+xThanks for the info Steve. I would buy a more expensive one but I’m new to this vacuuming and I’ll only be doing the occasional project. It’s whether I trust that pump enough off eBay as they seem to be Chinese units !
For a beginner making small stuff then a cheaper pump, those sold as air conditioning units for example, will be fine. If you decide composites aren't for you then you don't have an expensive pump gathering dust :-) However, if you decide to upgrade then you have a backup which is always advisable, IMO.
Most stuff you buy comes from China, even if it says Made in Britain! (simply assembling parts imported from China qualifies for the 'Made in Britain' stamp) Not all Chinese stuff is cheap and nasty. My wife's Lenovo laptop, for example, is very good.