> I've never applied vacuum to a barrel - only gas pressure for racking. I
> keep it to ~ 3 to 5 psi for safety reasons. Goes amazingly fast even at
> that low pressure. I can empty a 60 gallon barrel in 5-10 minutes. I
> suspect that vacuum at an equivalent minus pressure would be OK too -
> especially as the arched shape of a barrel tends to be strong with the force
> in that direction. The heads are another matter, but oak is pretty strong
> stuff.

I was considering a nitrogen setup, but the $$ of a bulldog pup seems a
bit high. Are there any less expensive alternatives to the pup?
Custom fabrication? Thanks, -David