WTB: Vacuum System

Classifieds Equipments - FOR SALE / WANTED
#1

Hi All-

I am still somewhat new to the forums, and keep finding myself drawn back with desires to get more involved. I am a guy in a garage, with ideas for a lot of parts for personal use and keep finding myself back here researching and trolling these threads. However, up until this point, I have just layed up what I need because I lack the proper gear to do vacuum infusion. As you vets out there know, my capabilities of producing quality parts are limited due to this limitation.

I am at the point where I need take the next step and invest in a vacuum infusion system. My funds are limited, so I am hoping that someone has a system they are willing to sell used, or could refer me to a new system that is within my budget. Everything I price out new is way out of my budget, or I find used ones out of the country.

I don’t plan on ever making anything over 50 square feet, but most of my projects are small, just a few sq ft.

If anyone has a system that will fit my needs that they are willing to part with please let me know. I am in the USA. I know prices vary a lot, with some systems being in the thousasnds. I am just looking for the best bang for my buck since I am in a garage and not selling anything. I am sure some of you reading this can piece together a system and make your own and are wondering why I have not done that. Well, I certainly would, I just don’t know where to look, or what to buy. I am quit resourceful once I have a clear picture. So any help would be welcomed.

#2

Vega, a few cheap options to get yourself up and running is to look at these as options.

www.hyvac.com/.../o_pumps/air%20venturi/air_venturi_vacuum.ht…

Above requires compressed air and is a cheap option. It requires a steady air flow. Run the air compressor exclusively with the air venturi. Another cheap option if you do not have air, is an old refrigeration or air conditioing pump.

[ame=“www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CIoY5gbt9c”]DIY Vacuum Pump - Repurposing refrigeration compressors - YouTube[/ame]

Hope this helps

#3

For a pump these are great for starting out. http://www.amazon.com/Robinair-15600-CFM-Vacuum-Pump/dp/B000JFNAJE

Make sure to change the oil after about 18-24hours of continuous use, this is enough to last awhile so you don’t keep placing orders.
http://www.amazon.com/Robinair-13204-Premium-High-Vacuum/dp/B000Q5RQZG/ref=sr_1_15?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1364778881&sr=1-15

Vac gauge here. http://www.enasco.com/product/C06096N#details

Resin trap can be made from a number of things from the hardware store. Like a pvc pipe with two caps and a couple fitting at one end. You can also get spring clamps from there too for the intake line to clamp off. Vac and intake lines can get found here too. (1/2"ID from the pump and 1/4"ID for intake works, play with intake size to see a difference in infusion speed)

Disposable composite materials can be found from any number of the online shops. Airtech (and get it all direct from the manf.) or Uscomposites, Solar Composites, FibreGlast, fiberglass supply, ADV, etc… Do you have a idea of what you all need for bag, tape, flow media, peel ply, (some people also like release ply)?

You can also get some MTI hose for your vacuum side which will help alot. http://german-advanced-composites.com/

Mcmaster.com is also a good sorce for misc. stuff and shipping is FAST.

Let me know if you have other questions.

#4

Thank you all so much for the tips. It is greatly appreciated.

#5

Hi Again-

Sorry, I missed the question on my first reply. Yes, I do have an idea of all of the disposable materials. Thanks again for the help and guidance.

#6

Maybe this is something for you http://www.compositescentral.com/showthread.php?t=8021 ?
Brand new and good quility !