vacumm help???

HI Larry

i had a look at some of the links mentioned here and got carried away looking at another Edwards vacuum pump mentioned in the Hydroponic site.

I then got to thinking, that unit of yours looks like the Mercedes Benz version, so what will the missing parts end up setting you back.

I like Mike Hendersons suggestion. From the numerous mentions and searches i have done on Joe Woodworkers site he seems a very helpful fellow and specialises in the Veneer aspect of woodworking.

I would follow Mikes advice and consider liquidating your unit, just get to see if it still works so you can say so fi you post it for sale, then get one where you can get support and all for the whole process.

I have seen that Joe Woodworker will even respond to emails about a pump he does not sell so try him for a little advice. I wrote him once and was upfront about not buying but he still replied promptly and shared his sensible advice.

If you want adventure there is kit he sells in plan or parts form as well as pumps.

Thats my 2cents.
 
Based on what's shown over at Hydroponics online, it looks like I may've missed on one or two guesses - the 1/2" hole nearest that silver fitting appears to be your vacuum port. I'm pretty sure the silver fitting is for a vacuum gauge. The petcock is where I thought, though, the small low one on the front.
 
I'm a bit lost with all the suggestions that have been given, if the pump works, why not just give it a try switching it on? Or have I missend something here?

By putting your hand on the holes you will notice which one is sucking air and which one is pumping air out. Once you've identifyied them you are half way through. :dunno:

If you don't dare switching it on, try moving the shaft by hand and putting the hand on the holes as well you should be able to notice the difference.
 
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so in the am i will give yu a close up off the chrome part tim,,, tonight its time fer sleep:)

ok i woke back up:) thats a good thing right:) any way here is the close up pic yu asked for tim.. and tod or someone, can you show me an example of how to hook up this accerlator tank???? also should i dissamble this pump and clean it up and then go to work at making a bag system with it.. or just use it as is,, also from the pics i have shown i would appreciate any help i can get in the replumbing of it to make it work..thansk..:thumb:

larry,
buy a gauge......you`re gonna need one any way....auto-parts store 10-20$
make sure it`s got oil and spins freely......if so fire it up!
if it pulls vacuum (27" or so) shut it off and we`ll talk about a bag and maybe an accelerator tank.
 
larry,
buy a gauge......you`re gonna need one any way....auto-parts store 10-20$
make sure it`s got oil and spins freely......if so fire it up!
if it pulls vacuum (27" or so) shut it off and we`ll talk about a bag and maybe an accelerator tank.

Boy, I'd be pleased to get 15 to 20 inches of vacuum out of it...

...and keep in mind the effects of altitude - it's not even theoretically possible to draw 27 inches at 3500 feet of altitude - that's only 23 torr. 29inHg is the max theoretically possible at sea level.

On the side, does nobody use a small gasoline engine to draw vacuum any more? It's not a huge volume, but you can draw a pretty deep vacuum that way. A lawn mower in decent condition should be able to pull 22 inches.
 
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