Replies

1. 
   Lilshaver | Oct 28, 2002 07:09am | #1

   I have two bags from Vacu Pressing Systems in Maine. They are great! The company is top notch when it comes to customer service. I know nothing about other companies, they might be just as good, though I don't know how they'd be better unless they came to your shop and helped.

   I have both a vinyl bag and the more costly urethane. The urethane bag is the clear winner, hands down. However, if cost is a consideration, the vinyl bag will do you well for some time, just expect pinholes and subsequent leakage.

2. 
   Hempstalk | Oct 28, 2002 08:04pm | #2

   Tomidelli,

     If you plan on doing large presses or large curved pieces a 5cfm pump will probably be needed.  Vacu-press is an excellent company and they have a great forum to ask questions.  I purchased a seamless 20mil poly bag measuring 54 x 109 and have had no problems with it.  When properly sealed it will hold a vacuum for 9 hrs without turning the pump back on.  I find vinyl fine for flat work but not really approiate for rugged use or large curved work.

3. 
   craigmoe | Oct 28, 2002 09:20pm | #3

   I also have a system from VacuPress, and have been extremely happy with their products and customer service (including the forum).  I originally purchased the stairbuilder's set with the larger pump and 20' long urethane bag.  Since then I have bought a few smaller vinyl bags, and they have performed very well.  The urethane bags are better, but you will probably need to use them frequently to justify the significantly greater cost.  My opinion appears to be consistent with the earlier replies, but I thought I would add to the consensus.

4. 
   JPGrout | Oct 29, 2002 04:48am | #4

   I have two bags for flat work a 54x120 and a 54x96 both 30 mil vinyl. I also have a urethane bag for curved work up to 12"x13'. I have done about 200 presses per year over a 4 year period in the three bags with the urethane bag doing 50% of the presses. The bags are showing wear after all these presses but continue to seal just fine. Repairs are simple and quick, I have even had to repair under a vacuum (I just sealed the hole with clear tape to get it through the press, then repaired it). I set up a vacuum pump with an automatic starter that senses when the vacuum reaches 17" and turns off at 22". I also found an old propane tank and put it to use as a tank to create an inital vacuum. It's so easy I can glue up the work put it in the bag get the inital press on it and walk away. Actually, it does take a bit of preparation so that you can get every thing to move along efficently prior to putting it in the bag, but after you do this a couple of hundred times you kinda know what to do when. This is who I get bags from. I am very pleased with them.

   http://www.qualityvak.com/ Joe

   
   

   ---

   Edited 10/28/2002 9:51:02 PM ET by JOEGROUT