Robinair Vacumaster; good pump for chucking?

[Tony Perelli]

Does anyone have experience with this particular pump? Found it for sale locally for $40. I like a good deal but not if it's a headache or going to turn into a big project... Good option or hold off to get a more tried and true? Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

[Mark Jundanian]

$40 is a good price if the pump checks out.
But... the pump chamber must be filled with oil to operate, and that oil has to be periodically disposed of and replaced as it gets contaminated with moisture. So not the most convenient to operate.

They can produce very high levels of vacuum, so if you are also thinking you want to explore stabilizing wood with Cactus Juice a pump like this would probably work.

A frugal vac pump is probably more$, but much lower maintenance.

 

[Tony Perelli]

$40 is a good price if the pump checks out.
But... the pump chamber must be filled with oil to operate, and that oil has to be periodically disposed of and replaced as it gets contaminated with moisture. So not the most convenient to operate.

They can produce very high levels of vacuum, so if you are also thinking you want to explore stabilizing wood with Cactus Juice a pump like this would probably work.

A frugal vac pump is probably more$, but much lower maintenance.

Thanks Mark - that helps a lot. I'm thinking I'll probably pass on it this time, added maintenance is a big turn-off with some tools. Thanks!

 

[hockenbery]

A critical feature for woodturning is cfm - the amount of air the pump can remove.

3 cfm is good for woodturning That pump plate says 1.5

wood leaks, seals leak, fittings leak So you need a pump that can remove the air coming in.

1.5 might Work but you’ll probly have to put shrink wrap on red oak bowls to hold them.

 

[Roger Wiegand]

The cfms are awfully low. With wood that has any porosity your chances of holding it are not so good. The price, however is great. Personally I'd hold out for a 4-6 cfm pump.

 

[Tony Perelli]

Awesome input - that cfm info makes it easy. Thanks!