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Information
Type: Adjustable Auto-Cycling
Vacuum: Electric Pump
Page: 8 of 11 |
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Attach the Pump and Pressure Release Assembly To the Carrier
There are two factors to consider before attaching the vacuum pump. First is the location. This should be as close as possible to the upright on the carrier to help balance the weight of the whole system. Second, it should be placed on the carrier bottom in a way that keeps the core parts of the pressure release assembly within the boundaries of the carrier.
Parts used in this section:
Machine screws 1/4-20 by 1.25" (4)
(size may vary)
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Time:
15 minutes |
Tools:
Drill
5/16 Drill bit
Screwdriver
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Nearly all vacuum pumps have mounting holes on them. These holes will be used to attach the pump to the carrier. You'll need to know the thread pitch of the mounting holes and the spacing. For the rebuilt Thomas pumps at VeneerSupplies.com, the thread pitch is 1/4"-20 and the length is 1". If you opt for the larger 5.5 CFM Gast pump at VeneerSupplies.com, the thread pitch is also 1/4"-20 but the length is 1.25".
The spacing for the holes should be measured on the underside of the pump. For the 5.5 CFM Gast vacuum pump, the spacing is 3.5" x 8". To get the holes to line up easily, I just cut a piece of 1/4" plywood to 3.5" x 8". Then lay this piece on the carrier and mark two lines at each corner. The corner of each set of lines is where you'll drill the four mounting holes with a 5/16" drill bit.
Finish up this part by attaching the pump to the carrier with the machine screws. Do not over-tighten the screws. If the screws are too tight or if the carrier holes are drilled off center, the motor housing will flex and the pump may not start.
Attach the Vacuum Controller
The vacuum controller regulates the pressure inside the system and turns the vacuum pump on and off as needed. It is adjustable up to 28" of Hg (Hg is the scientific symbol for mercury).
Take a moment to relax and take a deep breath. You've nearly completed the vacuum press and you probably have a very good idea of how it's going to work. Just take a look at the vacuum press and now, say it with me..."Scha-weeeeet!"
- The vacuum controller is mounted to the upright on the carrier near the manifold assembly. Keeping in mind that it is connected to the reservoirs with only a 12" length of tubing, find a suitable place on the carrier upright and drill a 5/8" hole through it.
- Wrap the threads of the vacuum controller with two passes of thread sealing tape. Attach a 1/4" barb to 1/8" NPT-female brass fitting to the unit. Do not over-tighten the fitting. The maximum torque for the plastic body of the vacuum controller is 4 inch lbs.
- Use two #4 by 5/8" screws to attach the vacuum controller to the carrier so the brass fitting is pointing toward the reservoir side of the carrier. Do not over tighten these screws.
- Now attach a piece of 1/4" ID vinyl tubing to the barbed end of the brass fitting and connect it to the brass fitting at the top of the manifold on the reservoirs.
- Finish up this section by connecting a short piece of the 3/8" ID tubing between the barbed elbow on the sub-reservoir manifold and the barbed elbow fitting on the main manifold.
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Got A Larger Pump?
If your vacuum pump pulls more than 4 CFM, you'll want to add a damper to the vacuum controller. This will prevent the vacuum controller from sputtering on and off at the end of a charge cycle by dampening the airflow to the controller. It is attached between the vacuum controller and the brass barbed fitting. Be sure to use a layer or two of thread sealing tape between the two brass fittings. |
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