3 Gallon Vacuum Chamber with Pump,304 Stainless Steel Degassing Chamber Kit with 4.5 CFM 1/3HP Vacuum Pump,for Stabilizing Wood, Degassing Resin, Silicone and Epoxies

The set is nice and complete, but it is a little rough around the edges. The gauge manifold, for instance, is pre-assembled, but backward from all the photos and instructions. That's not a big deal, except that the valves have a noticeable detent when turning the other way, making you stop and second-guess whether it will work. The instruction manual isn't super clear on several steps, either, and doesn't mention several critical things that would trip up new users:1. There's a check valve in the pump exhaust that you have to remove in order to fill with oil.2. The lid and gasket need to be wiped clean of dust before sealing3. The vacuum gauge needs to be vented - this is written on the gauge itself, but not in the main instructions4. There's a different screw on the pump's drain plug than in the manual5. Included wrench isn't the correct size to assemble the gauge manifold (not that you'd want to use it, anyway)6. There isn't pump oil included to actually fill the reservoir, as state in the manual. There's plenty to get it above "min", but the manual says to fill it completely - which is a) wrong (there's a MAX line) and b) impossible with the included oil.I'm still giving 4 stars because the components of the set are nice and it does work. But the instructions are not sufficient, so the whole experience is frustrating for a new user.

The VTG VOGTEN 3 Gallon Vacuum Chamber with Pump is a high-quality degassing kit designed for a range of applications, including stabilizing wood, degassing resin, silicone, and epoxies. This kit comes with a 304 stainless steel vacuum chamber, a 1/3 HP vacuum pump, and a range of accessories aimed at helping you efficiently remove air bubbles and moisture from materials. Here is a detailed review of its features, pros, and cons.Pros:Durable Stainless Steel Construction:The 304 stainless steel chamber is highly durable, resistant to corrosion, and built to withstand the pressures of vacuum operations. This construction ensures long-term reliability, especially in demanding applications like resin casting or wood stabilizing.Stainless steel is also easy to clean, which is an important feature when working with sticky materials like resin or epoxy.Strong 1/3 HP Vacuum Pump:The kit comes with a 4.5 CFM pump that offers powerful suction for degassing. The 1/3 HP motor is designed to remove air and moisture from the chamber effectively, ensuring that you can achieve optimal results with epoxies, resins, or wood stabilization.The pump is also relatively quiet compared to some other models in its class, which makes it more comfortable to use in your workspace for extended periods.3-Gallon Capacity:The 3-gallon chamber is an ideal size for a wide variety of projects, from small batches of resin to larger pieces of stabilized wood. It's large enough to accommodate several items or larger molds without taking up excessive space in your workshop.The chamber’s size strikes a balance between providing enough volume for larger projects while maintaining a compact footprint, making it suitable for hobbyists and professionals alike.Comprehensive Kit:The vacuum chamber kit includes everything you need to start your degassing and stabilizing processes right out of the box, including the vacuum pump, chamber, silicone hoses, and vacuum gauge. This makes it convenient and saves time, as you don’t need to buy additional accessories separately.The included vacuum gauge helps you monitor the pressure within the chamber, giving you precise control over the degassing process.Effective for a Range of Applications:This chamber is particularly effective for stabilizing wood by removing air from porous wood, allowing for better resin penetration. It also excels at degassing resins, silicone, and epoxies, making it a versatile tool for a wide variety of DIY and professional applications such as crafting, woodworking, and mold-making.Users can also use it for casting projects, helping to achieve smooth, bubble-free results in resin molds and other intricate projects.Easy to Use:The design of the chamber and pump is straightforward, making it user-friendly even for beginners. Setting up the chamber and starting the degassing process is simple, and the clear gauge allows you to easily track the vacuum level.The clear acrylic lid on the chamber lets you visually check the process, providing transparency to ensure the resin, epoxy, or wood is properly degassed.Affordable Price Point:Compared to other high-quality vacuum chambers on the market, the VTG VOGTEN 3 Gallon Vacuum Chamber Kit offers great value for the price. It provides durability, performance, and reliability without the premium price tag of some other brands in the same category.Cons:Potentially Limited for Heavy-Duty Use:While the 4.5 CFM vacuum pump is effective for general degassing and stabilizing tasks, it may not be as powerful as larger models designed for more industrial-scale applications. If you're working with large, high-volume projects or need to handle tougher degassing tasks, you might need a larger pump or chamber.Some users may find that it takes longer to degas certain materials with this setup compared to higher-capacity vacuum chambers with larger pumps.Size Limitations for Large Projects:The 3-gallon chamber is suitable for most projects, but it may not be large enough for massive pieces of wood or larger molds. For users working with particularly large projects or who need a higher-volume chamber for bigger pieces, the capacity might feel limiting.While the chamber works well for small to medium-sized batches, those dealing with larger production runs might find it necessary to upgrade to a larger system.Plastic Components (Hoses and Parts):While the core construction is stainless steel, some parts of the kit, including the hoses and fittings, are made from plastic. Although these components are functional, they may not be as durable as metal parts and could degrade over time with frequent use, especially if exposed to high heat or chemicals in resin applications.The hoses might also need periodic replacements, depending on the frequency and intensity of use, though they are still adequate for most typical hobbyist and small business applications.Vacuum Pump Durability Over Time:Although the pump is effective, some users have reported that, with extended use over time, the motor can begin to show signs of wear, which might reduce its longevity. Proper maintenance, such as regular oil changes and keeping the pump clean, can help mitigate this issue, but it’s still something to be mindful of.Lack of Auto-Shutoff Feature:The vacuum pump does not feature an auto-shutoff function, which means you'll need to manually monitor the process and ensure the chamber does not stay under vacuum for too long. This could be a small inconvenience for those who prefer a more automated setup, especially during longer degassing processes.Conclusion:The VTG VOGTEN 3 Gallon Vacuum Chamber with Pump is an excellent choice for hobbyists and small businesses engaged in wood stabilization, resin casting, and degassing epoxy or silicone. With its durable stainless steel construction, powerful 1/3 HP vacuum pump, and easy-to-use design, it offers great value for those who want to produce bubble-free resin, smooth wood projects, and other professional-quality results without breaking the bank.While it may not be suitable for large-scale industrial use or very heavy-duty applications, it is more than adequate for small to medium projects, making it a solid investment for personal and light professional use. With careful maintenance and attention to detail, this kit will provide reliable performance for years, allowing you to achieve top-notch results in your resin, wood, and silicone projects.

Had high hopes for this one, but is a poor design in my opinion. The instruction are very contradictory to the pictures and very unclear. Had to add multiple extra washers to even secure the gauge to the chamber. The hose leaks often and won’t pull a vacuum. Doesn’t reach anywhere near the specification. I rigged it up enough to get it to -0.95 MPa, but this is not close to where it should be. At least works for what I need it to do, but would be nice to get more of a vacuum.