How do I use the lock-on connector with a vacuum press made by another company?
You will first need to remove any existing fitting on the end of the vacuum tube (if one exists).

• If you have a soft and flexible tubing, then measure the inside diameter of the vacuum tube and select a brass barbed fitting from our options shown above. The barbed fitting will allow soft vacuum supply tubing to be attached to the lock-on connector.
   
  
• If your existing tubing is rigid and designed for a "push to connect" fitting, then measure its outside diameter first. Then order the lock-on connector and the PTC fitting we offer here.

How do I use the lock-on connector with a vinyl vacuum bag from another company?
The existing vacuum stem will most likely have to be removed. Then, our flush-mount vacuum stem can be adhered to your vinyl vacuum bag. Our stem kit includes a brass fitting designed to work with the lock-on connector.

How do I upgrade my older VeneerSupplies.com vacuum bag to the new style brass stem?
You can replace the old stem with the new version. Simply grip the old stem with pliers and gently twist and pull until the brass fitting comes out of the flange. Then press the new fitting into the flange.

What is the thread size on the back part of the lock-on connector?
The new version of the lock-on connector has a 1/8" NPT female thread. 

Other than the lock-on connector, what else do I need to connect my vacuum pump to a vacuum bag?
If you have only a vacuum pump, then this lock-on connector is not the right thing to buy. Instead, you need to order a vacuum press kit. The connector is included with all of our vacuum press kits. We offer the CRS and EVS vacuum press kits for users that already have a vacuum pump.

Does the vacuum bag have to stay connected to the vacuum press after full vacuum is achieved?
Yes because a perfect seal on a vacuum bag is virtually impossible. Here are some things to consider.

• Sometimes the bag closure doesn't seat perfectly across the opening.
• Sometimes the bag stretch a bit after full vacuum is created and will then need a bit of additional vacuum. This happens most often when there is a large project in the bag. You'll hear the vacuum system cycle off (if you have any auto-cycling system) and then turn on again for a few seconds. After that, it may not cycle again for several minutes or even hours.
• After many uses, some bags develop pinholes which can be almost invisible. In those cases, it's best to let the vacuum press keep the bag vacuum under control.

If the vacuum system is disconnected from the bag, you won't know if there is a leak because there is no vacuum gauge on the bag itself. If the bag is connected to a vacuum press system, you can easily see the vacuum level by looking at the gauge on the vacuum press. The vacuum inside the system is the same amount of vacuum inside the bag. If your vacuum press cycles on and off too frequently during a project pressing, you'll know there is a leak and if you can fix it. However, if you can't fix the leak, at least the vacuum system will keep managing the vacuum in the bag until the panel is finished.