New tool in the shop!

[Doug Bridges]

I have been waiting a long time for this. I have built my mold making and casting business to a point that I have to invest in better tools. So I made the investment. A 10 gallon vacuum chamber and a 9cfm vacuum pump.
Next thing a pressure pot. I have a 10 gallon pressure pot at a welder right now. He is making it a total of 30 inches deep for me by adding in an 11 inch section. I have work that I need the depth for. Pictures to follow when I get it in.

[kikkertinz]

Congrats man! keep it up

[psycho]

Thats sexy right there!       

[Doug Bridges]

Thanks Dan. It is sexy!

And now here is the pressure pot. 30" depth inside. I can now put a gun stock mold in this thing to do bubble free castings. I am excited about this set up.

[Polymer Guy]

Dude, I'm excited about your pressure pot too!  That's is going to help you a ton.

[antlerman]

Lucky crap. I want one. Question? Is 9 cfm enough vacuum?  for say...rubber?  I've been told that I need around 30cfm to degas rubber. Your thoughts?

[Doug Bridges]

It depends on the size of the chamber that you have. I am running a 10 gallon chamber. That's 1.3 cubic feet of volume. So, the 9cfm pump will suck that space clear 4+ times per min. I ran a test and it takes about 60 seconds to get to 25 inches and 2 minutes to get to 29 inches. That's an empty tank. Plenty of time for silicone. Now, if I am mixing urethane plastic that goes off in 2 to 3 minuets, then that's an issue and that's why I have the pressure tank.

Scott, that is specific for a gun project that I have, wink wink. Is there any way you can change something in the 4004 to give me another 4 to 5 mins of pot time? Let me know. Right now, I don't have enough time to vacuum the mixed material, get it in the mold and then into the pressure pot. So, I am bypassing the vacuum after mixing.

[Wildside]

Doug, is that chamber something Smooth On is selling?  I am looking for one.  Where did you get the original pressure tank?  Might need to talk to you on cost.