Nova wrote:
dale martin wrote:
I've been looking around the archives here and have found some
information and a couple of great websites about building a vacuum
press for veneering. What I plan on doing is mostly smaller sized
panels, maybe 10" X 14" or so. I know I could go old school and use
cauls, etc., but I'm interested in piecing together some kind of
vacuum system, on the cheap if possible. My questions are as
follows. Harbor Freight sells vacuum pumps, not the venturi type,
but actually vacuum pumps for use in refrigeration and a/c systems.
What I'm looking at is the 2.5 CFM model (98076-4VGA ) that sells
for about $75. If I use this with a purchased vacuum bag, what more
is there to it than to hook up the appropriately sized hoses and
switch it on? Do I need an extra reservoir or additional electric
parts? Will this sized pump have enough power to adequately pull
the veneer to the substrate? Will the pump be running constantly or
once it reaches maximum pressure shut off and only cycle on when
vacuum is lost due to leakage? Any insight as to if this is a
viable plan would be appreciated. TIA.

Bill Nobel, who frequents the wood turner's news group "rec
crafts.woodturning", often has rebuilt Gast vacuum pumps that he sells
at very reasonable prices. You might want to check his site to see
what's currently available or put you name on his waiting list and
he'll notify you when something becomes available. The site is:

Also if you can find a repair shop that specializes in fixing small
duplicator printing presses, they use vacuum pumps to move the paper, Gast
is a common brand. They seem to last forever so a used one may be reasonable
in price. I have one that I haven't used yet to make a vacuum clamp. The
vane type pumps are particularly good because small bits of dust, lint and
sanding dust that gets sucked into them does not harm them at all. They are
built to take it.