Excel 1™ Continuous Run Vacuum Press System

Excel 1™
Continuous Run
Vacuum Press System
* Special Savings! *

Regular Price:

~~$349.00~~

Your Price:

$299.50 ($49.50 Savings!)

Shipping:

Calculated at checkout

Product Description

A vacuum press is not a difficult project to build, but if you prefer to jump right into veneering, this vacuum press kit is just for you. The Excel 1™ Vacuum Pressing System is designed for woodworkers looking for a simple and affordable method of veneering wood panels and clamping wood projects for routing, sanding and carving. With an integrated speed control valve, the system is fully adjustable from 840 to 1750 lbs of pressure per square foot. This system is suitable for vacuum bags up to 4' x 4'.

Simple is Better
Every part of this system is designed with simplicity in mind. This makes it easy to assemble and incredibly durable. With an integrated speed control valve (a simple device), the system is fully adjustable from 840 to 1750 lbs of pressure per square foot. The brass manifold consists of only a few pieces and each uses standard NPT threads. There is no wiring involved in assembly and the whole system goes together in a matter of minutes.

At the heart of the system is a very quiet, yet powerful vacuum pump from Gast Manufacturing to ensure many years of trouble-free operation. The unit is designed to run on standard household current (120 VAC).

Tools required: 9/16" and 5/8" wrench
Assembly time: 20 minutes (or have us assemble it for you)
Assembly instructions: Included or by clicking here

To complete your press, you will only need a vacuum bag and platens.

Kit Contents

New Gast Manufacturing Continuous Duty Oil-Less Vacuum Pump
Attached Cord and A/C Plug End
High Flow Vacuum Filter
Braided Vacuum Tube (10 ft.) with Brass Fittings and Ferrules
Lock-On Vacuum Connector
Exhaust Muffler
Roll of Thread Sealing Tape
Vacuum Speed Control Fitting
Vacuum Valve
Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Vacuum Gauge with Glycerin Filling
Brass "X" (Cross) Fitting
Brass Pipe Union
Brass 2" Pipe

Features

Vacuum pump is fan cooled, thermally protected, UL listed, and made in the USA
Quick 1.1 CFM air evacuation (at 0 pressure) suitable for vacuum bags up to 4' x 4'
Incredibly quiet operation (45 dB)
Designed to pull 25.5" of Hg (at sea level)
All parts to build this kit are included

Vacuum Clamping Options

Basic Kit
With this optional vacuum clamping kit, your vacuum press can also be used for clamping small wood projects to your workbench for sanding and routing. The add-on kit includes the following items:

Zero Creep Vacuum Tape (5 ft.)
Brass Barbed Jig Fitting
Brass Tube Adapter
Flex Tubing (1 ft.)
HDPE Vacuum Jig - 6" x 12"
Electric Foot Switch

Podz™ Kit (26 Piece Kit + Foot Pedal)
Podz™ are simple vacuum jigs designed to affordably clamp projects to your bench top. Using the power of your vacuum press and vacuum clamping add-on, the Podz 26-piece kit allows you to configure the clamping jigs any way you choose to clamp projects as small as 4" x 4" and as large as 5' x 4'. The Podz kit includes the following items:

Podz Pre-Drilled Jigs - 4" x 4" HDPE (4 pcs.)
Mach Valves (4 pcs.)
Brass Plug - 1/8" NPT
Blue Vacuum Tube (12 ft.)
Brass Barb Fittings (7 pcs.)
Removable Podz Gaskets (8 pcs.)
Attachment Fitting
Electric Foot Switch

Product Reviews

Big Performance without a Big Price

Review by Len Nowicki
Rating:

This vacuum press is superb. I cant stop thinking how amazing the whole process of vacuum veneering is. There are about 12 panels completed with my system so far and every one of them has been perfectly flat and without any defects. The system is designed nicely and I didnt have any problems assembling it. I would recommend this system to anyone who wants an affordable way to get into vacuum veneering. Of course, you'll need a vacuum bag to go with the Excel system. I bought a polyurethane bag and I'm very satisfied with that as well.
My Veneering Work Horse

Review by Franklin Kent McKenzie
Rating:

I've been using my vacuum press for 3 years and I am finally getting a chance to write a review. My shop is my retreat. I like peace in my shop and this means that I want my tools to work the way they should. Sometimes that costs money... to buy the best tools... the ones that I know will never let me down. This vacuum press is one of those tools!

The Parts:
Everything is pretty straight-forward. The parts are all heavy duty. The filter is a nice touch that you dont see on other systems in this price range. The gauge has the glycerine filling which is nice. The locking connector on the tube is excellent. I've never had a problem with it.

The Instructions:
As you might know, Joe has a talent for writing clear instructions. This kit is no exception. It will only take 10 to 15 minutes to put the kit together.

The Performance:
My largest vacuum bag is 4x6 which is a bit larger than what Joe recommends for this size pump. My large bag may be stretching the limits of the pump (simply because it takes a bit longer to pull the full vacuum pressure) but once it gets the pressure on, it has no problem maintaining that pressure.

The Service:
Joe's customer service is outstanding. I've had email questions answered within 2 hours on a Sunday. That says everything. You can tell from his messages, that he is committed to his customers.
Count me in!

Review by Edric Moss
Rating:

I bought one too! Everyone says how great these presses are so I jumped on the bandwagon. Glad I did.

The vacuum press took only 15 minutes to assemble and my first project turned out perfect. I've tried every other kind of veneering and never had a panel where it was as perfect as a vacuum pressed one.

Thank you!
Super Quiet and A Great Value

Review by Manny J.
Rating:

As other reviews explain, this is a very quiet system. Since I live in an apartment, I have to be careful about the tools I use and how loud they are. This is not a tool I worry about. I could run it in the living room and not worry about it being too loud.

Everything about this system exudes quality. The gauge, pump, lock on connector, filter, etc... all top notch stuff.

And the service here is impeccable. Joe answered several questions for me late on a Sunday night. I couldnt ask for more.
I Absolutely Love This Thing

Review by Jason Novak
Rating:

I've had my Excel vacuum press for about a year and I absolutely love this thing. Seems like I'm using it more and more each week. The vacuum clamping jig is simple but amazing. The jig is a very dense plastic with a barbed fitting, tubing, and a special adapter that allows it to connect to the vacuum press. The foot pedal is also very high quality. Its made of heavy gauge steel and I really like the latching part. I can just click it on and let it run. When I'm not using the foot pedal on the veneer press, I use it on my router table. As for the core parts of the system; everything is high quality. There are comparable systems out there for more money. My woodworking club has one and its good but not great. It's very basic and not adjustable like the Excel vacuum. Shipping was reasonable and I got it within a couple of days after I ordered.
This System Is Unbeatable

Review by Russell Newhart
Rating:

Count me in with the rest of the users here. This system is unbeatable and the price just right. My system took 15 minutes to assemble thanks to crystal clear instructions and oustanding product quality. I'm hooked on veneering and vacuum bagging now. It is addicting! This system just makes it so easy. For the money, you cant beat this system. My press arrived in 2 days along with my bag and a nice selection of veneering tools and glue. My 1st panel came out perfectly. No worries mate!
Good System At A Good Price

Review by Louis Foster
Rating:

My vacuum press is running at this very moment and as it purrs along, I look forward to removing the burled panel I made this morning. Now is a good time to write this review.

I thoroughly researched the small vacuum press systems available from this website and three other companies. Ultimately, I decided on this model for several reasons. First, I wanted a good system at a good price. Second, I knew there would be times when I would need lesser pressure for some torsion box projects I do on a regular basis. Third, I wanted a system that is well supported. Having asked the owner of this company many questions, I was thoroughly impressed with his level of customer service. And one last reason I made my purchase here... It felt good to give my hard-earned money to a fellow woodworker. This is a great company to support and the level of customer service is outstanding.
You Hardly Know It's Running

Review by Thomas Pastorio
Rating:

I'm writing this review immediately after ordering my 3 systems from VeneerSupplies.com. My first two units are in continuous use and my shop has plenty more panels to get down. We are primarily an art studio and it is imperative that the machinery noise levels are kept to a minimum. This system really meets that requirement. You hardly know its running.

And when it is running, it runs cool and doesnt miss a beat. Even our clients have remarked about how great this system runs. There are so few places where one can find a vacuum press like this and I think this is the only place where you get a pump that is actually made in the USA. As for the other components, they too are all of excellent quality. The filter is a nice touch and gives piece of mind. The vacuum adjustment idea on this pump is ingenious too.

Overall, I'm as happy as can be with this outfit. Our third unit is going to fit in perfectly with the two other units and complete my vacuum press setup. I've noted also the service here is impeccable. The last two orders literally took less than 24 hours to arrive. How about that!
You Can't Beat This Sytem

Review by Ronny Warner
Rating:

You can't beat this system. For the cost, no one offers anything close. Other places are selling what are basically low duty pumps with junk tubing, no gauge, no filter, no connectors. On the other hand, this system has it all including a stainless steel gauge, lock on connector, a very nice filter, and a very well made vacuum pump.

My system took only 10 minutes to assemble. I was veneering my first panel only minutes later and my first veneered project came out perfectly.

A little bit about Joe... I have to say that he is tops in my book. He definitely knows his stuff and this kit shows it. Joe also supports everything like no one else I've ever bought from. Its nice to speak to someone who understands the products he sells. And clearly, he's not in this for the money. He even called me on a Sunday afternoon to answer questions I had about this kit. Seriously... where else would you find this level of customer service?

I mentioned the phrase "customer service" to Joe when we spoke. He actually doesnt consider his conversations with his customers as a from of "service". The truth is that he's just trying to help people that he considers "friends". I really appreciate being treated like a friend and not a sale.

Two thumbs up and ten stars to Joe and this kit.

Ronny Warner
This System Is Absolutely Complete

Review by Mike Armstrong
Rating:

I bought this multi-use system with the clamping kit. I'm now in a semester-long veneering class and wanted to get right into it without taking time to chase down parts for a system just to save a few $$. Joe's system is absolutely complete and goes together in minutes. I'd also strongly recommend one of his quality 30-mil bags as it will obviously hold up for years of pressing in the average home shop. My first pressing job went flawlessly.

Joe's web site is a wealth of great information on veneering and other woodworking topics. Besides offering a good selection of quality products at fair prices, Joe's customer service is unbeatable. Although there were a couple problems with my first orders - which were not his fault, his response assured me that he stands behind his products and service. I will be doing more business with him and I highly recommend him to anyone for veneering supplies.
Each Component Is Top Notch

Review by Joann Trumel
Rating:

We assembled our vacuum press in about 10 minutes and made a vacuum bag later in the day. The whole system goes together in a snap and the parts fit perfectly. Each component is top notch and especially the pump which is a Gast model that you runs so quietly, you almost dont even know its running. My husband and I are thrilled to add veneering to our list of abilities. The press just makes it so easy.
The Valve Stem Is An Ingenious Idea

Review by JR Hart
Rating:

I am very pleased with this vacuum system. The assembly took less than 15 minutes and the system runs as well as I had hoped. The valve stem is an ingenious idea and one that should have been thought of by the big boys of vacuum presses.

The optional part of the assembly involves rotating the head of the vacuum pump. I was a bit apprehensive about doing this at first. But the system is much more compact with the head turned 180 degrees (as the instruction say) so I gave it shot. It was very easy and certainly something that I shouldnt have been worried about.

I also bought the vacuum bag vinyl and cement. With the instructions found on the other part this website, I was able to build a custom bag that connected to the vacuum system very nicely.

Overall, I am very happy with the vacuum press. The shipping was reasonable and the package was well protected.
I'm Happy As A Clam

Review by Jesse Hines
Rating:

This is an excellent system. I say this after owning one for 6 months and using it nearly every weekend.

At first I was apprehensive about having to build the vacuum bags. But the bag material is so easy to work with (yet appears incredibly durable) that I'm happy as a clam to have made it myself.

Overall, the system works just a Joe says it does. Its quiet and reliable and has very heavy duty parts. And of course, Gast Manufacturing makes some dang fine units. This is one of them!

I scoured the internet for a few months and had recieved nothing but great comments about Joe, this website, and its products. If you plan to do average size veneering projects and want something inexpensive, this is your best bet.

Two thumbs up!
The Parts Are Top Notch

Review by Greg Hillman
Rating:

I was surprised by how fast this system could vacuum out my veneer press bag. I am very satisified with this press. The instructions are very clear and the parts are all top notch. The pump runs smoothly and has very little vibration. The air filter also makes a convenient place to grab the unit for toting around the shop.
Very Happy With This Press

Review by Jonathan Palsko
Rating:

Very happy with the press. Even had my first panel come out perfectly.
I Am Very Satisfied

Review by Thos. Willams Jr.
Rating:

I bought this product in August and have used it almost every weekend since then. I have built above 14 or 15 projects using this press and the vinyl that Joe offers here. My projects range from humidors to coffee tables. The vacuum press works very well and I am very satisified with it. It is very quiet and it always vacuums the air out of the bag quickly.
I Love This Tool

Review by Jared Gilmore
Rating:

I love this tool. It was purchased to do some light veneering of kitchen cabinet doors. The bag took about an hour to make and the press was assembled in about 15 minutes. Within 2 hours of receiving our order I was veneering!

I want to mention that Joe is a fine shipper/seller. I ordered the pump on a Tuesday morning and received a tracking number from Joe by noon. The item arrived two days after that in perfect condition (great packing job).

Overall, I am extremely pleased with this product and many of the others sold here. I will be coming back for more veneer and glue very soon.
Highly Recommended For Weekend Warriors

Review by Joe B.
Rating:

Excellent system! Highly recommended for weekend warriors.
The system is quiet and pulsl the vacuum very fast. My first try at veneering an elm burl veneer to my Jaguar dashboard was a success!!! WOOOHOOO!

Thanks Joe for the system.
Works Quickly And Quietly

Review by Bernie Miller
Rating:

Very happy. Quick assembly. Works quickly and quietly. Great tool.
It's Light Weight

Review by Robert Olhimmer
Rating:

I met Joe several weeks ago - before these units were available. Judging by his comments, I knew this was going to be a great system and now that I have one in my shop I can only say how great it really is. For starters, its light weight and it stores easily. Secondly, the pump is so quiet, I almost cant hear it running (though my ears arent what they used to be either). Lastly, it is so easy to build, I could have done it blindfolded! This is a fine deal that he's put together and I highly recommend it for weekend woodshop warriors.
I Was Veneering In No Time

Review by Howard U.
Rating:

I got my press running very quickly and was veneering in no time. Item is very well made and very quiet as Joe said it would be. Everything about this kit is excellent. Heavy duty tubing with crimped on connectors is a great finishing touch. Thanks
This Kit Is Flawless

Review by Jon Hass
Rating:

I just had to write a review about this kit today. I put the kit together yesterday (in 15 miuntes!) and was veneering by 7 am this morning. By 9 am, I had a perfect panel of Joe's walnut burl #995. By 2 pm, I had the panel framed in a walnut border. By 6 pm, the table was complete and ready to finishing. Now its 8 pm and the last coat of lacquer is dry and the table is sitting next to me. I never thought veneering would be so fun and so easy. This kit has enlighten me to a new world of woodworking. This vacuum press kit is flawless. A SUPER ITEM AND A GREAT PRICE!!! Thanks, Jon Hass.
Joe Sells A Great System

Review by Spencer Grayson
Rating:

I couldn't wait for my system to arrive! This is pretty much what I needed to get some veneering done. I do alot of antique repairs and wanted to get some veneer pressed for a freind's cedar chest. The press is well made. It comes with nice rubber feet that keep in from bouncing around. The inline air filter is a nice touch that I havent seen in any other presses in this price range. The gauge is smooth and has an metal casing to protect it. There is also a nifty on/off switch which is also something not found on many other presses in this range. Finally... the quick connector on the hose is awesome. It goes on easy and quickly. I dont know why he doesnt sell it for other systems.

Joe sells a great system. He even refunded me $10 because he lowered the price on the system after I bought it.

Well its time to go back into the shop and do some veneering!

Spencer G.

Warranty Information

The vacuum pump is warranted by Gast Manufacturing Inc. to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year.

All other parts of this system are warranted by VeneerSupplies.com to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of 90 days.

Please contact us for more information.

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