03-17-2010, 02:04 AM
I purchased a 16x16 sheet of 1/2 inch Lexan and then drilled a hole with a drill press through the center and tapped it. I then bought just standard black pipe fittings, shut off valve, and a vacuum gauge. Lastly I ordered neoprene gasket material 1/8 in think and will cut and glue it to the underside of the Lexan so it lips over the pot and have a viewing circle cut out from the neoprene material to see inside. Alot of people do this and it is cheaper than buying a vacuum pot or building your own since less material. I have this setup with a 2.5 gallon pot and has worked fine for a few years now. Your other option is to purchase 2 sheets of 1/2 in Lexan, 1 for top and 1 for bottom. Then purchase stock PVC coupler fittings. A 12 in couplet runs about $42 at Home Depot and then just drill and tap through the PVC for fittings.