Today I finished my vacuum reservoir. I have posted before about the vacuum table and the pump, but this is the last missing piece. I used the instructions (and a few parts) from the JoeWoodworker site. The goal is that it should allow the pump to run in a more optimal manner. More specifically, it won’t have to run continuously. The switch will turn it on to replenish the vacuum just like normal compressors do. This isn’t exactly necessary for vacuum chucking, but it will help whenever I need to pull down and hold a vacuum. Here are the pictures:
So a few notes about the setup. I’m able to pull down about 25″ hg with the complete setup, which is a little less than I was able to get with just the gauge on the pump. That amount of vacuum is plenty for my purposes.
In the pictures, you see a lever with a red handle. That lever allows you to cut off vacuum to the accessory that is connected. This is useful to build up a vacuum before connecting it to the accessory. When you flip the lever, it immediately gives you suction. You’ll also see two standard light switches in the junction box. The first switch allows you to turn it on, and the second allows you to force the pump to run continuously. You would want to enable the latter switch if the pump was cutting on and off every 30 seconds or so. Frequent power oscillations are supposed to be more damaging than a continuous run.
The screw up of the night was dripping PVC glue on one of the brass fittings. Because of it, one of the pipes is sticking out an inch further than the other.
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
