A/C compressor as vac pump for stabilizing?

[leehljp]

I have noticed in the past a few references to using an old refrigerator or A/C pump as a vacuum pump. As mechanically inclined as I am, I have never messed with refrigeration of any kind. Can someone tell me what to do to use an A/C compressor pump as a Vacuum Pump for stabilizing wood?

Do you take the pump out of the compressor housing unit or just take the whole compressor off the A/C unit? I have a window A/C unit that has lost its Freon totally. Will this unit work? Maybe? Probably? I don't mind experimenting but I have never wanted to deal with Freon per se.

I do not have a lathe yet (in the States) as I left everything back in Japan, but while here, I thought I would use what resoruces that I have to learn what I can.

Thanks.

 

[ctEaglesc]

Try this site
The link has been posted before But I can never find it when I want it:
http://www.joewoodworker.com/veneering/welcome.htm
There are plans to make your own usig two different methods.

 

[rtparso]

Here are a couple of links for making a vacuum pump out of a refrigerator compressor. I would make sure that I atleast added a dirt trap to any vacuum pump I used. If you know anyone that has an appliance repair place I bet you can talk him out of a couple for free. No they don't work as good a a $2000 Varian vacuum pump but if I had 2k extra it would go to the new lathe fund not a vacuum pump.

http://www.sas.org/E-Bulletin/2003-12-12/labNotesAS/body.html

http://www.paragoncode.com/shop/vacuum_pump/

http://www.berkut13.com/sucker.htm

http://www.motherearthnews.com/top_articles/1981_January_February/A_Versatile_Vacuum__and_Air___Pump

 

[leehljp]

Thanks Eagle and Ron.

Your information was great and I will use it. I am going to start experimenting as soon as I have a little time.