If I were building a vacuum system

[tubalcain]

I'm not, as I have a sophisticated vacuum system that I used for veneer on furniture for years. That is what I'll use.
It was kinda expensive, but now, if I were building one for wine, I'd use Amazon Ver Rich 50L vacuum pump, search.
With a 1/4 tubing kit- MXUTEUK - which has a bunch of push lock fittings (I wish that they had them when I built mine).
I'd use an old propane tank for a reservoir. If the tank has the old-style valve it should about free as no one will fill them.
If you have only one thumb on each hand this will work. Probably around $160.

 

[back2it]

The pump that I origionally purchased died on me so it went back. My daughter who is a paramedic told me that she regularly uses a vacuum pump for her patients that does exactly what I need, so I bought one. Great piece of kit. The red hose is a little short but that's my addition and my fault.
I can't remember how much it cost but it was a little more than $160, maybe $200??

 

[Rice_Guy]

Interesting parts, robust

I have found it useful to have at least two pumps running. ex I may be using a vacuum corking head and then want to start a siphon somewhere or run a several hour degassing process. It is useful to have enough valves / T to operate more than one project.
A surge tank helps smooth out a freeze drier line at work, this runs 24 hours a day. In practice if I am vacuum corking I want the lowest vacuum I can get as fast as I can. The tank would slow down corking.

 

[tubalcain]

There are basically two styles of pumps, diaphragm, and wobble piston, more $. The diaphragm is the best bang for the buck. The wobble piston runs longest. I have a WP pump in service now that has run, continuously, outdoors in Ohio for 7 years. The valves are push lock and go anywhere in the tube $10.