I have recently built my vacuum chamber. I'm using a 10" PVC Water Line pipe for the chamber; it stands 12" tall. For the bottom, I chose 3/4" thick PVC (12" x 12"). I used a router and cut a 1/4" deep groove for the pipe to set into the bottom plate and used pvc cement to seal it up. For the top, I chose a 3/4" clear acrylic 12" x 12". I cut a 1½" wide round gasket to fit the rim of the chamber. Currently using a Harbor Freight vacuum pump.
I am getting fantastic results from spalted woods like Hackberry, Tamarind, Maple, etc... I am having not so good luck with Claro Walnut. After 10 hours of continuous vacuum at 29+ in/Hg", I'm still getting "slight" air bubbles out of the Walnut. After some research, I'm reading that Walnut, in general, does not really like to be stabilized. I have also read that some professional companies can get good results with Walnut.
I am using Curtis' Cactus Juice. I've read that the Cactus Juice does not have an effect of your vacuum pump. I have a question for anyone who may have tried this? Regarding the Claro Walnut, I'm wondering if replacing Cactus Juice with Teak Oil and repeating the same process will yield a better result? My main concern with pulling Teak Oil into a vacuum is will this damage my pump?
If I attempt this, I'm thinking of turning a blank to shape, then pulling that shape into a vacuum with teak oil, allow to soak, then let it dry for a good period of time. Since I will not place the teak oil soaked shape into my oven, I'm hopeful the shape does not change?
Has anyone attempted to pull teak oil into a vacuum?