Kluge Automatic Feeder: Where to go next?
I’ve got a 10x15 Kluge with MB at the beginning of the serial. I got it from a shop that probably hadn’t used it in a decade. I’ve spent some time reading the threads on here and getting it running again, and I’m finally at a place where I feel like I can ask decent questions. I’m looking for some advice about where to go next with the feeder.
My issue is with the feeder arm suction. It measures about 5 inhg at the hose to the feeder arm, and maybe 9 or 10 inhg at the pump below. There’s hard pipe between these 2 locations.
I plan to disassemble and reassemble the pipe connections with better sealant.
Some other things I’ve done are:
-remove and recondition the piston pump and its seals and check valves.
-Replace the diaphragm in the throwoff mechanism with a thin silicone sheet as it was immobile and seemed leaky.
-lube everything
-remove and clean the feeder suction break mechanism as it was totally clogged
-Grind the metal feeder suckers flat like Warren suggests
From what I’ve read on here, many people put an outboard vac pump on these and abandon the piston pump. I read elsewhere that maybe spending the money on Bigfoot suckers can help compensate for a low suction piston pump.
any advice?
We put Bigfoot suckers on a vintage Kluge and they work very well.
Hello I went to Gast vacuum pumps on 12 x 18 the additional advantage is that you can “walk” the sheet from the feeder right into the guides.