[TCML] Vacuum Pump Question

[David Speck]

David,

I can't speak to the Food Saver pump, but once upon a time, I did 
achieve a glow discharge in a 50 mL laboratory pipette using the 
compressor from an old refrigerator.  Your AC compressor may work as 
well.  Only major problem is managing the oil that the compressor spits 
out.  Makes a mess of everything.

Dave

On 10/7/2011 11:41 PM, Harold Weiss wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> This is a little off topic, but applies to Geisler/neon/laser tubes.
>
> Has anyone used, or tried to use, a vacuum pump out of a Food Saver for pumping down to around a torr or less, or is it too leaky for that kind of vacuum?
>
> In this case, I'd like to use it for a small low flow CO2 laser.  I'd also like to try using it for some of Tesla's lighting experiments once I get better at glass blowing.
>
> I do have a pump out of an air conditioner if this won't work.
>
> David Weiss