I'm trying to decide on a vacuum pump and have been looking at the options available here. The least expensive option is the Mastercool Economy 1.5 CFM Single Stage Vacuum Pump. However, I'm wondering what I would gain by going up to a dual stage. Also, the 3.0 CFM single stage is only $3.00 more, but it is 75 micron instead of 50. What are the advantages and disadvantages and what do I really need? I don't need something "professional grade" that is designed to hold up to lots of daily use, but I do want one that will get the job done right. Any advice?
Vaccum pump Micron rating means very little in real world use. Micron ratings are achieved in laboratory conditions only! You would like to see a 750 micron level or lower in real world use. 3.0 is a good buy. I personally suggest the 5.0 dual stage.
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What will the 5.0 dual stage do that the 3.0 single won't? Does it do a better job of completely evacuating the system? If it only takes longer, that is not a concern for me. I just want to be sure to get one that will do the job right!
For the same money, I'd buy a smaller dual stage instead of a single stage. Dual stage will be more effective while pumping at nearly full vacuum, which is most of your evacuation time on a small system like a car. High cfm rating is only useful if you're frequently needing to evacuate large stuff like big coils and tanks found in other types of equipment.
I too have this same question. I will be buying a new vac-pump from ACkits in a couple weeks and would like similar advise.
Mastercool Economy 1.5 CFM Single Stage Vacuum Pump (Price: $135.54)
1.5 CFM Economy Vacuum Pump -Ultimate Vacuum 50 Microns -(Single Stage) 1/6th Horse Power Motor - Oil Capacity 10 Ounces
Mastercool 3.0 CFM Single Stage Vacuum Pump (Price: $138.55)
Single Stage 3 CFM Ultimate Vacuum: 75 Microns 1720 RPM 1/4 HP motor Electrical
Mastercool 1.5 CFM Dual Stage Vacuum Pump (Price: $210.63)
1.5 CFM Vacuum Pump - Ultimate Vacuum 50 Microns - 1/6th Horse Power Motor - Oil Capacity 10 Ounces
Mastercool Economy 5 CFM Dual Stage Vacuum Pump (Price: $229.58)
5 CFM Economy Vacuum Pump - Ultimate Vacuum 25 Microns - 1/4 Horse Power Motor - Oil Capacity 18 Ounces
Questions:
1. Once the system is mostly evacuated and the pump isn't really drawing any more cfm, what's the advantage of a 5cfm unit over a 3cfm? Is the bigger flow only to get the system pulled down quicker?
2. The 3 cfm single stage and 5cfm dual are both 1/4hp. Seems to me that either one of these would be the pump to buy. Is the 5 cfm one worth $90 more, which is 65% more expensive? I'm looking for something not to be used on a daily or weekly basis.
3. Do the units come with oil or do you have to buy that separately?
4. The 3 cfm single isn't "economy" while the 5 cfm is "economy". Does this mean the 3 cfm is better?
Edited: Mon April 14, 2008 at 5:59 PM by bearing01
3.0 will fit your needs with out any issues. I prefer a dual stage myself! But a single stage is fine for the weakened DIY person.
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