Vacuum Press?

[Bob Lasley]

Well, since it's almost Santa Claus time, I've been thinking seriously about a vacuum press for veneering. VaccuPress' hobbiest kit for around $300 looks like it might do the job and I've also given quite alot of thought to scrounging parts, ebay, etc. and building my own. I won't be using this thing day-in and day-out, so I really don't think I need a heavy-duty professional model.

Any of you have such presses, and if so, any advice?

Thanks,
Bob

[Ken Wright]

Bob .....

I don't have one of those but sure would like to get one ..... David Marks has used one on his show several times and it looks like a neat way to produce something expensive looking without so much of the expense.

If you find a way to build one in your shop please let me know .... would love to do the same
/ken

Well, since it's almost Santa Claus time, I've been thinking seriously about a vacuum press for veneering. VaccuPress' hobbiest kit for around $300 looks like it might do the job and I've also given quite alot of thought to scrounging parts, ebay, etc. and building my own. I won't be using this thing day-in and day-out, so I really don't think I need a heavy-duty professional model.

Any of you have such presses, and if so, any advice?

Thanks,
Bob

[Jeff Ward]

Bob, You must be reading my mind. I was about t post the same question. I know that at www.joewoodworker.com he has plans for building one.

[Steve King]

Bob,
I got my bag from Quality VAKuum Products along with the fittings to connect the vacuum hose to the bag. I went ahead and got the 4' x 5' bag, I don't need a bag that big but you never know. I am using a automotive vacuum pump that will pull down to 29". I also got their glue ( VAK-Bond ) that has worked out great.
Steve King
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[Bob Lasley]

Steve,
Is the automotive vacuum pump that you use the type that is used to evacuate the freon from the air conditioner? I was looking at Quality Vakuum's site yesterday and thought their bags seemed a little expensive, though I am sure they are high quality products.

Jeff,
I have been reading Joe Woodworker for about a year now and if I build a setup I will be definately heeding his advise and possibly buying some parts from him.

Ken,
I will let you know what I come up with. On one hand, I want to build one, just cause I like to do that sort of thing and especially if I can save some serious bucks. On the other, if I'm going to spend almost as much as what I can buy one for...................??

Thanks guys,
Bob

[Jamie Buxton]

Vacuum presses are great. I built my first 20 years ago, and haven't looked back.

One big piece of advice is to make your own bags. Commercial makers charge $100 for a bag that is just $10 of vinyl sheet. You can glue up your own in ten minutes and save a bunch of money.

There are two classes of vacuum press -- open-loop and regulated. In the open-loop, the vacuum pump runs continously. In the regulated, there is a pressure sensor that cycles the pump on and off, like the compressor that runs nail-guns. I guess the regulated version saves a few pennies in electricity, but in a hobbiest shop that doesn't matter much. If you're building your own press, simplicity and low cost are important, so the open-loop kind of press makes more sense.

[Steve King]

Bob,
Yes, the vacuum pump is used to pull a vacuum on auto systems. I have also seen people use a compressor that is out a refrigerator as a vacuum pump. I sealed the vacuum connector to my bag and sub-streight, after I pull a vacuum, it will hold it overnight.
Steve

[Bob Lasley]

Vacuum presses are great. I built my first 20 years ago, and haven't looked back.

One big piece of advice is to make your own bags. Commercial makers charge $100 for a bag that is just $10 of vinyl sheet. You can glue up your own in ten minutes and save a bunch of money.

There are two classes of vacuum press -- open-loop and regulated. In the open-loop, the vacuum pump runs continously. In the regulated, there is a pressure sensor that cycles the pump on and off, like the compressor that runs nail-guns. I guess the regulated version saves a few pennies in electricity, but in a hobbiest shop that doesn't matter much. If you're building your own press, simplicity and low cost are important, so the open-loop kind of press makes more sense.

Thanks Jamie,

What glue do you use when making bags?

I'm sure if I make my own system it will be a regulated one. It's easy to wire to build a tank and wire a switch. I don't like the idea of listening to a pump run for three or four hours, plus less wear and tear on the pump and motor.

Bob

[Dave Avery]

Bob,

I have the Vacupress hobbiest unit and couldn't be happier. The 4X4 vinyl bag has been durable and is all I need in terms of size. By the time you add up the cost of a decent pump, gauges, connectors, etc., you're going to be out well over $100. Plus a bag. The results I've gotten using Daryl's instructions and videos have been flawless. Dave.

[Jamie Buxton]

Bob ---
I buy 30 mil clear sheet vinyl from a local supplier named Tap Plastics. It costs about $6 per running yard of 54"-wide material. I get vinyl glue from the same place. It comes in a toothpaste tube, and $5 buys enough to do lots and lots of bags. It is about as runny as PVA. (www.tapplastics.com Oddly, the web site doesn't show 30 mil sheet, although the stores stock it. The site also doesn't offer by-the-yard ordering, but the stores are happy to do it. A phone call would a good idea.)
Tap offers vinyl tubing -- to connect the bag to the pump --- but Home Despot sells it for less.
Jamie

[Bob Lasley]

Bob,

I have the Vacupress hobbiest unit and couldn't be happier. The 4X4 vinyl bag has been durable and is all I need in terms of size. By the time you add up the cost of a decent pump, gauges, connectors, etc., you're going to be out well over $100. Plus a bag. The results I've gotten using Daryl's instructions and videos have been flawless. Dave.

Dave,

Did you buy yours directly from Vacupress or through Rockler, etc.? Also, does your pump run continuously or does it cycle?

Thanks,
Bob, full of questions today.

[warthog5]

I do a fair amount of vacuum bagging. It is mostly done on boats, wether they are wooden or fiberglass.
I have all the high teck materials to do it with, but I just use visqueen and GOOD quality duct tape to seal the bag. There are about 7 diffrent levels of duct tape. The cheap stuff leaks.
Here's a pix of my vacuum port that I use. You put the bottom piece inside the bag and seal the bag. Then you cut a small X in the middle of that bottom piece and the top piece fits into the bottom piece with a banyot style hook up. It has a rubber gasket to seal to the bag.

[Dave Avery]

Bob,

Sorry about not replying sooner, a little under the weather for the past couple of days.

Bought it from Rockler, but it's a direct ship from Vacupress. I also bought the videos from Vacupress and I think they're worth the money.

The pump does run continuously, but it's relatively quiet. Dave.