Cheap vac pump ?

[sugarwoodacres]

We strarted using some taps on tubing and I see a lot on here about vaccuum, whats the entry grade pump model and cost
? Thanks for any help

[maple flats]

How many taps.
Many start vacuum using an old dairy pump and a Bender releaser. Dairy pumps are made to run at 15" vacuum but most can be run up to 18" and some go even higher. I run 2 such pumps, an Alamo 30 and an Alamo 75. Both are vane pumps and I run mine at 18-19".
I paid $300 for the 30 and $$400 for the 75. The numbers are the CFM @ 15" vac. On a tight system you need at least 1 CFM/100 taps. Other dairy pumps you might look for are an SP11 or SP 22, both are piston pumps and can get higher vac levels. Cooling the pump is the main issue, and the pump is mainly cooled on many by the air it is moving. Higher vac levels have less air actually flowing thru the pump while the heat generated is increasing.
Some for a starter pump use a sap sucker and they require no releaser but vac levels are lower. For good reading and to learn a little about vacuum, read the threads in the vacuum category.

[sugarwoodacres]

Thanks maple flats, we will have about 250 taps next year. appreciate the help from you seasoned sappers .:):)

[500592]

One word one number gast 1550 they work great

[Rossell's Sugar Camp]

Surge sp11 sp22 bb2 or bb4 are all good starters.