alternative to vacuum pump?

**drummerstix** · 02-11-2006 06:30 PM

I've been looking all over for a refrigerator pump, or any other type of vacuum pump, and have been unsuccessful. There are not really any junk yards around here, so I can't find any old refrigerators.

I was curious as to whether or not any of you have used anything else as an alternative to a vacuum pump. I know Roarockit has their hand pump, (I wish they sold that by itself) maybe messing with a bicycle tire pump? Anybody ever tried that before? Just wondering, since I've been so unsuccessful in finding a vacuum pump.

**kalakala'i** · 02-11-2006 06:43 PM

so you might want to check out joewoodworker.com he has a "venturi generator" and it hooks up to an air compressor. You'll need one that puts out 3-4 cfm, and then hook it up to the generator. it will cost you 140ish for the whole pump and 80 for just the venturi (if my memory serves me correctly) Good luck

**drummerstix** · 02-11-2006 07:05 PM

oh man, i never thought of that venturi vacuum. that'd work perfectly because i have a pretty decent air compressor.

thanks a bunch!

**tomcat360** · 02-11-2006 07:07 PM

I think roarockit does sell the hand pump by its self, but I think that the bag has a special valve on it so the hand pump will fit in there.

that is all 'I thinks' ask ted to be sure.

**Iron Chef** · 02-11-2006 07:18 PM

Pump:
http://www.roarockit.com/proddetail.php?prod=01336

I dont know about the valves, that might be tricky.

**Ted** · 02-11-2006 07:29 PM

If you just want the pump you can email Norah and we can give you a price. If it was me I would head down to your local rockler woodworking store where they sell our long 14x47 bags with the pump and valve included. TAP kit. I know they sell them at a reasonable price. Woodcraft and Lee Valley also carry them.

Vacu Vin, the manufacturer of our pump and valves are available probably locally at liquor stores as they come from the wine industry...look also online or on ebay for a reasonable price.

Venturi pumps are really noisy and use lots of air pressure so make sure your pump is over 3 hp for it to work properly.

hope this helps
Ted

**General Specific** · 02-12-2006 12:14 AM

vaccum cleaner running all night, works fine.

**Ted** · 02-12-2006 08:03 AM

DANGER! DANGER! Will Robinson DANGER!

Good way to start a fire by running a vacuum for the length of time it takes to press a board. Rememger a vacuum cleaner is a high volume low HG blower and usually does not produce enough vacuum for veneering.

**Afrodeziak** · 02-12-2006 09:09 PM

...

**General Specific** · 02-15-2006 03:37 AM

Originally Posted by Ted

DANGER! DANGER! Will Robinson DANGER!

Good way to start a fire by running a vacuum for the length of time it takes to press a board. Rememger a vacuum cleaner is a high volume low HG blower and usually does not produce enough vacuum for veneering.

We have modified ours somewhat out of its houseing, but it has had 2 or 3 runs of 12 hours and I am still not on fire.