The Vevor 5 Gallon Vacuum Chamber and 3 5 CFM Pump Kit

The Vevor 5 gallon vacuum chamber while being a pretty decent piece of kit can arrive with problem from the outset. In this video I give an in depth look at unboxing, assembly and the problem I faced before I could use it.
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Wood turning can be a dangerous hobby. My videos show my methods of turning and if you do not feel comfortable with my methods please do not copy them but rather use a method you feel comfortable using. Your safety is your responsibility as is the safety in your workshop. Enjoy the videos, hopefully something inspires you or helps you along the way. Irish woodturning is a craft that is dying out and should be preserved so that the tradition of Wood turning in Ireland stays alive and well.
Shay.
#bbturning, Irish woodturning, Irish wood turning, Wood turning Ireland, Ireland Wood turning

[@Nullsing]

Somehow KZbin recommended your video and I just took a look. The way you initially set up the vacuum pump is suboptimal as many new users are likely to make the same mistake, which could significantly reduce its lifespan. As someone using multiple vacuum pumps for very long time, I would like to share how I initiated my new vacuum pump, combining insights from my experience with the break-in procedure of some expensive industry named brand's vacuum pump that I used before: 1. Fill the pump halfway with the provided oil, ensuring the level is between the Min and Max markers. Allow it to sit for 1-2 minutes to distribute the oil internally and prevent dry pump seizure during startup. 2. Remove the exhaust plug and at the inlet (vacuum) caps to start the pump without pressure restrictions. 3. Start the pump and let it run for a few seconds until it produces a steady, even sound. Expect minor fumes as airflow passes through the pump. This primes the pump and expels any air bubbles, preparing it for operation. 3. Place the caps only on the intake (vacuum) side. Allow the pump to build up heat and vacuum for 20 minutes or more, ensuring the oil level remains between the Min and Max markers during operation. Adjust as necessary. 4. Stop the pump without pressure restrictions by removing the inlet caps. 5.Drain the oil to flush out any debris or machining residues. Tilt the pump forward to ensure complete drainage. 6. Refill the pump by repeating steps 1-5 using the remaining provided oil. Purchase an additional pint of high quality vacuum pump oil, available locally or at an auto parts store. There’s no need to run the pump for another 20 minutes+, just operate it briefly to confirm the oil level is adequate during use.

[@BBTurning]

Some fantastic information there, thank you. Shay

[@MoleValleyMaker]

Might need to be careful with that lid. As far as I am aware it's impossible to have a hole in toughened/tempered glass because of the way it is made, i.e. the surface tension being responsible for it shattering into tiny pieces. So it may be "normal" glass. The BacoEng one that I have has the inlet in the side of the metal can. One thing I found with doing this is that if there is any place for air to get trapped you just end up with a huge bubble. So, what I tend to do is this for an hour and then in the pressure pot. Anyway, look forward to seeing how this turns Shay!

[@BBTurning]

Cheers MVM I will keep an eye on it mate. Shay

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Very interesting video Shay. Good to hear that you had good customer service when you contacted Vevor. I looked at buying a vacuum chamber quite a while ago but didn't get one as I didn't think I would use it enough to warrant buying one. I was always under the impression that Cactus juice lasted up to a year from when it was mixed, not a month. (Information taken from House of Resin website) Hope this works for you Shay. Take care mate. Cheers, Huw

[@BBTurning]

I have to say they were great Huw, it seems to depend on where you look how long they say it will last mate. I looked at an Irish supplier and that is whatnI was told. Shay

[@kellyjean4981]

Very helpful information. That it’s have been so frustrating for you. I’m happy that it all worked out in the end

[@BBTurning]

Thanks Kelly. Shay

[@Bandicoot803]

I got the same kit. Since I'm working with industrial-sized food processing vaccuum chambers, I've done a few calculations on this setup: The pot bottom has to withstand half a ton, the lid almost 650Kg, and the pot's cylindrical shell a whoppin 2'722 Kg of crushing force once you get the needle to -29.92 In/Hg or 1013.25 mbar. Of course, these numbers may vary depending of the height above sea level and current weather conditions regarding high and low pressure areas across the country. So, just to give you a basic idea what dangers lurk when handling vaccuum chambers improperly.

[@BBTurning]

That is really interesting and as you say it really shows the dangers of not using a vacuum chamber incorrectly. Shay

[@CandDWedding]

Thanks for the video!

[@BBTurning]

@@CandDWedding you are welcome, I hope it helped. Shay

[@archiehebron8944]

I'm watching. Reading the comments and gleaning information. Thanks for letting me know this was coming, Shay. I think I'll try one out. A coworker has a project for me and I'll need it but just now I'm thinking about a two way pot. Vacuum and pressure. Don't know if that's a thing but I'm going to find out.

[@BBTurning]

You ate welcome Archie, if yours arrives without that seal get on to them straight away, you can refer to this video if you want as they know about it. Shay

[@archiehebron8944]

@@BBTurning definitely will. I'm going to be a while raising funds, but this is a high priority as most of the dry wood I have will need some kind of stabilization.

[@BBTurning]

Yes, sometimes you have to pick and choose what the budget allows, I know the feeling well. Shay @@archiehebron8944

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone stabilize with slow cure resin before. I’m anxious to see how well this works.

[@BBTurning]

So am I Doug, so am I. Shay

[@vlastimilhejduk7347]

Be careful.

[@BBTurning]

@@vlastimilhejduk7347 will do. Shay

[@Uriah-r9m]

The BACOENG 5 Gallon Vacuum Chamber Kit with 4.5 CFM 1 Stage Vacuum Pump HVAC has the gauge hole in the side of the pot and the lid is solid tempered glass 3/4” thick. I just got mine today. It looks like a beast!

[@BBTurning]

That sounds really strong Uriah. Shay

[@SilverBack.]

Looks a good bit of kit Shay

[@BBTurning]

It seems to work very well since they sent the seal Douglas. Shay

[@OccasionalWoodcraft]

I'm really curious about this. Like you I don't have a need to use one of these a lot so the long set resin is really interesting. Keen to see how this develops for you

[@BBTurning]

I will keep you updated Paul. Shay

[@jonathancahoon3892]

Not sure, but i always have the vacuum side closed before venting and whenever the pump isn't running. Would not like to have oil sucked back into the chamber from the pump side.

[@BBTurning]

Yeah Jonathan I have learned to do that as well. Shay

[@RobertLee-ni9ox]

I just opened mine and have been having the same issues and all the proper parts were included. Been pretty happy with Vever. Gonna play with it a little more but its frustrating

[@BBTurning]

Is the second seal there Robert? . What i have found since I got it the more I use it the easier it seals. Now I don't have to put any pressure on it at all to get it to seal. I just turn the pump on and away it goes. Shay

[@STMwoodturning]

I’ve thought about getting one of these so thanks for sharing this video. I think I’d rather use this method than Cactus Juice because of shelf life issue and the fact that the stabilized piece has to baked after it gets soaked in the cactus juice solution. Cheers and Merry Christmas! Stuart

[@BBTurning]

You are welcome Stuart, if you get it from the same place check the second seal is in the box, if not contact their after sales service and request it, refer them to this video if you need to as they know about it. I have no idea if the long set resin will work, hopefully it does and an update will be up as soon as I can. Shay

[@STMwoodturning]

@@BBTurning I’ll be watching for an update Shay!

[@BBTurning]

@STMwoodturning as soon as I know Stuart I will update. Shay

[@michaelogden5958]

I've had that same setup for a few months now. I've been experimenting with Cactus Juice. Granted, I'm very new to the vacuum/juice game, but the jury is still out as far as I'm concerned. Cheers!

[@BBTurning]

Same here Michael, this is my first time using one. Shay

[@billl7551]

ROTFL - - I did the exact same thing, assembled and . . . .nothing. I do vacuum resin injection (VARTM) with epoxy and had some rubber tape for bag sealing. I put that on the rim, sat the glass on it and then all worked correctly. The top rim of the container is too wavy to to allow it to seal. The single seal is only 2mm thick, I had gaps of 1.2mm on the rim, and still waiting for a response from China. I noticed the 3 gal has the second rim seal in the advertisement. I'll post back when it is all resolved. Thanks for posting this video - - I hope others will see this. All the parts are nicely made, except for this one thing. Good price too.

[@BBTurning]

That sounds like the exact same problem Bill. Request the second seal, they seem very good on aftersales. Shay.

[@philvale5724]

Hi 👋, I have the larger version of this, is a pity that I can phone you directly put the lid on Top. I noticed that he hadn’t got the other seal on it, but at least you got it sorted might of taken a week or so., and I have actually set up a vacuum chuck on my Watkin RS 8 , though it did cost me €150 to have a new thread cut on the inboard side and outboard side, As I have brought a one-way vacuum, chuck fittings, obviously because it’s imperial would not fit, And it took me approximately three hours to drill all the way through the main shaft, I ended up getting a masonry bit and re-grinding the end of it, and it all works fine, I do have a secondary vacuum pump, as I have got a vacuum bag kit that I purchased many years ago, But it is set up so I can use either, good luck luck with getting your vacuum truck set up on your lathe, look forward to seeing your next territorial update, I live in France, though, I am English, I think ha ha ha, 😂, I hope your resin turned out okay in the vacuum chamber, stay safe, keep up the great work, Phil from the moulin France

[@BBTurning]

Thanks Phil, yeah it eventually got sorted. I will be building the vacuum chuck , I had a great conversation with Bob from the Frugal vacuum chuck and he was full of helpful information and advice. They don't supply to europe. I have everything I need to make it now I just have to find the time. Shay

[@philvale5724]

Hi 👋, I purchased the one-way vacuum chuck system. I think I forgot to mention they do supply to Europe and the UK, Good luck with your project , Phil

[@BBTurning]

@@philvale5724 I didn't know that Phil, great piece of information. Shay

[@philvale5724]

Hi 👋, and yes, if you can afford it get a glass Top, highly recommended, Phil.

[@BBTurning]

That is what the research said as well Phil, it is great to get conformation from someone though, thank you. Shay

[@TheFrugalHugelGardener]

I use Vaseline on my texture tank sprayer seal. seals it every time.

[@BBTurning]

Not a bad idea at all I must give it a go. Shay

[@TheFrugalHugelGardener]

@@BBTurning cool, let me know if that works for you. I know it will. :-)

[@hobbymad1]

Hi Shay, how did you get on with using resin for stabilising? What was the viscosity? One of Cactus Juice's primary attributes is a very low viscosity to allow deeper penetration.

[@BBTurning]

Not bad at all, not as good as cactus juice but it stabilised it well. The way to go is definitely vacuum chamber then pressure pot until it is set. Shay

[@vlastimilhejduk7347]

My Vevor vacuum came without instruction how to use, it and first time I try to use it almost all my resin came out of mold what a mess. After that I got pressure pot and I love it.

[@BBTurning]

Mine was the same, no instructions on how to use it so I was glad I did my research, I have a pressure pot coming but I needed the vacuum chamber for stabilising bog oak. Shay

[@johnkunze5362]

I just got mine wed...4 days ago. I'm at 800m elevation. It's a 5 gal tank. It got to -28.5 bar or 99.94 vacuum and has held it (all valves closed, pump off) at -28.5 bar till now!!!!

[@BBTurning]

That's very good, John. I can only get mine to go up to -28 but like yourself it holds perfectly. I think the gauges may not be the best but the system works perfectly. Shay.

[@traditionalafricanculture9985]

Great video. How much does it take to reach the Ultimate vacuum with different pumps and chambers? For example, a pump rated 240L/Min will take how many minutes to reach an Ultimate vacuum of 1 mbar in a 20L vacuum chamber and a 12L vacuum chamber? I would appreciate any help from here.

[@BBTurning]

I honestly have no idea, there is probably a calculator online for doing the calculations. Shay

[@shomsw81]

I bought this vacuum pump and pot off Amazon and I also had to return it becaause the vacuum pump wouldnt pull a vacuum at all and there was no suction. I bought a different brand instead which is working fine.

[@BBTurning]

What I found with it was if the knurled nuts were not really tight and the oil bath lid was not cranked down the vacuum was not great but as soon as everything was tight it worked like a dream. I do think they need to check the box contents better though so that the second seal is in the box. I bought straight from Vevor not Amazon , maybe that has something to do with your problem. I am glad you got sorted in the end. Shay

[@blacksmithden]

I just bought one from Amazon and had to send it back because there was a dent in the bottom of the vacuum pot. The packaging wasn't damaged, so I can only assume they don't have any quality control, ship everything regardless of manufacturing damage at the factory, and just hope that the buyer accepts a damaged product. After reading a lot of reviews on these, I found a couple of other people who had the same problem. Anyway, I returned that one. The second one is on it's way. If it's damaged or anything is wrong with it in any way, I'll just send it back for a refund, and go with another manufacturer.

[@BBTurning]

I think you could be right about bad quality control Dennis, the one thing I will say is that their after sales service seems pretty good. Shay

[@joncox8334]

Great video where did you get the buckets from. Cheers.

[@BBTurning]

Thanks Jon, I got them from a guy in Limerick who sells plastic containers as a sideline. They only cost me five euro so it was money well spent. Shay

[@jimseamons]

I just received the 5 gallon and missing the gasket on the stainless steel pot as well😢

[@BBTurning]

Someone in the packing department is obviously getting lazy Jim. Go to their website and contact their after sales service, hopefully you will find them as helpful as I did. Shay

[@jimseamons]

@@BBTurning I already contacted them, they are working a remedy. I did like you and thought the spot welds were leaking. I taped them and nothing lol.

[@BBTurning]

It's the seal Jim, as soon as I put it on it worked perfectly, next time they message you tell them the seal was not in the box and they will send it to you. Shay

[@joineryjohn6282]

Hi Shay, I can’t locate a follow up video to this one, did you do one? Thx, John

[@BBTurning]

I did two John, this is the Angel kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmXYfJeoYrmUmrM and this is the vacuum chuck, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqfTeoinjcRjeKc Shay

[@joineryjohn6282]

@@BBTurning thanks Shay, I look forward to watching these 👍

[@BBTurning]

You are welcome John. Shay

[@GanjajuanaMan]

I have this same unit. You assembled it incorrectly. To do it the right way, start by removing the nut holding the valve stem & to the glass then remove the rubber ring & washer then remove unit from glass. Now : this is how to assemble correctly. Place metal washer onto valve stem, then place rubber ring onto valve stem. Next put valve stem into glass hole, then put the other rubber ring on valve stem. then put metal washer onto valve stem, then put the nut onto valve stem & tighten. The rubber prevents the metal washer from touching the glass and creates the seal.

[@BBTurning]

Thanks, I eventually got it assembled as you said with no metal touching the glass. The main problem I had was the missing seal which Vevor sorted very quickly. I appreciate your correction and pointing out how to correctly assemble the valve properly. Shay

[@Forheavenssake1ify]

FYI- BACOENG 5 Gallon Vacuum Chamber Kit is twice the price

[@BBTurning]

That is expensive compared to the vevor one Allan , I had a look and the specs look about the same. Thanks for the info. Shay

[@jml3on]

I have the same chamber and never had an issue getting started, no need to press on it. Are you sure the pot isn't twisted? Acrylic lid exploded once, customer service sent me another (thicker) one no questions asked.

[@BBTurning]

No the chamber seems fine Jean Michel, when I sent that video clip to Vevor they almost immediatly came back saying there was a missing seal and since I recieved it and put it on it works perfectly. Shay

[@Whatsnormal637]

Lolol. The simple things. 🙋 🤺💐

[@BBTurning]

Yup. Shay.

[@suki4410]

what is a gallon?

[@BBTurning]

It is 3.78 litres. Shay

[@suki4410]

@@BBTurning Okay, thank you! 3.5 CFM are about 90 Litres per minute.

[@brianroyle2533]

Phew tense that wasnt it !

[@BBTurning]

It was dodgy for a while alright Brian. Shay

[@mhaz49]

Resins should NOT be used in a vacuum chamber. Resins require pressure to force it into the wood and compress any air gaps so they are not visible. A vacuum chamber if to draw air our og the wood and allow the stabilizing agent to se4ep into the pores. A vacuum chamber will never get resin into all parts of the wood. You need to use a pressure pot to accomplish what you are trying.

[@BBTurning]

Mark have you never heard of degassing resin, or using resin to stabilise wood? Both procedures require the use of a vacuum chamber not to mention that that an entire very well known company is based around using a resin in a vacuum chamber , you may have heard of cactus juice, the best know stabilising resin. Shay