I feel that I should give you folks the results of my enquiries about what type of vacuum pump is required to produce a good workable vacuum.
The pump needs be a "Rotary Vane Double Stage Oil Bath Vacuum Pump". I also found that gauges and control gear for compressors and pressure vessels are a very reasonable cost, but as soon as you enter the world of vacuum generation all price logic seemed to go out of the window and be replaced by high costs indeed. This is all the knowledge I have about duplicating the vacuum kit I used in the factory. I hope the prices are much lower for the bits and pieces needed to build it on your side of the pond, though here in the UK it is far to expensive.
