Let me see if I can phrase it right.......
First off, I do not endorse the use of this device, and anyone constructing
one shall assume all risks, and hold Harry Jensen blameless for any damage
or injuries resulting from flaws in materials, workmanship, or use.
Otherwise, just use common sense and don't go "Tool Time" with the pressure
;-)
I got a 18" length of well casing 10" in diameter (8 guage, or about 3/16'
thick), welded the seam inside & out, then welded it to a flat plate of the
same steel (inside & out as well). Got hold of a 10" sewer flange, turned the
cylinder and bottom plate upside down on it & welded it on top & bottom.
Kinda looks like this-
(upside down view)
| | <- Suction &
Drainaige tube w/ petcock
|0---
__________| |___________
|______________________| <- Bottom plate
| |
| |
| | <-
10" Well casing
| |
| |
/____________\
/_| |__| |__| |__| |__| |\ <- Flange
with bolt holes
around edge
___ __ __ __ __ ___ <- Neoprene
gasket
___________________
|___| |__| |__| |__| |__| |___| < Flat
plate with holes for bolts,
| | | | | |
petcock for introducing
O |0-- O
vacuum & pressure, & PSI &
| |
HG guages
| |
+psi -vac
___| |___| |___
| |
| |
Compressor from old refrigerator
| |
|__________ |
Then I took another piece of 8 guage plate, drilled it for the bolts to
attach it to the flange, drilled additional holes for petcock, pressure and
vacuum guages. I also drilled and tapped the bottom of the tank for a 6"X
1/8" NPT nipple and petcock. (NOTE: all holes were also tapped for either
1/8" NPT or 1/4" NPT, and the threads coated with JB Weld. Brazing would be
better yet).
I mounted this on a work table right side up.
Place the wood, horn, bone, antler, etc. in the chamber, weigh it down with a
chunk of iron & install gasket, bolts, & lid. Crank down snug.
Make sure bottom petcock is closed, and attach vacuum line to top petcock.
Pull a vac on the wood,close the top petcock, shut off the pump, & let it set
for a day or so.
Put a hose on the lower petcock, and insert it into the desired container of
media (cheap polyurethane cut 50/50 with thinner works ok, but play around
with other penetrating stains/sealers..Deft,Min-Wax, etc.). Also, measure the
amount of liquid needed before starting. Open the bottom petcock a bit, & let
the media slowly enter the chamber under vacuum pressure...this way no fumes
can contact the windings of the compressor and produce an unwanted KA-BOOM!
Once the desired level is reached, release any remaining vacuum, close bottom
petcock, and begin to pressurize . Open bottom petcock & unused media will
return to can. Once almost all the liquid has been purged, close petcock and
pressurize to 20-40 psi. (NOTE:THESE ARE RECOMMENDATIONS ONLY!!! I PRESSURE
TESTED MY TANK BEFORE STARTING, AND STRONGLY SUGGEST ANYONE ELSE DO THE
SAME!!!)
Let it set for 2-3 days, then release pressure, open tank, and remove the
stabilized product. Allow to dry (I live in central CA...summers are HOT!)
for a few days to a few months (different materials take longer than others).
I got this idea from other makers, so it ain't mine. As I said before, be
sure of your welds and connections, & don't over pressurize ( it don't take
much).
Good Luck,
Harry Jensen
Fresno, CA
<A HREF="http://www.mrcalifornia.com/~hjensen/">Harry Jensen Knives</A>
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!
------------------
Web Site At
www.infinet.com/~browzer/bldesmth.html
Take a look!!!
