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Re: air pump

Posted By: George Vidas
Date: Friday, 27 February 2015, at 6:51 p.m.

In Response To: New to Neon and setting up shop! (Mike Muldowney)

> 1: I need to get new hoses to go from the
> air/gas manifold to the fires. Is it
> seriously just latex hose? I feel like
> that's not robust enough. Could I use that
> flexible BBQ hose for at least the ribbon
> and crossfire burners?

I use acrylic tubing to go to hand torches, and heater hose for stationary torches.

> 2: Since it's never been used, should the
> oil in the diffusion pump and u-gauge be
> good to go still?

If it's been kept sealed, and has not been contaminated with dust or anything organic that will outgas, it should be fine. However, if you're having problems with virtual leaks, or need to clean the insides of either piece of glass, it would be high on my list of things to replace. New oil for both should cost you between $50 and $100, combined.

> 3: The u-gauge should read level side to
> side with the top stopcock open and the blow
> hose connection open to atmosphere, yes? I
> got laid on it's back during transport and I
> had to get all the fluid to migrate back
> down where it belongs. I didn't lose any, it
> all stayed near the u-gauge....but now it
> doesn't seem to want to level out.

What you're describing doesn't make sense. Either the valve isn't open, or the oil is in the wrong part in some confusing way. Upload a picture somewhere and post a link.

> 4: I got a fair amount of glass with the
> package. A good deal of it is 'dusty'. How
> do I go about cleaning it? The clear glass
> can I literally just wash with water or
> glass cleaner? What about the phosphor
> coated glass? I can't run a pipe cleaner or
> anything through it as that will just ruin
> the powder...right?

You could try baking it at about 450-600 F, but it's probably best to just use it as practice glass. Blow out any major chunks and move on -- don't worry too much about pumping it perfectly. Unless it's colored glass or your time is free, it's probably more cost effective to buy clean glass.

Messages In This Thread

• New to Neon and setting up shop! -- Mike Muldowney -- Thursday, 26 February 2015, at 5:04 p.m.
  • Re: air pump -- George Vidas -- Friday, 27 February 2015, at 6:51 p.m.
    • Re: air pump -- Mike Muldowney -- Sunday, 1 March 2015, at 6:36 a.m.
      • actually not at all to do with air pumps -- George Vidas -- Sunday, 1 March 2015, at 10:02 p.m.
      • Re: air pump -- Romarrk -- Tuesday, 3 March 2015, at 7:35 p.m.

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