) The walls on his "pot" were 4 inches thick!

Makes my puny HF pressure pot look anemic. No wonder i have problems trying to stabilize blanks.

Lee
Click to expand...

That 2000 PSI for the stainless one with a 1/2" wall thickness.
The steel one with the 2" wall thickness can go to 5000 psi.
 
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