Replies

1. 
   dgreen | Jun 23, 2008 06:46pm | #1

   Be aware that refrigeration pumps were closed systems and got their lubrication from the refrigerant, running them open means they will be unlubricated unless you add lube.

   Also the lubricant used in refrigerants was usually alkylbenzene which is not healthy to inhale when misted as would be the case at the output side of your pump. You might consider venting the output outside.

   The waterbed mattress works great, I use that method myself.

   Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.
   -- P.J. O'Rourke

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jun 23, 2008 10:03pm | #2

   Don,

   Thanks, I'll check into the lubricant part.  Right now it's pinched off so nothing in-out.

   Also, I would like to adapt the fill hole for the adapter to connect the pump.  Any thoughts on this?

   For clamping the bag would you recommend this?

   http://www.veneersupplies.com/product_info.php?cPath=60_67&products_id=3484

   They look like they could be made from som ePVC pipe but the price seems right.

   Regards,

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

   Edited 6/23/2008 3:04 pm ET by KiddervilleAcres

1. 
   rwdare | Jun 24, 2008 03:21am | #3

   Bob, You've found the right place! Joe lives about 15 miles from me and is a great guy. Everything you need for a press can be found on his site. Go to his other site, http://www.joewoodworker.com , and you'll find all kinds of information on building the press, etc.

   Veneering is addictive!

   Dick, an addict

2. 
   Wingdoctor | Jun 24, 2008 05:32am | #4

   I built the Joe Woodworker system and used his bag and closure. It works, it is not really expensive, and you will save all the hassle of trying to make a pump work to do something it was never designed to do. I like to save money any time I can, but I decided that Joe's system was the right tool for my use. Check it out a little more and you may save a lot of frustration.  Good luck!!

   Bruce

   "A man's got to know his limitations." Dirty Harry Calahan
1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jun 24, 2008 04:45pm | #5

   Bruce & Dick,

   Thanks for your encouragement and I look forward to the adventure.  I too am frugal with my woodworking dollars and so I want to try vacuum press veneering  with a small investment.

   My frugality may lead to wrong conclusions on my part but I look upon this as a way to gain experience.

   My Uncle has a stash of some really nice curly maple that I would like to stretch.  Hey, maybe I've found the proverbial board stretcher!

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   Wingdoctor | Jun 24, 2008 06:34pm | #6

   If you watch David Marks on TV he is a proponent of using shop cut veneer to make a board stretch. Using the right techniques, one board can really cover a lot of area. His work is superb and there can be no complaint about using veneer to create a really eye popping project. Good luck with your efforts!!

   Bruce"A man's got to know his limitations." Dirty Harry Calahan

3. 
   Cincinnati | Jun 25, 2008 02:30pm | #7

   Bob,

   As far as a bag closure, fold over the end of the bag a few times and clamp it between a couple of boards. Not glamorous, but to test your system and get started, it works. Or fold it over and roll it around a piece of pipe or a dowel. A few spring clamps and you are in business. The $13 closure is great if you are ordering other supplies as well. If not, the price will likely double or more with shipping.

   Test out your system first. The lubrication issue is critical, so depending on your pump design, you may end up going another route.

   I chose a venturi system. I didn't have shop air, so for the price of a good vacuum pump, I got an air compressor and a venturi vacuum system.

   Greg

   •••••••

   Exo 35:30-35