where to find a good vacuum pump?

[SCHMIDT_B at KIDS.WUSTL.EDU]

Dear Colleagues,

We would like to buy a vacuum pump for our gel dryer.

I went around in our university to ask people about their pump, but what 
everybody said was: do NOT buy this pump.

So, if this letter reaches the content owner of a dependable and inexpensive vacuum 
pump (if this combination exists), please let me know. 

Than you in advance, Bela