Advice on Vac. pump...

[Eyefly]

Fellas,

I am putting together a vac. bag system and beed advice on a pump. I am not the kind of person who will nit-pick at a difference of 40-50 bucks because this system should last a lifetime. After ten to twenty years of use, the cost of ownership is very minimal in either case.

Here is one of the pumps I am looking at...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=22662&item=4343368992&rd=1

Here is another...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=26236&item=3860163489&rd=1

Is there anything I need to be looking at? Both of these pumps will go to the mid 20's and should work great... Is there any adavantage to one over another?

Thanks in advance,

Alex

[briandlg]

I think I can be helpful here. The first link, the MOA series pump, will work fine. In fact, that's the model that I use. However, mine gets pretty warm if I try to leave it on continuously, so I've gone to a reservoir/vac switch setup. Works like a charm, but lots of people will tell you that the variation in the vacuum with a reservoir system (about 3" an hour for me) is not ideal. I have yet to find anything wrong with a wing bagged in this system (beyond my own errors, of course!).

That being said, the DOA series of pumps should be able to run continuously, saving you the complication and slight added expense of a reservoir setup.

[Eyefly]

This is what got me so interested. A friend of mine helped me bag these with his system and I am hooked. It came out fantastic. He tought me how simple it is. Here is how the fins came out...

[Eyefly]

Well, i just ordered the MOA pump an it should be in within a week or so. And so it begins...


Alex

[A6INTRUDER]

I use the same MOA pump (but mine is not variable speed),and a small
reservoir made of PVC pipe.
I have been using it for about 10 or 11 years and it has always performed well.
I found a place to get the same vac switch sold at one of the composites stores for less than half price.
air-logic.com
look in their subminature vac switch section, the one I like is
V-5100 28 FM B85 25a
it is variable from 3-28 inches of vac and can be bought at 15 amps or 25 amps
(thats the 25a number at the end).
Air logic only sells wholesale, but if you call them they will tell you where the nearest
dealer is.
My nearest one is in Washington state and the switch only costs 15 dollars.

You are doing the right thing by building a system that is made of quality components,
it will last you a long time and give good results too.
good luck with your bagging projects

TIM

[Eyefly]

I have been reading the supergee 2 thread and man its got my juices flowing! I decided to get quality parts because in the long run, it makes very little difference if the cost is $50 to $100 more. If this set-up lasts 10-20 years (which it easily will) we are talking an extra cost of $10-$5 per year. Plus, I get to use quality parts. I figure I can get the whole set-up for just under $200. With as much as I figure I can use this thing, the cost will be secondary. Plus, I hate covering film! If I can bag instead, I will be less aggrivated in the long run. Thats my justification...

Alex

[briandlg]

As I said before, some people will tell you not to go with a switch/reservoir system, and they have some good points, but I think you'll be happy with this setup. I made a simple reservoir out of some brass fittings and a harbor freight air tank. You can read about it here:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2526323&postcount=63

I'm very interested in these alternate vacuum switches from air-logic. As much as I have had great dealings with ACP, it is incredible that they're selling a product for more than twice it's worth...and I bought it! Have you actually used this switch? It works as advertised?

[briandlg]

Oh, and I would recommend putting a check valve a few inches from the inlet on the pump. You can get these from ACP (probably other places, too). Then, place a couple of tiny pin pricks in the tubing between the check valve and the pump. This allows the backpressure to release on the pump, and it will last longer. Starting the pump up under pressure is not recommended.

[A6INTRUDER]

I have not used one of these switches because the retailer that air-logic told me to call, has a minimum order of 30 dollars, the switch is only 15 and I didnt want to order two of them. Please undertand that I am not trying to put APC down, that is where I got my original switch too, and I have purchased other things there as well. Mine is an older model that only goes 5-18 inches of vacuum, and my pump will go down to 23, so I was just looking for a different switch when I found these on the net. Now I see that APC sells the one that goes 3-28 inches too. Check out the picture of these switches, it looks identical to the ones sold at APC, also I spoke to the guy who runs airlogic and he told me APC is one of his customers. As I said before, I just ran across these switches while looking for a less expensive alternative.
Also, good point about the check valve and the pinholes in the line just before the
pump, I cut the tube and inserted a small piece of solid carbon tube with a small hole drilled in it as the small holes I put in the rubber tubbing seemed to close up again sometimes. Without the small hole to let the pressure out, my pump will not start every time.

TIM