Posted by Gripper on August 08, 1997 at 12:29:49:
I've been pumping for quite some time now, and have
always run into the same problem. I get the small,
red marks that I guess are small hemorrhages. I've
read over and over on the forum that, in order to
avoid this, to use low pressure over long periods of
time. I use a CTC XL1000 pump and only, until
recently, used up to 3 inches of mercury. From what
I've read on the forum, that "IS" low pressure, but I
still get the marks. However, something remarkable,
yet strange, has happened. I recently took a two
week leave and had to put my pump aside. When I got
back, I resumed pumping and, much to my surprise,
developed no red marks. So I gradually increased the
pressure over a hour and a half pumping session until
I reached 6 INCHES OF MERCURY. That's double the
pressure I was using before, and still no red marks.
I've done this 4 days straight now with no problems.
I know it's not a problem with my gauge, as I marked
my pumped length on the cylinder previously, and have
now passed that mark by about a half inch. But I
can't for the life of me figure out what has happened
to account for this. Don't get me wrong. I'm real
happy, never pumped this big before, I just don't
understand what factor has caused this. In the last
several months, I've started hanging weights, using
the Grip system, but I can't see how that could be
the reason for doubling the vacuum safely. I guess I
should be happy and just carry on, but if anyone out
there has any input, I'd love to hear from you.
Gripper