That kit is very impressive. I really like the clamping pads too. I just kept thinking about using them for sanding panels. Great job on the video, too! You explained everything perfectly.
Hi Guy, I have had the same system for years (no digital controller) and it has been great. I use EvacuNet on top of the platen to help protect the bag from sharp corners. It also aides in air removal. Steve
Hey Steve! I have some of that also, and it's what I typically use if you've watched any of my videos that I do veneer. For this one video however, I decided to do the "classic" way of doing it. I really like the plastic netting.
+Lance's Woodshop That system you have is a great system for the price. I went for something larger for quicker extraction on larger panels and bent laminations. Very impressed so far!
There is a check valve inside if it gets dirt in the valve it sticks and flutters wont quite stay shut so it never gets the correct reading call Vac u press they walk me thru it fix the problem ...My fault no filter !
I was hoping you would do this video. Thanks it answered a bunch of questions I had. One question is how much was the system as you showed it. This is really something I want to learn to do. It opens up a whole bunch of great looking woods for boxes.
Very good video. I have the same pump (although mine must be older as it does not have the digital display) and it's been superb over the years. I have a couple of similar plattens to yours which can be joined together in different shapes. (I think I posted a video on youtube about them at some point.) I like the look of those vacuum clamps- would be good for things like the Festool domino or routing when you need to raise the workpiece of the table a little.
Hi Guy- I dont know if you are still monitoring comments here but I had a question for you. Is that bag you have 4' wide or 5'? looks nice and wide for that 4' platen.
GuysWoodshop ahh ok. Because there's special glue for veneers gotcha okay yeah I have type on cold-press and it says 100 to 250 psi for 45 minutes to 2 hours cool man thanks just curious I might get one with the Uncle Sam money
Guy, The vacuum pad clamps you demonstrated here, would be a great addition to the system. But don't they need two very smooth (almost glass like) surfaces to have proper and strong adhesion? Especially if (as you mentioned in a comment reply) you may be using them to do edge routing?
Hey Mac. They worked fine on the MDF top of my assembly table that has been treated with wax, and I think you can see that they held the panel I was working on fine. I have tried them on plywood and solid wood also, and they work fine. A smooth, glass like surface is very helpful, but not completely necessary.
A nice video Guy! I have been wanting to get a similar setup and try veneering. If I remember correctly you like Festool tools as well correct? Is it possible to use the new Festool vacuum clamp system/setup to work with a vacuum bag/veneering setup as well? Also, the systems you see that have a plywood and PVC tube setup, are they designed for a compressor/Venturi setup or to just make a higher vacuum draw? Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions and making such informative video's. They have been a big help when I was looking for a new tool or needed more information for a technique or project.. Ron
Thanks Ron. I am not sure of the draw on the Festool vac, however I'm sure it will work. Just not sure of how efficient it will be. I have one of the shop made systems, and the PVC tubes are there for reserve.
About glue winding up where you don't want it: Is it a problem? Are there steps you take (that you might not use for conventional clamping)? If glue gets on the bag, is it hard to remove? Are there glues you avoid for this reason?
Good question David. Both of the cauls I used for this were waxed, so if glue does get on them, it easily comes off. And since the bag is plastic, glue doesn't stick to it. So again, it easily comes off.
Hi Guy, thanks for that tremendous review. I have been considering the Festool VAC-SYS system for a while and comparing to the system you are using, the Festool system is twice the price so VACU PRESS system is a pretty good alternative to consider. I don't have any use for a bag yet but I need a practical clamping solution. I have two questions. 1) While using the pump to clamp vertically, if you have a power failure would the board fall off the clamp immediately or it will hold for a while like the festool VAC-SYS? 2) Noise wise have you ever compare that system with the Festool system? Thanks
Thanks Marcus. If the system fairly air tight, once a vacuum is established, there needs to be a leak in the system for it to fail if the pump is turned off. And I have not heard the Festool system in use, so I really couldn't comment on the noise difference.
Just subscribed to your channel. Great stuff. Love the vacuum pack system you have. I want to get one but have a question. I'm just learning about veneering. I've seen guys just use contact cement and then go over veneer with a piece of wood like a scraper. Making sure the veneer is contacting the substrate. Is vacuum pressing that much better? Does it last longer?
Hey Pete! Welcome to the channel. Yes, you can use contact cement. However with it you should use a paper backed veneer. It really limits the quality and variety of what veneer you can get. And yes, A vac bag is much better than a roller or iron any day.
Thanks for the answer that is exactly what I was looking for. You explained it perfectly. Question: Is it worth buying the Industrial 30 Mil Polyurethane bags or not worth the extra expense? I am just getting into veneering, but obsessed with buying the best equipment and supplies to start with instead of working my way up the ladder.
The polyurethane bags are very nice, and very expensive. They will last longer and are less prone to punctures from the contents of the bag. That being said, I have 3 30 mil vinyl bags. 2 are over 2 years old, and have been used heavily with no problems.
Hey Tom! The system is from vacupress.com. They have complete packages for home and hobby use. Look at the 1.5 cfm unit if you're not doing anything very large or planning bent laminations with the system.
GuysWoodshop Guy, did you say "don't" get the 1.5 cfm system if we are planning to do bent laminations? I assume that's because the vacuum pressure would not be enough to both attain and maintain the bend? I thought (could be wrong - haha) the system you were using awhile back was at or near 1.5 cfm and you were able to achieve very nice bent laminations?
+MRrwmac What I did with the panels was bending veneer and flexible ply on a very small scale, and I had a real hard time with it. To do larger solid wood bent laminations, it makes it easier to draw the air out faster, that's why I might recommend a larger unit. Once that air is drawn out, the pressure is the same.
+Chuck Hart I had one that used a Venturi and a compressor. Not very happy with it. VacuPress offers a smaller system with a bag for less than the cost of this pump shown here. Very good value and it will do probably everything you need it to do. Take a look at their website. The link is in the description of this video.
Quiero comprar una máquina para doblar láminas de madera . Cuál me recomienda.. es verdad que hay una variedad pero me gustaría la opinión de la experiencia.. gracias.
The physics of this technique are absolutely baffling. How is a thin layer of plastic possibly giving uniform clamping pressure across a panel of any size? It’s absolutely incredible and lucky for me I don’t need to understand the physics to try this method myself. 🤣 great video
Very nice explanation and well done demonstration! You have upgraded your system, therefore it's obvious you are very happy with using the vacuum process. It wasn't long ago you had your first try on the curved laminates. My question is, why not leave the laminates in the vacuum until the glue has fully cured? I noticed in an earlier process of yours, you took it out at one hour and then let the glue cure for another three hours. Might it be that there is a need for the glue to have normal atmosphere for proper adhesion and to be completely cured?
+MRrwmac Thanks Mac! Any time I have done pressing before with a veneer glue like the one in this demo, I have always taken them out after 45 minutes to an hour. And that's what I did this time.
These reviews of the products you use are so professional. No ad company could make me covet a tool the way you do!
HaHa. Thanks! I hope my sponsors know it!
Really informative Video. I am new to vacuum systems and trying to learn and decide which system to use. This helps a lot.!
I've wondered about those for a while. Thanks for sharing! Makes a lot of sense
Thanks for watching!
That kit is very impressive. I really like the clamping pads too. I just kept thinking about using them for sanding panels. Great job on the video, too! You explained everything perfectly.
Thanks Sean! There is a lot of things I'm thinking of. Sanding, edge routing, sanding small parts.....
The most informative and knowledgable gentleman you will find on youtube about this subject. Guy knows his stuff! Thank you sir.
Hi Guy, I have had the same system for years (no digital controller) and it has been great. I use EvacuNet on top of the platen to help protect the bag from sharp corners. It also aides in air removal.
Steve
Hey Steve! I have some of that also, and it's what I typically use if you've watched any of my videos that I do veneer. For this one video however, I decided to do the "classic" way of doing it. I really like the plastic netting.
I love my Vacu Press compact 150 for the amount of veneering i've done thus far. The bigger unit is really nice, well made machines!
+Lance's Woodshop That system you have is a great system for the price. I went for something larger for quicker extraction on larger panels and bent laminations. Very impressed so far!
Bent laminations for sure needs a faster vacuum. It sure does suck! lol
I just picked up this exact pump from a local auction. Excited to use it!
Hope you enjoy it!
Fantastic video, and I love the quality of that system. Big thumbs up.
Hey Marty! Thanks buddy!
Very informative video and thank you for sharing.
Good stuff Guy! That is a great system you have!
Thanks Brian! It just screams quality. Very glad to have it in my shop to use.
I’m trying to understand how this work and this video was so helpful. Thx guy
That is a great set up Guy !
Tommy P! Yeah, I am super impressed with the whole package.
Im glad to see Vacu press improved. My gauged vacu press does not auto shut off and on worth a darn.
I've been very happy with the Vacupress system
There is a check valve inside if it gets dirt in the valve it sticks and flutters wont quite stay shut so it never gets the correct reading call Vac u press they walk me thru it fix the problem ...My fault no filter !
Very nice. I can see many ways to use that system. Can you get a full sheet of plywood in bag? You mentioned it was 8 ft long.
Thanks Tom! Yep, the bag was designed for a full sheet of plywood.
Great masterclass, thanks Guy!
Thanks Roman!
I was hoping you would do this video. Thanks it answered a bunch of questions I had. One question is how much was the system as you showed it. This is really something I want to learn to do. It opens up a whole bunch of great looking woods for boxes.
+Chuck Hart Thanks Chuck! Veneer can seem intimidating to work with, actually it's very easy and opens up a whole new world of woodworking
Great Video! If you are joining 1/2" plywood to 1/2 Hard wood wood you need scrap veneer on the other side of the plywood? Thank you.
Very cool. Question: do you need the bag for veneers? I’d like to try veneering (?) but can I use a board with clamps or weights?
Looks like nice setup.
Thanks Mike!
Very nice system! Thanks for the demo.
Thanks for watching Lowell!
that is great Guy, sweet system you have there and great explanation.
Thanks Mike!
Great video--Thanks! I have the same vacuum pump...do you know if it can be used as the source of vacuum for a vacuum chuck on a lathe? Thanks!
Nice system Guy
Thanks Mitch!
Great video and as always very informative.
Thanks Mark!
Very good video. I have the same pump (although mine must be older as it does not have the digital display) and it's been superb over the years. I have a couple of similar plattens to yours which can be joined together in different shapes. (I think I posted a video on youtube about them at some point.) I like the look of those vacuum clamps- would be good for things like the Festool domino or routing when you need to raise the workpiece of the table a little.
+Richard Leon Thanks Richard! I am very happy with the quality of the equipment. I'm going to have a lot of fun with those vac clamps
Great instruction, Guy. Thank you!
Thanks for watching Matt!
Hi Guy-
I dont know if you are still monitoring comments here but I had a question for you. Is that bag you have 4' wide or 5'? looks nice and wide for that 4' platen.
I love using this system for glass fiber epoxy resin work.
nice vac system guy..question...how do u know how much pressure to use..and does is vary by size of the piece? thanks guy!
Thanks Joe. The glue will tell you what pressure to sue. Typically it is in the 12-25 range.
GuysWoodshop ahh ok. Because there's special glue for veneers gotcha okay yeah I have type on cold-press and it says 100 to 250 psi for 45 minutes to 2 hours cool man thanks just curious I might get one with the Uncle Sam money
Guy, The vacuum pad clamps you demonstrated here, would be a great addition to the system. But don't they need two very smooth (almost glass like) surfaces to have proper and strong adhesion? Especially if (as you mentioned in a comment reply) you may be using them to do edge routing?
Hey Mac. They worked fine on the MDF top of my assembly table that has been treated with wax, and I think you can see that they held the panel I was working on fine. I have tried them on plywood and solid wood also, and they work fine. A smooth, glass like surface is very helpful, but not completely necessary.
Very well shot video and instruction, Guy. Do you have to leave the pump running when your using the clamps?
Thanks Steve! Yes, the pump need to be running in the "continuous" mode for the clamps. It's designed for it, and it's also very quite.
Ok, thanks.
Thanks for the info Guy!
Fred! Thanks buddy!
A nice video Guy! I have been wanting to get a similar setup and try veneering. If I remember correctly you like Festool tools as well correct? Is it possible to use the new Festool vacuum clamp system/setup to work with a vacuum bag/veneering setup as well?
Also, the systems you see that have a plywood and PVC tube setup, are they designed for a compressor/Venturi setup or to just make a higher vacuum draw? Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions and making such informative video's. They have been a big help when I was looking for a new tool or needed more information for a technique or project..
Ron
Thanks Ron. I am not sure of the draw on the Festool vac, however I'm sure it will work. Just not sure of how efficient it will be. I have one of the shop made systems, and the PVC tubes are there for reserve.
About glue winding up where you don't want it:
Is it a problem? Are there steps you take (that you might not use for conventional clamping)? If glue gets on the bag, is it hard to remove? Are there glues you avoid for this reason?
Good question David. Both of the cauls I used for this were waxed, so if glue does get on them, it easily comes off. And since the bag is plastic, glue doesn't stick to it. So again, it easily comes off.
Hi Guy, thanks for that tremendous review. I have been considering the Festool VAC-SYS system for a while and comparing to the system you are using, the Festool system is twice the price so VACU PRESS system is a pretty good alternative to consider. I don't have any use for a bag yet but I need a practical clamping solution. I have two questions.
1) While using the pump to clamp vertically, if you have a power failure would the board fall off the clamp immediately or it will hold for a while like the festool VAC-SYS?
2) Noise wise have you ever compare that system with the Festool system?
Thanks
Thanks Marcus. If the system fairly air tight, once a vacuum is established, there needs to be a leak in the system for it to fail if the pump is turned off. And I have not heard the Festool system in use, so I really couldn't comment on the noise difference.
Just subscribed to your channel. Great stuff. Love the vacuum pack system you have. I want to get one but have a question. I'm just learning about veneering. I've seen guys just use contact cement and then go over veneer with a piece of wood like a scraper. Making sure the veneer is contacting the substrate. Is vacuum pressing that much better? Does it last longer?
Hey Pete! Welcome to the channel. Yes, you can use contact cement. However with it you should use a paper backed veneer. It really limits the quality and variety of what veneer you can get. And yes, A vac bag is much better than a roller or iron any day.
Thanks for the answer that is exactly what I was looking for. You explained it perfectly. Question: Is it worth buying the Industrial 30 Mil Polyurethane bags or not worth the extra expense? I am just getting into veneering, but obsessed with buying the best equipment and supplies to start with instead of working my way up the ladder.
The polyurethane bags are very nice, and very expensive. They will last longer and are less prone to punctures from the contents of the bag. That being said, I have 3 30 mil vinyl bags. 2 are over 2 years old, and have been used heavily with no problems.
How do you connect the 1/4” vacuum tube into the pump? Is there a 1/4” quick release on the back of the pump?
Thanks
Yep, there is a quick disconnect on the line
I've been waiting for just this video. Good Job and thanks!
Where is your system available for purchase?
Hey Tom! The system is from vacupress.com. They have complete packages for home and hobby use. Look at the 1.5 cfm unit if you're not doing anything very large or planning bent laminations with the system.
GuysWoodshop Guy, did you say "don't" get the 1.5 cfm system if we are planning to do bent laminations? I assume that's because the vacuum pressure would not be enough to both attain and maintain the bend?
I thought (could be wrong - haha) the system you were using awhile back was at or near 1.5 cfm and you were able to achieve very nice bent laminations?
+MRrwmac What I did with the panels was bending veneer and flexible ply on a very small scale, and I had a real hard time with it. To do larger solid wood bent laminations, it makes it easier to draw the air out faster, that's why I might recommend a larger unit. Once that air is drawn out, the pressure is the same.
In addition to my other question can you use a compressor and a vacuum gauge and get the same results as this $900 pump.?
+Chuck Hart I had one that used a Venturi and a compressor. Not very happy with it. VacuPress offers a smaller system with a bag for less than the cost of this pump shown here. Very good value and it will do probably everything you need it to do. Take a look at their website. The link is in the description of this video.
Quiero comprar una máquina para doblar láminas de madera . Cuál me recomienda.. es verdad que hay una variedad pero me gustaría la opinión de la experiencia.. gracias.
The physics of this technique are absolutely baffling. How is a thin layer of plastic possibly giving uniform clamping pressure across a panel of any size? It’s absolutely incredible and lucky for me I don’t need to understand the physics to try this method myself. 🤣 great video
It's the at,mospheric pressure on the bag after you remove the air from the inside. Works crazy good. Thanks for watching!
Very nice explanation and well done demonstration! You have upgraded your system, therefore it's obvious you are very happy with using the vacuum process. It wasn't long ago you had your first try on the curved laminates.
My question is, why not leave the laminates in the vacuum until the glue has fully cured? I noticed in an earlier process of yours, you took it out at one hour and then let the glue cure for another three hours. Might it be that there is a need for the glue to have normal atmosphere for proper adhesion and to be completely cured?
+MRrwmac Thanks Mac! Any time I have done pressing before with a veneer glue like the one in this demo, I have always taken them out after 45 minutes to an hour. And that's what I did this time.
Sir, I'm facing a problem of this machin. When I start machine it is not stop automatic. It has on off evry second. how can solve it?
Did you fix this? This is when your lower and upper threadshold for the vacuum are too close I would guess.
more good stuff to know i like the clams
+Richard “richard the boss” sargent Thanks Richard! I think I'm really going to enjoy the clamps too
Sweet setup. Puts my homemade bag and wine pump to shame.
HaHa. I used one of those once many years ago. They work fine for smaller pieces.
does that come with a bag?
They have a smaller system packaged with a bag. The Pro model does not.