Replies

1. 
   keith1947 | Jan 30, 2005 07:36pm | #1

   Hello Ron

        I would also like to make a press as I could not justify the cost of a commercially made unit. I wonder if any vacuum pumps from other items could be adapted, such as from motor car , photo copier etc. ( don't even know if they use vacuum pumps in cars or photo copiers) but I am sure we will be informed.

                         I hope you don't mind my linking to your post .

                                   regards  Teabag

2. 
   jptenberg | Jan 30, 2005 08:27pm | #2

   Ron--

   Look at the site joewoodworker.com

   They have all the materials and instruction to build what you need, in addition to lots of veneering accessories.

   I have been doing a lot of veneer work lately, and have been wanting to set up a nice vaccuum press, but I can't find the space in my already overcrowded shop

   If you get some stuff from this site, I would like to hear what you think of it after the fact.

   Peter

   jpswoodworking.com

    

3. 
   haroldp | Jan 30, 2005 11:30pm | #3

   There are a lot of printing shops going out of business or going direct to plate or even upgrading to larger platemakers. If you can get your hand on a pump from a platemaker you are in business. You can get 20 Mil sheeting from a plastic store along with the glue. The sheeting comes in 54" rolls. You can buy two yards of material and have a bag for about $20.00.

   The only downside to these pumps is that you have to run them for the entire clamping time. These pumps are rated for continous duty so it is not a serious problem. As you get more into to this you can add a controller and tank and then the pump will only run when needed while maintaning vacuum.

   Look into surplus catalogs as well. You should also go to Joewoodworker.com. He has great info on his site.

   Good luck

   Harold

4. 
   bones | Jan 31, 2005 12:18am | #4

   Here's one I am considering making. This guy gives pretty detail instructions. Looks interesting.

   http://www.joewoodworker.com/veneering/welcome.htm

   This guy even gives instructions on building your own bags.

   
   

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   Edited 1/30/2005 4:20 pm ET by bones

1. 
   ron61 | Jan 31, 2005 01:09am | #5

   Trying to save a few $ on a pump - was thinking about useing a  refrigerator compressor .

   I have looked at joewoodworker and has all kinds of parts

   Ron