Thread: Updating vacuum pump source info + bags

Am having a bit of trouble responding to an earlier thread re pump and bag availability in Australia due to an error message re age of thread - anyway this is responding to graemet's post from 7 Feb this year.

I've just bought a Thomas 2660 vacumm pump via ebay - ex-medical. The seller was bphi7183 or Brian to use his human name . Here's a link to a current item he's got for sale on ebay - http://tiny.cc/fz8jxw. These are perfect for quick continuous run setups, or using with Joe's EVS system.

Just note he's got a muffler on the vacuum outlet port in the images as above on ebay. And trying to get a manual out of Thomas is proving impossible but refit gasket + ring kits are readily available online from the States so rebuilding at some point in the future won't be a drama.

Re a vacuum bag - they're dead easy to make. Clark Rubber sells 20 gauge polyvinyl in a clear, off the roll. Make sure its the one used in the auto trim trade. This can be sealed using either vinyl cement (also available from Clark Rubber) or bag sealant tape - not sure of a source for this at the moment - last lot I bought was from am aeronautical supplier who used to be at Unanderra. Work out what size you want the interior of the bag to be allowing for lift to fit formers or moulds, buy enough polyvinyl so it folds over on one of the long edges - then you're only sealing 1 long and 1 short edge & make sure the opening will be one of the short edges.

I suspect Joe's is the best place to buy fittings from - he's got valve stems at a third of the price I paid 10 years ago. Plus his plans are also easy to follow. Pop in a wee hole for the stem valve, grab some electrical conduit to make your bag closure and you're right to go. Well apart from making the platen, your formers etc