Vacuum Chambers - Top Mounted or Side Mounted? - I Make Sex Toys

So Vacuum Chambers come in 2 major types or styles defined by where the fittings are mounted. Some have the fittings mounted into the lid, while some have the fittings mounted to the side.

But which Style is best?

I believe that the top mounted is best, followed by the high side mounted, with the traditional side mounted fittings coming in last.

But, no matter which you choose, they will all do the job of making a safe silicone sex toy (aka dildo)!

Top Mounted Fittings –

With a “top mounted” vacuum chamber, the fittings, gauge, and valves are all connected through the lid. Some folks like this, some don’t – I think it’s the better option, personally.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

The fittings are about as far away from the silicone as you can get.
Easy to see your gauges
Easy to work the valves

Cons

Restricted viewing inside the chamber
Extra work to transfer fittings if the lid is replaced.
You have to be careful not to put your silicone directly under the fittings in the lid. (The air rushing in can blow your silicone all over your vacuum chamber. There is a diverter you can print on your 3D printer, which I’ll link in the notes below.)

Side Mounted Fittings –

On a “side mounted” vacuum chamber, the fittings, gauge, and valves are all set into the side of the chamber. Some folks like this set up, but I don’t. In this configuration, the are going to be closer to your silicone which has it’s risks.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

You generally have an unrestricted view through the lid of the silicone inside.
The lid is easily replaced – no fittings to move.

Cons:

The fittings are going to be closer to your silicone
- This increases the risk of silicone splatter getting drawn into the gauge, hoses, or pump and ruining one or more of them.
Can be harder to see your gauge depending on your work space.
The body of the chamber can make it more awkward to open and close the valves.
Depending on where your cups are in relation to the fittings, the air rushing into the chamber can knock your cups over and spill all of your silicone.

NOTES:

There is a newer version of the “side-mounted” vacuum chamber where the fitting are mounted high on the vacuum chamber. It’s kind of middle-ground between the side-mounted and top-mounted vacuum chambers.

While I haven’t had a chance to work with one of the high side-mounted chambers, I can see it being a good alternative. Things that I like about it:

The gauge is easy to see,
The valves are easier to reach.
The air rushing into the chamber when you release the vacuum is less likely to knock your cups over spilling your silicone.
One thing I don’t like about it is that it makes the chamber top heavy which can lead to the chamber falling over if you’re not careful.

Here is a link to the diverter that you can print and attach to your fittings – LINK

TO RECAP:

I generally prefer the top-mounted vacuum chambers. They are just easier to work with in my studio. The side-mounted vacuum chambers with the fittings high on the side are interesting and will probably be my next purchase to test out.

Either way, print the diverter that mentioned above to reduce the risk of splattering your silicone all over your chamber or knocking over your cups and spilling the silicone.

Hopefully that helps you understand the differences between the 2 types of vacuum chambers!

Of course, if you have questions, hit me up on the live stream on Sundays at 7pm Central Time in the US on YouTube!

Until next time…