possible vacuum pump

[hrdwrkr]

I have posted a couple of times about building a vacuum table for my bot 60/98 alpha. I am still not sure if I am going to do a full size table or try a couple of bradymasks and do individual small tables for the current project. I typically do not cut through my material (normally 3/4 pine/aspen) but would like to design for the future. Anyways my question is: I have an opportunity to purchase a Gast R4P115 pump. it is fairly new and looks like it is in great condition. The particular specs are Max Pressure: 65/50, Max. Vacuum: 60/45, CFM (Open): 127/110, HP: 1.5, motor will run both 120 or 240V. There has been many posts about the Fein III turbo. I can pick this pump up cheaper than a new Fein. Is this pump capable of doing a vacuum table and what else would a rookie like myself need to make it work? thanks again guys for the help.

[cabnet636]

do you have the model number for the pump, 1.5hp is pretty weak for a 5x8 table holding hardwood

[Gary Campbell]

Dennis...
The CFM (127 @ 60 htz) might work on a small zone or machine, but the vacuum ( 60 in H20/13.6 = 4.4 inHg) will not work for hold down when using a spoil or bleeder board.

Most regens etc, shouldnt be considered for full table use until they have HP ratings in the teens,

[hrdwrkr]

James, the pump is a Gast R4P115.
Gary, would you suggest going with the Fein turbo III instead? Does the Fein have enough pull to use a bleeder booard or would i need to do individual small tables with the Fein also? if i was to go with a smaller vacuum table and set it on my regular table would either of them work with a 2'x5' clamp? either with bleeder board or would it have to be gasket tape? thanks

[Gary Campbell]

Dennis...
There are a good number of guys here that use the Feins with good results. They are one of the best solutions where lack of noise is a concern. They are also one of the least powerful solutions for the dollar.

If you look at the postings and columns of Brady Watson concerning vacuum, you will see a wealth of info that should help you make a decision. Most vac setups are determined by the parts you will be holding down. Very few are "one size fits all"

[geneb]

Here are two pics of the vac setup I'm currently using. The motors are from the vendor listed in the "Bradyvac" thread. I tried one of these motors with a special top built for one of those BORG 5 gallon buckets. It collapsed it as soon I turned it on. :) The green can is a used shipping container for bulk chain. A regular drum would work just as well, but this is what I found.
http://www.geneb.org/images/bot_vac1.jpg

http://www.geneb.org/images/bot_vac2.jpg

The motor wells have gaskets in the bottom to seal them properly. The cap is made from 3/4" AC plywood in a series of layers and was sealed with Killz gloss white paint.

g.