[zsinger]

All,
Just broke my vacuum pump at home, and don't really have the cash at the moment to purchase a new one.  Was seeing if anybody has conceived any ideas that work exceptionally well. Would appreciate any design ideas.  Don't need to pull 1mm of Hg or anything, just need a decent vacuum for finicky fractional distillations and steam distillations.  Any help, and/or pictures GREATLY appreciated.
           -Zack

[Enthalpy]

Buy a used one over Internet?

[Arkcon]

Enthalpy:'s idea would be the best one.  We could get decent vacuum from a water aspirator in school, but modern kitchen sinks don't usually make the correct connection.  But if you can find one, go ahead and try it.  There are also hand vacuum pumps.  Of the sort visible here:  {click}  But I was never able to get a good vacuum with one of those. The gauge turns, people claim to use them for automotive purposes, but I could never drive the vacuum filtration of a liquid with them.