Contrary to a previous review this item was simple to assemble, had oil to fill the chamber and came with a moulded UK plug. Having tested it with water, soapy water and soda water it pulls to -1 bar with no real effort. At -1 bar the pump housing smoked but that may well be because it is new, the housing although warm remained touchable and with the valves closed and pump off vacuum was held for the several minutes I allowed it to before opening the inlet valve. For the price I reckon it's going to be a pretty useful tool for degassing silicone and epoxy.