Thomas Pump question?

[richard poitras]

I recently came across this Thomas pump(shipping only) and was just wondering if it would work for a veneering vacuum bag system (Joe woodworker’s kit) I know that that cfm is vary low and I was just wondering what the general consensus is as fare as if it would work? Meaning as fare as bringing the bag down fast I know that is out of the question, but would it still put enough vacuum presser on doing veneering and possibly bent lamination?

The sticker has the model #107CAB18 and then below it has 110/115v (I always thought 110 + 115 was the same thing) The 110v is rated @ 0.58 cfm and the 115v is rated @ 0.69 cfm ….
Here's the link of the model:
http://www.rtpumps.com/rtpumps/us/she/en/home.nsf/systemcontentview/index.html?Open&DirectProductURL=B9B8BEF37557CA2FC 1256F240023D167 (http://www.rtpumps.com/rtpumps/us/she/en/home.nsf/systemcontentview/index.html?Open&DirectProductURL=B9B8BEF37557CA2FC1256F240023D167)

[Mike Henderson]

Unless the bag is very small, you'll be waiting a very long time for it to evacuate the air in the bag when you start pulling vacuum. The problem is that you often have to hold your work in place until the bag pulls down. If you don't mind that wait, the pump will work.

But I think it's way too low of a cfm.

Mike

[Bruce Wrenn]

Years ago in FWW there was an article on building a veneer press. Author used a tee on outlet from bag. Hooked a shop vac to one side if tee, and got most of the air out of bag. Removed shop vac wand from tee and slipped a cap on that side. Then he turned on very small vacumm pump. Slick!