Black and Decker freshGuard vacuum system

[Cruciform]

The other day I picked up the B&D vacuum bagger to process mice and rats.

I tested the suction by putting an aluminum can in the bag before sealing it.
The vacuum pump works great, it's powerful and ramps up in increments to get every last big of extra air out of the bag.

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/4112bagsealer.jpg

The sealer doesn't work so great. Even with my weight bearing down on the top it doesn't form a clean seal in the end. Lots of little gaps that allow the air to seep back in.

It may work better with lighter bags, but if I was going to be shipping these out, I'd prefer the heavy duty bag. As it stands now, I can't recommend this one.

Anyone else have any preference for sealing? And any recommendations for equipment for sealing large quantities of bags?

[Cruciform]

Okay, you know you're a geek when you're testing and reviewing vacuum sealers to put dead animals in. :/

I returned the Black and Decker to Wal-mart and picked up the FoodSaver VAC350. It's virtually the same design, but priced $15 dollars more than the B&D.

The vacuum motor appeared even stronger than the Black and Decker model, crushing a can in about half the time. This appearance of increased strength is probably just because it doesn't step up the motor in increments like the B&D but hits it full force immediately.

The seal, using the same bag material as the Black and Decker, was perfect. I'll be keeping this model to freeze critters and other goodies (money, weed, severed heads) in the years to come.

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/4112foodsaver.jpg

[justinO]

i've heard from some people who seal rodents that the rodents should be somewhat frozen because the vaccume is too strong and starts to suck the insides out of the rat.. that's just hearsay, but worth thinking about

[Cruciform]

hehe, thanks for the warning :D

I'll be freezing them individually so I don't get frozen mouse-clumps and rat-clumps, then once frozen the sealer will be used to package them for shipping.

Now it's just a matter of finding a new place that's suitable to large scale breeding so I can get the ball rolling.

[crazyboy]

you nkow you are a herper when you are seeing which vaum packer has the most power for dead rats/mice. Are you located in canada or us. if you are in the US once you get up and running send me a pm and ill get some mice off of you.

[The Green Mile]

Good post Cruciform Thanks!

Now where can we get those styro freezer trays that
meats are wrapped on at the grocery stores?

Good Luck with the location hunt

Cheers
Brian