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Vacuum Pump oil - Replacement type? What do those of you who have a vacuum pump that uses oil

R

Roger Chandler

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Vacuum Pump oil - Replacement type?
What do those of you who have a vacuum pump that uses oil use for replacement oil? My Harbor Freight 3 cfm, 2 stage vac pump came with a bottle of oil that is clear, with no amber color at all. It looks like it is probably a "break in" oil that should be used for a short time, then drained out and replaced with some thicker oil.

My question is do you use regular air compressor oil in your vacuum chuck? A vacuum pump is a compressor of sorts, and I just want to make sure I am thinking correctly, so as not to damage the pump.

I am upgrading my vacuum chuck system from the Hold Fast Venturi system, and I purchased the vacuum chuck head that screws on the spindle of the lathe from Harrison Specialties. It is a very robust and well made chuck from aircraft aluminum. I'm looking forward to turning my first project with this system soon.

I bought the vacuum pump at least 3 years ago, and its been sitting new in the box until now. I am venting the oil mist via a 1/2" hard plastic tube into a lidded 1 gallon can, with a 1/2" hole in the top, with blue shop towels inside as an absorbtion agent. A shout out and many thanks to Richard Coors for this problem solving exhaust solution!
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You can go to your local auto arts store to find vacuum pump oil or just Google "vacuum pump oil" to find it online or get more information. It is not the same thing as the various types of refrigerant oils used in air conditioning systems.
 
Check out Amazon, too. A gallon of Black Gold oil is $25ish delivered, and you can get Robinair oil by the case. O'Reilly's here wanted $12.99 (!) a quart for off-brand vacuum pump oil, and Checker wanted $10.99 a quart. Depending on your usage, you'll go through a lot of it, and it'll get expensive quickly.

For stabilizing wood, you'll change oil after each batch. If you're using it degas resin, you won't need to change too often. I'll tap out for advice on oil changes in regard to vacuum chucking, as I haven't finished putting together my vacuum chucking system.
 
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