I want a vacuum table!

[Tenson]

Hi,

Can anyone advise about hoses to connect the system together? I designed it expecting 5/8" ID hose. It concerns me though, that once a vacuum is being pulled the hoses could squash shut. Are there special types of hose I need to get? If not, I was thinking to use the engine breather / radiator hose for cars.

Actually I'm curious how any hose soft enough to bend easily can support a vacuum inside without squashing closed?

[Jonathan]

Actually I'm curious how any hose soft enough to bend easily can support a vacuum inside without squashing closed?

With a vacuum inside a circular hose you've got inwards pointing radial forces, so a circle is the strongest shape to use. Bending the hose is not the same, as you're applying the force in different directions.

Bear in mind that at best the difference in pressure from your vacuum approaches atmospheric presssure. This is much smaller than for example an air compressor where over 10 times atmospheric pressure is common.