I’m looking for some basic details as well as more nuanced, experienced advice in putting together a vac pump / bag setup sometime over the next handful of months for some upcoming projects I have.
Never used a vacuum bag before, but watched plenty of videos so I’m at least familiar with the concept. I have spent a fair amount of time reading on the Joe Woodworker and Veneer Supplies websites so far and gotten some basic details there.
I would love to get into having the option to veneer my own sheet goods for certain projects. Not sure if a full 4x8 sheet will need to be done all at once for my needs, but seems like that’s a threshold / common size for bags (54”x108” bags seems common) so a pump that could at least handle that. I also have an upcoming project (months out) for a curved wall cabinet that I’m thinking has veneering and vac bag written all over it.
Biggest issue is available workshop space to set up and put a platen that size. Currently have a 40”x75” 3/4” mdf assembly table that is dead flat but maybe not large enough for a 4x8 sized platen to stay flat or? The workshop is tiny with limited useable wall space so not sure a fold up table would work at least not for that size.
I have plans to expand my shop into the garage and would have plenty of space there to earmark for a large 4x8 ish assembly table that could do platen / bag duty but not there yet.
Of course I’m trying to evaluate all options for budget reasons including used but don’t know exactly what to look for. I’m not opposed to piecing things together here and there if it helps over all cost and is a clear-ish path, but not really looking to build my own pump.
I see the veneer supplies kits and seem a like the Excel 3 or Excel 5 is at least the size I’d want?
https://www.veneersupplies.com/categ...__Press__Kits/
Alternatively, the shop I apprenticed in has at least an extra setup with a Vacu-press pump (can’t remember what size, but must be at least 15-20 years old) and I think 4x8 platen and bag, but unsure of bag quality and material. They may be open to selling me one of the setups which could be convenient and local.
Assuming I want a poly bag over vinyl or? What thickness is needed? I see options for 20 mil and 30 mil bags on veneer supplies.com
I’m sure I’m leaving out important questions out of inexperience and trying to sort out what matters, what doesn’t and what some of the more nuanced parts are that are helpful to have in a small shop professional environment...any thoughts?
Thanks,