[TCML] Vacuum Pump Question

[Weinhold Shannon L]

I've used a refrigerator pump to pump down a 5 gallon glass jug far enough to make plasma. Have no idea about the strength of a ac pump.  

-----Original Message-----
From: mike hollingsworth [mailto:megavolts_61 at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Monday, October 10, 2011 9:46 AM
To: Tesla Coil Mailing List
Subject: Re: [TCML] Vacuum Pump Question

I think I'd opt for the a/c compressor, but you do want to think about how to recirculate the oil.   I looked at the Food Saver and it says that is designed NOT to crush the food.   It sounds to me like it intentionally limits the vacuum and would not likely get down to the approx. 0.1 Torr that you desire.
Mike


________________________________
From: Harold Weiss <hweiss at new.rr.com>
To: Tesla Coil Mailing List <tesla at pupman.com>
Sent: Friday, October 7, 2011 9:41 PM
Subject: [TCML] Vacuum Pump Question

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
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