Ok so I've been using my Surplus Center Vacuum Pump for a while now and I've just started to actually think about it's operation and wanted to know if I'm getting the most out of it.
This is the model I have http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.as...4-1540&catname=
and I'm using 1/4" NPT Air Compressor Couplings to a 15' 3/8" air hose. Now it doesn't colapse and does pull vacuum, no I don't have a gauge on it, but I just built a new jig and when I put my finger over the hole it doesn't seem to be very strong. It's not weak but I figured with all I've read about how strong it is I assumed it would suck my finger off. I also don't leave it covering the hole for more that a second or two as I'm afraid it would suck my finger off.
Any suggestions, or should I just do the smart thing and get a vacuum gauge? I'm just starting to think of the straw effect. If I have a really long straw for soda, the longer and more narrow it is the harder it is going to be to suck the liquid through. So if that's my problem what kind of hose should I be using that flexible so I can put it on various attachments? Also where should the gauge go at the pump side or near the jig side?