Here's a great little vacuum pump/air compressor. Perfect for that homebuilt vac former or maybe vacuum bagging. It flows 4.5 CFM and pulls 28.5 inches of vacuum. Just for comparison a big shop vac usually can't get up to 6 inches of vacuum. You can connect more than one together for increased flow at very low cost.
Also great for vacuum clamping and it would make a good little air compressor for painting etc...
http://www.build-stuff.com/4.5CFMvacuumpumps.htm