Roots model 33 vacuum chucking blower - Talk ShopBot Forums

Hello, when I bought my used PRT Alpha 5' x 12' almost 3 years ago, it came with a Roots Model 33 Vacuum Blower/(pump?). I have done nothing with it, deciding it was more important to learn about the other aspects of programming and running my machine. But I am getting really tired of nailing all my little wooden plaques onto my spoil board.

I have ZERO background in this type of equipment, so upon reading the manual, most of it makes no sense to me. The manual refers to many different models, and for example, it references checking the sight glass to monitor the oil level. But there are no diagrams showing where the sight glass is, and I don't see anything that looks like a sight glass.

The manual says the unit must be mounted on a flat surface, and says a machinists level should be used. But the people I bought my PRT alpha and the vacuum pump from, had the vacuum blower sitting on a crooked skid under the PRT alpha. So, I built a heavy duty roll around cart for this BEAST, assuming it was better then what the previous owner had done. I had to build a cart just to be able to move it into position.

The manual says if the unit has been sitting, check the cylinder for rust prior to start up.

So for starters,

How do I check for my oil level?
How do I check that there isn't rust in the cylinder?
Is my mounting of the unit on rubber wheels a stupid mistake that only a rube would have done?
How do I bring this on line without messing it up?

Any advice will be appreciated. Hopefully this isn't such a broad request, that it is impossible to get good replies. I am pinching every penny, so I don't want to call in an expert Roots service technician.

Thanks to anyone who can provide me with some direction. Chuck

• General View of vacuum pump 7-2-12.jpg (143.7 KB, 503 views)
• Vacuum Pump Closer 7-2-12.jpg (105.8 KB, 488 views)

Well, here it is, 7 years later,,,,,,,,, and my Roots blower is still sitting under my Bot.......... I am going to make various upgrades to my Bot this winter, and I'd rather have a smaller vacuum when I make my other upgrades. I only want a vacuum to hold down large sheets of MDF and I don't want all the noise with the Roots blower.

What is this worth? I found two ads where they wanted $ for a Roots blower. But I have no idea if they were able to sell at that price. What is a fair asking price?

I do drive between Chicago area and St. Paul to visit my sister and her family, and could consider delivery along that path. Otherwise someone would need to come and get it.

Your advise will be appreciated! Thank you, Chuck

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