Critique my new pump setup

General Composites Discussions Equipment Talk
#1

Hey guys, As just a starter I used my old fridge compressor rigged into a vacuum pump and it worked quite well for what I needed.

I recently scored two of these pumps for a good deal. So I started to set one up.

I plan on starting to infuse my parts as it seems like the way to go! I have only really done bagged over lays and wet layups as of now. Anyway here is the start.

The t fitting right after the vacuum gauge is going to get plumbed with another valve to a degassing pot. I set up another t for dual vacuum lines on larger parts…Not sure if I will use it often but figured i have the fitting might as well.

All closed off the compressor pulls 27.5 in, this should be alright right?

Let me know what you think and if I should change anything.

Nolan

#2

The main thing I see missing is a catch pot to protect the system from sucking up any excess resin that makes it into the vacuum lines. 27.5 inHg will work for infusion but if your goal is to make high quality parts I would bite the bullet and buy a pump capable of pulling a full vacuum (29.9 inHg). Also, while the fittings you are using are nice , and probably expensive, they work no better than cheap fittings and plastic tubing sealed with tacky tape.

#3

My main comments:

-pump vacuum is not enough to effectively degass.
-mounting pump on wood makes it noisy. (I hate noise)
-piping looks great, but diameter is very small
-pointing the connectors upwards will kill your vacuum hoses. (but even Airtech does not understand that, with their vacuum cart…). Point them downwards.

#4

What do you mean? because they bend or something?

#5

Indeed. Hoses will always fall down. Pointing the connectors upwards makes for an easy connection, but the hose immediately makes a 180 degree turn, and eventually kink.

#6

Perfect I will look to make some changes to the setup here soon, Kinda bummed the pump does not pull more vac :frowning:

But it will have to do till I can save up a bit for a good one.

The fittings and line I had left over from a previous job I did for a guy, Yes expensive, but I didnt pay! haha.

Herman: I plan to leave the board laying flat as it is in the picture so the lines would just come straight off the barb fitting and not have to 180 right away… I also have some rubber issolator pads to go under the pump, Should help with the noise. I will keep you guys posted and start some small test panels soon.

nolan

#7

Looks good. Obviously add a catch pot. You can place the board on something soft too, to kill the noise if it bothers you…rubber, towel, etc.
Small tubing, but it will get the job done…just a bit slower to draw down the bag. Once you infuse, as long as it isn’t a monster part, it’s fine.