It works, and does what the specs say. Hand vacuum pumps are the most cost effective way to experiment with vacuum. I purchased this same hand operated vacuum pump under the name Mityvac MV8000, including a pressure gauge (0-30 inHg and 0-(-100) kPa,) and a set of adapters and short tubing for automotive diagnosis at Harbor Freight for $39.99. Look at the image on this page and you'll even see the mityvac logo on the handle. Instead of buying it relabeled and at marked up price, look here:
Automotive Vacuum Test and Bleed Kit. If you want to spend this much, try an electric vacuum pump such as:
Mastercool (MSC90062A) 3.0 CFM Single Stage High Performance Deep Vacuum Pump.