Hi,

Compressor oil will stop your vacuum pump wearing out, but it will
limit the ultimate vacuum achievable because it contains volatile
components which vacuum pump oil does not. It is probably worth buying
proper low vapour pressure vacuum pump oil as the price is not
exorbitant. Check out Duniway Stockroom for pump oil:

http://www.duniway.com/html/cs-sp-section.htm

Incidentally, if you haven't yet bought a vacuum pump, look at belt
driven models. The belt driven Welch and Edwards pumps are very rugged
and a good buy second hand. I believe Duniway stock the Welch models.

Best wishes,

Chris

Depending on local stores for you, you might expect to find vacuum pump
oil at farm supply (milk machine), HVAC (air conditioning) some auto
parts (also air conditioning), or an industrial supply. It can also be
shipped.

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