Vacuum Pump - connection issue

[josh76]

Hi All

This is a bit of a cry for help - hopefully its not a really easy question!

I recently bought a vacuum pump off ebay, however I am having some trouble locating the part I need to convert the 1/4 SAE fitting on the vacuum pump to an 1/4 or 3/8 NPT/BSP that is on the hose I have.

I'm not really sure if it's an adapter I need, or an actual hose that has SAE on one end and NPT on the other? Or where you would locate either, I've spent a fair bit of time searching google but so far no luck finding what I think I need.

Any help/insight anyone could provide would be really appreciated.

Thanks
Josh

[Lane]

I had a hose made at an HVAC shop.

You could probably make your own. The SAE is a flare fitting so you would need the flare tool, the fittings and a bit of copper tubing to run between them. There may also be adapter fittings available but sunce you are not in the US I have no idea who would carry them. Search for an industrial/ equipment supply company.

[Hatemonger]

I would start by taking the parts into whatever local hardware/DIY store you have, and asking for help. Here in the US, I've been to a Home Depot and Lowe's (big box home centers) and an Ace (national chain, but local franchisees), and they all had a comprehensive selection of adapters and fittings.

Just make sure you bring the actual parts, even if you have to bring the whole machine! Don't mess around with "oh, I'm sure I'll remember what I need".

- H8

[mangozac]

Hatemonger's advice is good, but since these are air fittings (not plumbing fittings) I don't think you'd be too likely to find them down at Bunnings. I got my safety valve and some other parts from , I suppose you just need to look for something similar. Look up air fittings in the Yellow Pages.

[Hatemonger]

Maybe I'm mistaken, but I thought they had them all together. I'm talking about displays with what must have been a couple hundred different pieces. I know they had things like 1/8" or 1/4" hose barbs on NPT or flare fittings, male or female. I fully admit to getting lost in the dizzying array of parts, hence the advice to bring them with you. You just say, "I want something to go on this bit, then attach to a hose at least ten feet long, then fit into this hole over here."

At the very least, it wouldn't hurt to try. Worst case, you get some funny looks from the hardware guy, and honestly who hasn't had THAT happen because of our crazy hobbies?

- H8

[mangozac]