Hilski - 22-12-2006 at 21:32
I bought a Gast 0523 lab model vac pump off a co-worker today for a measly 50 bucks. The pump is virtually brand new, and was only used a few times
for vacuum filtration of samples in a water treatment facility. It is good for 26" Hg, and is very quiet.
This picture is not a picture of the actual pump, but the one I have is identical to the one in the picture.
Anyone have any experience using this particular pump?
Edit: I just found out that this thing retails for over $700 US!! 
https://www1.fishersci.com/Coupon?cid=1328&gid=158901
[Edited on 23-12-2006 by Hilski]
DeAdFX - 8-2-2007 at 12:12
Not bad.. I got an awesome deal on a Brinkman B-169 aspirator. 74 USD + 18 USD shipping. Not to shabby. To bad it doesn't have a place to adjust
the vacuum but that doesn't matter to much. I think I could find something to do that.
vacuum pumps
chemrox - 8-2-2007 at 16:10
Good for you. I did OK too, I got a welch 2 stage "duoseal" for $75 and with clean oil it pumps to under 3 or 4 torr. I haven't used a liquid yet
that will allow me to check how low it will ultimately go.
Is the pump handier for you than an aspirator? I have to do some plumbing before I can combine the water pump with the cooling jackets.
chemrox - 8-2-2007 at 16:13
I see that more of those brinkman's are available. What is their charm?
DeAdFX - 8-2-2007 at 23:21
Supposedly they are resistant to chemical attack, oiless, and the water recirculates so you don't have to "waste" tap water. I believe the water also
acts as a coolant for the pump...
[Edited on 9-2-2007 by DeAdFX]
Elawr - 9-2-2007 at 21:40
I have a Gast pump that looks identical to the picture above. I've had it for many years, and it has served me well. The two metal cans
enclosing the filter elements did become corroded and started leaking. Happily, I was able to replace them with ordinary one pint small-mouth Mason
jars. The threaded fittings matched perfectly to the jars, and I just screwed them right into place! They work great, plus you can see inside.
[Edited on 10-2-2007 by Elawr]