Thanks for the review of the connector mpitfield... will be looking to see how actually using it goes for you!
So I didn't do my third and final T2T layup until today but I used the new connector...here are my thoughts.
- First thing I noticed is cutting the hole in the vacbag for the connector is a bit harder than my original connector. This is because the hole required is much bigger so it has to be a bit more accurate vs. just cutting a small hole in the bag. I think I have a round cutter somewhere about the right size, if so it will be a breeze to cut, if not I will come up with something to make it easier.
- Connecting the connector to the bag was much easier as the top ring and connector are much easier to grip and overall it feels like a much more secure connection.
- Connecting the airline is different as the original connector had an automotive style connector which was designed for pressure, not vacuum and just pushes on. The new connector is designed for vacuum so connecting it is different, you have to hold the release ring on the quick connector of the air supply as you push it on, then release.
- Because this new connector was designed for vacuum it has a check valve built in, so I can easily disconnect and move, which is important for me. On my original connector I had to install a ball valve after the quick connector, to maintain vacuum while I disconnected and moved, this was much more bulky.
- As far as it's ability to hold vacuum or not leak, well I did have leaks. However when I tracked them down it was not the connector but a new patch I applied to this vacbag, which I had used on the two previous layups. A bit of sealant help to reduce the leak but it was a stubborn one and I let it ride because the cycling frequency was reasonable.
Bottom line, I like the new connector and feel it is an improvement over my original connector on many levels. Having said that I feel that it will take more than one layup to come to a conclusion, however first usage makes me feel that it was a good choice.
I will be doing 2 more CF T2T layups in the next couple of weeks, both 3F, one 38mm MD the other 75mm MD, so I will have a better idea after that.