Hello All,

I want to attempt vacuum veneering. I understand the process, but my question is regarding the vacuum pump. I frequently see commercial/laboratory grade vacuum pumps selling for reasonable prices at auction or on CL. One would think these types of commercial pumps would last several lifetimes for the average woodworker. What isn't clear to me is this...once my project is inside the veneering bag and sealed up, does the vacuum pump need to run continuously, or does it run intermittently? What turns it on and off, or is it up to me to keep an eye on the bag? Does a commercial vacuum pump possess (or lack) some important features of those pumps marketed primarily to woodworkers?

Your advice is appreciated.