Replies

1. 
   user-211435 | Dec 03, 2006 07:18am | #1

   The simplest and cheapest thing to do is buy a vacuum pump and make your own bags.  Look for a vacuum pump on E-Bay. 

   You can buy 20 or 30 mil vinyl, large enough to make a 4' x 10' bag for about $25, including the vinyl cement.  A few fittings to connect the pump to the bag, a shop made closure (and it doesn't take as much as you would think to do this, in fact I sometimes don't even seal the end as the vacuum will seal itself), and you are set.  This way you can make bags any shape you need, and not feel so badly when they get full of glue.

   Hal

   http://www.rivercitywoodworks.com

    

2. 
   Jfrostjr | Dec 03, 2006 05:15pm | #2

   If you do decide to buy, rather than make, Vacuum Pressing Systems in Maine sells them. Michael Fortune told us at a Woodworking Shows seminar on Friday - Buy the 12' model for $XXX; cut off the extra 4', add an inlet and now you have two bags for an extra $20.

   Frosty

3. 
   sapwood | Dec 03, 2006 10:55pm | #3

   My bags and pump are from Vacuum Pressing in Maine. I have both vinyl and polyurethane and there's a huge difference in the materials. If you think you will use the bag x-amount then double or triple that estimate. (Veneer capability can change your life.) Then you will really want the more costly poly bag. It is tougher and less prone to deform when stretched. I have a 5x10 bag as my main user but I have the space to set it up. Get as big as you can or better buy a lot of sizes if you can. As an economy measure I purchased the venturi pump but now wish I had the electric.

4. 
   seajai | Dec 04, 2006 05:12am | #4

   Check your local surplus store for vacuum pumps. I got mine for $25 bucks.

   Veneersupplies.com has everything else you will need including polyurethane material to make your own bags.

   Saftey glasses?......Nah!, I'm wearing saftey contacts
5. 
   Pondfish | Dec 04, 2006 07:04am | #5

   Just got a system from Ed ferri at quality vakuum products (qualityvak.com).  I looked at pumps on eBay, but was concerned since many didn't give cfm ratings--and it's important, since you want your work under pressure before the glue sets.

   Poly bags are more durable than vinyl, just fyi. 

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
6. 
   BILLB | Dec 04, 2006 09:02pm | #6

   There are good plans and descriptions for building your own veneer press at joewoodworker.com. Check it out.

1. 
   quietude | Dec 13, 2006 02:29am | #7

   Thanks for all the info guys, most helpful. I'm going to get a basic kit, but make my own bags.