Progress on vacuum chamber build - helium leak detection, custom flanges

I machined a few custom aluminum adapters for KF/NW vacuum fittings on the lathe this weekend. Next time, I hope to have electrical feedthroughs and should be ready to start depositing material!

Thermocouple vacuum gauge teardown and explanation

I describe how thermocouple vacuum gauges work, and take apart a vintage example of such a system.

Milling machine tutorial - cutter selection, speeds and feeds, coolant, high speed machining

I discuss the basics of selecting the right cutter for the job, choosing feeds and speeds, and general setup and planning of CNC milling machine cuts.

New high vacuum system

I'm building a physical vapor deposition rig, which will be an interesting tool for creating optical coatings, SEM sample preparation, and maybe even thin film transistors. So far, I only have the pump and Penning gauge connected to the chamber. Soon, I'll have high-current and high-voltage ports in the base plate for controlling the deposition process.

http://www.allorings.com/gland_static_axial.htm

Water circulator with temperature control

I built a water circulator that can supply heated or chilled water to various other shop projects. 

Eurotherm 2132 with platinum RTD (eBay)
CPC quick-disconnect hose fittings (eg McMaster 5012K79)