OptiVac Vaccume by Allied ??

[MaineGal]

I found a suction/vacuum machine on CL for $75.00. Am hoping we can use
this to rack & bottle with instead of having to lift and transport
full glass carboys.

It is a OptiVac Gomco by Allied, model #
model S178,G178,L178. Does anyone have any experience using this
machine?

 

[Wade E]

No but Gomco is a good name.

 

[MaineGal]

Thanks Wade.

The ad on CL does not show a picture of the unit, so I have searched Google with the make and model #.

It does not look like the other vacuum units that you all are using.

This is what I've found:

http://www.bid-2-buy.com/cgi-bin/mnlist.cgi?bidbuy112/230

Do you think this machine will work?

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[PeterZ]

The mfg info on the web indicates that this is a battery powered unit (rechargeable) that will run for 45 minutes on a charge. Just be sure the battery will hold a charge.

 

[MaineGal]

Ohhhh!
I didnt realize it's battery powered. I dont want that. I want one I can plug in.

Thanks, Peter.

 

[Wade E]

The battery powered one probably doesnt have the same power either.

 

[robie]

Your should be able to do better on Ebay for that $75. I would be patient and keep looking.

 

[MaineGal]

Will do....thanks!

 

[Wade E]

Theres not a heck of a lot on Ebay right now but this one is way better then what you were looking at.
http://cgi.ebay.com/EZ-Vac-Pump-Aspirator-Suction-Nebulizer-PM-60-P-09_W0QQitemZ120528925009QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c10157151

 

[MaineGal]

Oh man.....
I missed it. Someone else bought it

Thanks, Wade, for checking on it for me.

I'll keep my eyes open and see what else might come up.

 

[ibglowin]

I'll just add my $0.02 here about vacuum pumps being used for degassing. If you can afford one they sure do make degassing a breeze. There have been a few post lately from people who didn't degass properly and corks pop out or even a year later they open a bottle which should be a wonderful treat only to find out its full of CO2 and has no flavor.

I did my first kit with a drill and a vaccuvin and it worked but it's pretty darn nice to just attach a stopper and flip a switch and let it go for 5-10 minutes and your done.

They are worth every penny IMHO.

 

[MaineGal]

Thanks, Mike. I appreciate your input. I havent had the pleasure of degassing yet, but from what I've read, it's an important step that has a huge impact on the final result of the wine. I'm looking forward to finding a good aspirator that will make the job easier and more efficient!