So I used a few tutorials to put this thing together and although I think it looks pretty, it doesn't actually work.
I've got a J/B 7cfm vacuum pump. New oil and properly filled. If I hook a gauge right to the pump I can get 26 or so psi
The pot is an old pressure cooker with a flange welded on. On the top we have a piece of polycarbonate. 1 hole with the gauge, 1 with the 2 fitting and 2 ball valves. 1
For the pump, the other to control the suction so my silicone doesn't pour over. On the ball valve going to the pump I've got a 1/4 quick release, 1/4 plug on the hose and a 1/4 to 3/8 adapter connected to the hose. I've made a gasket on the underside of the polycarbonate use RTV automotive gasket maker silicone. I then have bolts going through the flange, gasket and poly with wingnuts on top get a tight seal. Cumbersome but in theory it should work.
I assume I have a leak because when it's all hooked up, the needle on the gauge doesn't even budge a little. It's really frustrating me at this point. Any advice from anyone on what to check and where?