Well I replaced 12 2.75", 1 4.5" and 1 6.0" Viton seals with the Teflon gaskets. Even though my finger tips are numb from the star nuts, I must say these gaskets rule. They seat perfectly and they are as smooth as a baby's bottom. In the process of replacing one of the 2.75" ports, it was obvious that the Viton seal was mis-seated. Still gave a decent vacuum (10-6), but I'm glad it's out of there.
So the cage is now unwired from the electrical feed-through. Fundamental laws of topology and conflict with the replacement of the seals on the feedthrough... The main chamber seal still isn't closed until I get the cage reconnected to the electrical feed through. But since I have to use the hoist to do that, I'll leave that task until tomorrow night.
Still, all these gaskets in the system created a large area of out-gassing Viton. Replacing this Viton with Teflon can only be a very, very good thing. I also should remember to get some Everclear to clean up the few fingerprints on the cage. Since I'll have the chamber open and all. . .
Glad to see you are posting again ...
Why no update?
<sigh> Been working like a dog in the mundane world and can't seem to get any time. . . Hopefully soon. . .
Hi,
I read your blog. Cool stuff, still running?
Fa
Sitting in limbo, unfortunately. My daughter and my day job are taking up all my time at the moment and I can't seem to get any time freed up to make more forward progress...
:(