Project: EVS™ Auto-Cycling Pump Vacuum Press Kit

Project: EVS™
Auto-Cycling Pump
Vacuum Press Kit
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Regular Price:

~~$189.95~~

Your Price:

$156.90 ($33.05 Savings!)

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Customer Rating:

Based on 36 Reviews

Product Description

This 31-piece builder's kit includes the core components of the Project: EVS auto-cycling vacuum system. It's designed for woodworkers who already own an electric vacuum pump and want to convert it to a system that cycles on and off automatically.

Project EVS Picture

The latest revision of the Project: EVS system operates more efficiently than previous versions thanks to a smaller sub-reservoir assembly and an improved manifold design which also makes the system easier to assemble. This new version can be built 30% faster and weighs considerably less. Some additional items will need to be purchased at your local hardware store.

Kit Instructions: Website or PDF Download

This kit does not include a vacuum pump.
Click here for compatibility information if you already have a vacuum pump.

Features:

The EVS kit turns your vacuum pump into a full auto-cycling vacuum press for veneering. The adjustable vacuum controller powers your vacuum pump only when a pressure drop is detected.
Integrated Mac valve and sub-reservoir prevent motor burnout by releasing back-pressure on the pump when the desired vacuum level is achieved.
This kit saves money. If you already have a vacuum pump, a complete vacuum press can be up and running for under $200.
Space-saving, do-it-yourself design and free assembly instuctions (available online) make it easy to get your press running quickly.
With the optional vacuum clamping kit, the EVS system can be used to hold projects for sanding, routing, carving, and more.

Kit Contents:

1 Vacuum Pressure Controller
1 Heavy Duty Glycerin Filled Vacuum Gauge
1 Vacuum Valve: 1/4" NPT
1 Three-Way Mac Valve: 120VAC, 1/4" NPT
1 Lock-On Vacuum Bag Connector
1 Vacuum Filter (high flow)
1 Hi-Flex Tubing (1/4" ID): 1 ft.
1 Breather Fitting: 1/4" NPT
2 Brass Elbows: 1/4" NPT to 3/8" Barb
1 Roll of Thread Sealing Tape
2 Brass Branch Tee: 1/4" NPT
1 Brass Hex Nipple: 1/4" NPT
2 Brass Pipes: 1/4" NPT x 1.5"L
1 Brass Cross: 1/4" NPT
1 Brass Female Coupler: 1/4" NPT
2 Brass Fittings: 1/4" NPT to 3/8" Hose Barb
1 Brass Fitting: 1/4" NPT to 1/4" Hose Barb
1 Brass Elbow: 1/4" NPT Male to Male
1 Brass Tee - 1/4" NPT (all male)
1 Brass Barb Fitting: 1/8" NPT-F to 1/4" Barb
1 Braided Tubing: 3/8" I.D, 10 ft.
1 Brass Check Valve: Female to Male
2 Screws (attaches vacuum controller to carrier)
1 Braided Tubing: 3/8" I.D, 1 ft.
2 Crimp-On Connectors for Vacuum Controller

Optional Items

Vacuum Damper Option: If your vacuum pump draws more than 4 CFM of air, you will need the vacuum damper to prevent the pump from chattering.

Electrical Option: The 240VAC option will replace the Mac valve only. The vacuum controller included with this kit will handle 120VAC and 240VAC. You will need to purchase a 240VAC vacuum pump from another source since we only offer 120VAC pumps. Please note that, due to liability reasons, we do not support or provide wiring instructions for the 240VAC version.

Product Reviews

Fantastic

Review by Gord M
Rating:

Wonderful company to deal with first of all. I had an existing vacuum system, though it was missing some key components. These components were hard to come by at one supplier alone and would have been annoying to say the least to order from different places. VeneerSupplies.com made all the parts available to me out of one kit, and they work like a charm. Instructions and trouble shooting are also a bonus available on the website. Highly recommend ordering from Joe.
Thank You
My System Works Great!

Review by Dean Schopp
Rating:

I am an experienced woodworker but I had never done any veneer work. I had a Richie Yellow Jacket vacuum pump from air conditioning work and a old pancake air tank. I looked at the kit for building my own system and the directions where so detailed and easy to understand I figured this was a simple task. IT WAS! I ordered the EVS kit and a 4x4 bag. It arrived in a couple of days and everything was included and in excellent condition. Since I was using a pump and reservoir that was not in the plan I did have to get a couple of brass fittings to fit everything together but that was no problem. They were standard type parts available at any hardware store. My system is 220 volts but less than 10 amps even with my 6 cfm pump so I just followed the instructions for the less than 10 amp electrical system. I did order the 220 volt MAC valve . Just read thru the directions and take note of the details. These directions are excellent and easy to understand... you can not go wrong. My system works great. It pulls a 25" vacuum in about 40 seconds on a 4x4 bag. It only cycles about once in two hours. It took me one afternoon to build the system. The service and products from VeneerSupplies.com are great and I will be dong business with them for all my veneering needs. They have great products at good prices and the service is sincere and honest.
I would do again without hesitation.

Review by BB
Rating:

Purchased the EVS kit with the Thomas pump, 4x6 polyurethane bag, and mesh shipped for around $550. I had the kit almost completely assembled within 2 hours of opening the box. The longest thing to build was the plywood carrier, and that's only because you have to wait for glue to dry. Very easy to build, and works great. Clear instructions and fast answers from Joe made this a quick project and you end up with a highly effective tool. I would do again without hesitation.
Excellent kit; Wonderfully clear and complete instructions

Review by Michael Obrecht
Rating:

Title says it all; The kit, the smaller Gast pump, one trip to the hardware store (spent about $60.00 there) and a couple of days work following the assembly instructions and I'm good to go! I know wood, not so much mechanical or electrical; but I did what it said, flipped the switch and I'm good to go!
I built an EVS press using Joe's parts and instructions and couldn't be happer with the results!

Review by Jim McFarland
Rating:

I purchased the EVS parts kit and a Gast pump from Joe and built the system using the excellent instructions provided by Joe. I couldn't be happier with the result. Joe quickly answered the few questions I had regarding construction (his instructions are spot-on!)and he has offered great advice re veneering. He has a great selection of veneers and supplies -- I've never had a reason to look anywhere else for anything veneering related!
Even I could make a vacuum press with this kit

Review by Sheri P.
Rating:

I am pretty handy with wood and woodworking tools, but this kind of stuff is completely foreign to me. Nevertheless I really wanted to explore veneering and after lots of research, I chose this kit. With the added pump and the directions on this site I built my vacuum press in about half a day and couldn't be happier. It's really expanded my woodworking and I am sooooooo happy I took the plunge. Everything you need (except the pump) is included so there's no excuse to wait any longer.

Come on. . . . . you know you want to. . . .
Always Wanted to Do It - Didn't Know Who To Ask

Review by Ed M.
Rating:

I've wanted to try out vacuum press veneering and curved lamination for many years. I've done a good deal of curved lamination as a component of architectural woodworking projects and saw that a vacuum press could make this operation go more smoothly and result in higher quality work. Joe's efforts have hit a home run for me.

The product and the instructions are of the highest quality. I've always enjoyed making tools and this one was fun to make, a joy to use, and has become one of my favorite tools. And there's also some magic involved. Seeing that press pull down a stack of bending ply and veneer into an 8 inch radius curve is still a thrill.

It's also worth mentioning that, in my experience, this company is a perfect example of everything an Internet business should be. Good product design and support, great value, excellent service after the sale, quick shipping, and good people to deal with.
Perfect for jumping into veneering

Review by Travis Feight
Rating:

This kit is great. I looked at veneer presses for 2 years before I actually decided to buy this kit. The instructions are great and it was an easy build. I love my press and it has exponentially increased the capabilities of my shop. I would highly recommend this for anyone that is interested in veneering.
You can spend more, but you will be hard pressed to find a better product!

Review by F. Young: FY Woodwerks, Inc.
Rating:

For bagged veneering this product is as good as any. I found, to do a great job assembling, you might spend more time than is stated in the instructions but it is time well spent. You will have a good understanding about the process in how the system works. The building process is fun and your main goal is no leaks, not hard to do just take your time. Joe has put together the best components for his system. I have zero leaks except for the actual connection to the bag but that is mainly a hose support issue, put a block of wood under the hose as it connects to the bag and allow it to interface vertically or you could change out the connection to a lockable, bicycle pump type or screw type; you may find, like me, your pump might cycle only once and hold pressure throughout the curing process.

The value-to-performance of this system can't be beat.

Everything Joe states is true and accurate, if you are wanting to get into vac pressing or upgrade to a non-compressor system this is the wisest move, buying a pre-packaged system would be financially foolish.

The most difficult part of the entire process is obtaining the 4" PVC pipe without buying enough to build 10 pumps at a cost that defeats the entire process...I got a small section from a golf course, they typically have scraps in a variety of diameters. If that is not an option, just buy the pipe from Joe...that is the easiest way and most reasonable. I found end caps cheapest at the big box home improvement centers but Joe may sell those also and probably at a competitive price.
Great design, Great instructions, Great parts

Review by Linda S.
Rating:

This review covers all the parts (including the Gast pump) sold to make the EVS. Not just this parts kit.

After a lot of internet searching I decided to build my own vacuum pump setup and couldn't be happier. I was so thrilled at the thought of customizing my own setup that I got the miscellaneous parts I could not get from Joe and had them on hand when my order was delivered. I built the project the day the parts arrived and could not be happier with the outcome. The design is very functional and the instructions for putting it together were detailed and easy to follow. All the parts provided are to a very high quality standard and perform as described. I appreciated being able to get them all in one place as opposed to hunting around to find everything. Sure, as Joe says on his website,you can probably buy the parts for a bit less money if you go around searching for them but I'm certain that in the end this was the cheapest and best way to do it when you consider fuel costs and the time it takes to find suppliers for everything. Given the quality of the finished product I doubt I will need to build another one in my lifetime (I hope to have another 40 years of woodworking left in me.) but would not hesitate to recommend this option to anyone looking to get into veneering.
Will Not Disappoint

Review by Geoff W
Rating:

Like other who have reviewed this product I could not be more happy. Being an international buyer I found the deliver time and cost excellent as was the quality of the product.

Instructions supplied are concise and the job went together smoothly and worked first time - amazing!
Even easy for a beginner like myself!

Review by Brandon Hatch
Rating:

This is the first time I have ever attempted anything like this. I am a guy that really has not built much of anything besides a few decks through the years.

Its very easy to put together and works like a champ. I bought the Gast 5.5 cfm pump that is for sale here as well. Everything went exactly as the directions said they would.

I bought mine for vacuum bagging fiberglass parts for my boat restoration project. If I can do this, anyone can!

After using it for awhile it seems the possibilities are endless. I really like the fact that I can could change it up easily if I chose to. Like adding to the manifold or easily switching out the hose after use.

Two thumbs up from me!
Yahoo! A Great System!

Review by Wayne H. Nesbit
Rating:

My system is up and running. It took me about 2 to 3 hours to put it together and it fired up on the first try. This system is so amazing. I can't believe I havent done this sooner. The directions are very easy to follow and the parts in the kit are all high quality. I dont think you could buy or build a better system than this. Bravo!
Great kit and instructions!

Review by Joel Watson - J Watson Woodworking
Rating:

Just a brief note about the EVS style vacuum pump I've built using the directions and parts you supply, with modifications and ideas I gathered from other users builds. The build was very straight-forward. Your directions were so detailed and clear, and the build so smooth, that I hesitated before turning the pump on to test it. To my delight, it worked right out of the gate, drawing 21 inches on its 3-gallon tank in about a minute. WOW!

I can't thank you enough for providing a wealth of information on joewoodworker.com. It was key in my decision to try building my own system, and I couldn't have built my pump without it!
It was fun, and it works!

Review by Ivan Moses
Rating:

My press kit arrived 3 days after I ordered it. It took me about 5 hrs to assemble it, which is longer than it would have taken had I not chosen to modify the design to fit into a wooden tool box I had laying around.

The instructions are straight forward and answered all my questions before I had a chance to ask them.

After I had the press assembled I tested it and found that I did have a leak. I applied a small amount of silicon sealant around a couple of hose connections with the pump running. I felt the pump pull the sealant into the connection and POOF! No more leak.

The press kit looks intimidating to build, but it really is quite simple. What a deal!
Deal-o just works

Review by John Foote
Rating:

Best set of instructions I've ever seen for anything. What is, in fact, a rather complicated assembly goes together fast, and works exactly as described. It's just a superb integration of all the requisite component pieces, in their simplest, cheapest iteration.. Nothing more than necessary, nothing less. Bravo, Joe.
Good deal!

Review by Matt Kula
Rating:

I have a small CNC machine that I use to make circuit boards; unfortunately, it is without a means for which to adequately hold a work piece. Tried various methods without much success. So, I have been studying and searching the Internet for various forms of vacuum tables for CNC machines; and have learned that they tend to be on the expensive side (at least for my budget).

I found various systems/pumps for, again "not-my-budget", and was teetering on buying a refrigerator compressor, vacuum advance, glass syringe among other things and was cringing at the thought of trying to control the "oil mist" output when I happened upon this website.

After reading most of the reviews and seeing what some others have done I knew I was on to something good. Further research revealed that this kit is a good deal, so I ordered one. I was pleasantly surprised to experience that the system does indeed go together in a day and after assembly/testing all I can add to the reviews is "...yea, what they said."
This is a Good Deal - Buy One!!

Review by Matthew Kula
Rating:

After reading most of the reviews and seeing what some others have done I knew I was on to something good. Further research revealed that this kit is a good deal, so I ordered one - adding yet another project to 'the list'.

I was pleasantly surprised to experience that the system does indeed go together in a day; and after assembly/testing all I can add to the reviews is "...yea, what they said." Anyone will be hard pressed to find a better deal delivered to the front door.
A Superb Vacuum Press

Review by Tom Hertz
Rating:

I cant add much more to what the other reviewers have written. They are all correct. This is a great vacuum press system. My kit arrived within a few days and took less than 3 hours to build. It runs like a champ and Joe's support is just incredible.
Works Perfectly

Review by Greg Getzoff
Rating:

I just completed my EVS system and it works perfectly, however, don't do what I did, instead buy Joe's "Builder Kit" Here's why: you will spend more money and most importantly, more time trying to find all of the fittings at local plumbing supply shops and hardware stores because they don't have them! This kit contains:

1. Pneumatic parts (most hardware stores and/or home improvement centers are very limited on these items)
2. Plumbing fittings (you'll find the parts, but you'll have to build them to get the right geometry)
3. Specialized/proprietary parts (you won't find these locally, you'll have to go to the pneumatic-automation industry to find them)

Finding all of the plumbing parts turned into an epic saga and a colossal waste of time; four trips to the hardware and plumbing stores finally completed the project. Fortunately, I bought everything else from Joe, otherwise, it would still be incomplete.
Well Written Instructions

Review by Gary Mullenix
Rating:

I built the EVS vacuum press system using the new Gast 5.5 cfm compressor. By following the well written instructions I was able to complete in the system in only a few hours. I have used it many times along with the 2ft X 4ft Dura-Max polyurethane vacuum bag and still have not experienced any leaks at all. I plan to add a 2ft X 9ft bag next to expand to length of pieces to veneer. I have been veneering a long time but this vacuum press has eliminated the use of multiple clamps and messy lay-up and has taken the frustrating hassle out of producting a beautiful matched burl veneered piece of furniture.
High Quality Parts

Review by Jeff Greenberg
Rating:

I researched vacuum presses for a while before I bought this. I never wanted to invest the kind of money required for a quality complete system and bought this after I read the website information and saw how complete and well-described the instructions were. I had absolutely no trouble constructing the system. The instructions were very clear and the kit was complete with high quality parts. Even the instructions on troubleshooting were helpful and they helped me solve a very minor setup problem that I encountered. The system works great and I am looking forward to completing many projects using my new vacuum press and vacuum clamping system.
Fun To Build

Review by Terry Leright
Rating:

This is the 1st review Ive ever written.
I was hesitant to order this kit .
I received the kit within days of ordering it.
I sat down and read the instructions, then dove into the build.
All the parts were there and the instructions were extremly detailed, fun and easy reading.
As I built the pump press I just followed step by step and in a few hours with only one trip to the hardware this project was up and running. The EVS Vac Press was actually fun to build and I virtually had no problems.
Also I recieved response to Email questions within an hour of posting.
Ill be hunting through this sight for more of these well thought out projects
Thanks so much
Terry
A Shop Must Have

Review by Bill Warfield
Rating:

I recently purchased an EVS kit plus enough other parts to build up a vacuum clamping system. All of the material arrived quickly and was well identified. Assembly was a matter of following the instructions and diagrams. I started it up and within minutes had it adjusted as I needed it. The thought and the effort put into making this a simple system is excellent. I had recently built up a CNC router from a kit and wish that it was as thorough. The vacuum system has worked very well and has given me great flexibility on the router. It is a shop must-have if working with repetitive production machining. Thanks again for the great product and process!
I Was Not Dissapointed

Review by Adan Akerman
Rating:

The clear instructions for the EVS project gave me confidence that purchasing the kit would be a good idea. I was not disappointed. It arrived quickly, and every item was there, ready to go together. I had a great time assembling the project.

When I had a question about using the system, I filled in the "contact us" form and got a very helpful email back in less than an hour... On a Sunday! That's service.

This has been a great experience so far, and I have no doubt it will continue to be great. I definitely intend to continue buying supplies and kits from this site.
High Quality Products

Review by Mark Salusbury
Rating:

I think you should know that dealing with Veneer Supplies is just great. The products I've bought are of very high quality, the service and delivery fast and professional and buying online easy and safe.
Joe and Christine really seem to put their customers first; Veneer Supplies is the best "one stop" experience I've found!
My EVS kit went together so easily. Following the clear, detailed instructions, my kit resulted in the vacuum setup I've always wanted but didn't know how to create for myself. Thanks to Veneer Supplies, I'm up and running in no time!
I Have High Expectations

Review by L Lehman
Rating:

I bought this kit and a rebuilt Thomas pump from VeneerSupplies.com. My experience was better than expected and I had high expectations. The system was easy to build (the kit directions are great) and it worked like a charm immediately. The website indicated the Thomas pumps were dirty but mine, while obviously used, was very clean. Delivery was also great as it seemd like the mechandise was landing at my front door as I placed the order (it actually took a day). I've already placed (and received) a second order and I'm sure I'll make many more.
An Impressive System

Review by Chris Robins
Rating:

After ordering the kit and purchasing items at Home Depot I studied the plans to be sure I fully understood what I was doing. The plans are very complete and easy to follow. Once I got started it took only a few hours to complete. I checked and rechecked the wiring because I didn't want to damage the electrical parts and have to replace them. I plugged it in and was happy to hear the pump come to life and stop at 20 hg. I had one small leak that was quickly fixed by tightening a connection. I am impressed with the system - it works great! I wish I had built it long ago. Thanks Joe!
A Great Addition To My Shop

Review by Daryl Buddecke
Rating:

The EVS auto cycling kit arrived in 11 days, pretty good for crossing the border into Canada. The building instructions were excellent In one evening I had the plumbing system together and by the next afternoon the wood parts were assembled stained etc. I was surprized when I fired it up. No leaks. I put wheels on the undercarraige to facilitate moving it around the shop. This is an excellent vacuum system and will be a great addition to my shop.

Emails were answered quickly. Great company to deal with.
High Quality Parts

Review by Graham T.
Rating:

Joe really hit the nail on the head with this one. The vacuum press is a sight to behold. I got mine together in one afternoon. I would advise that anyone who is considering this kit should read the directions on the website first. That makes it easier to understand the parts. The kit includes quite a number of parts (all high quality). I spent $28 at the hardware store getting some miscellaneous parts based on the parts list that is in the instructions. Other than that, I only needed a vacuum bag and I was pressing veneer with no problems whatsoever. Customer service here is outstanding. One way to tell? Ask Joe a question and you'll see how quickly he replies. Amazing!!!!!!! I know of no other place that treats their customers so well.
The Kit Instructions Were Outstanding

Review by Allen Dubioski
Rating:

The EVS kit is superb. I built it in an afternoon along with a pump I bought at a salvage yard. It works flawlessly and the the instructions on the Joewoodworker.com website are outstanding. I had the chance to meet Joe when my local woodworking club asked him to come out and talk to us about vacuum pressing. His demonstration was awesome and I think everyone was impressed. I know several people bought kits later that day after seeing how easy it is to veneer a nice project. I want to mention one thing that I think everyone should know about Joe and the websites that he runs... This website has a tendency to make it look like this business is run by a large corporation. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact Joe and his wife are the only people that make this site work. See his "about us" page to learn more. They do everything from packing orders and making shipping labels to answering the phone and restocking the shelves in his basement wood shop. So when you call, you are speaking to Joe and when you order, your are providing him and his wife with their only means of income. When I visited his shop, I was intrigued by the genuine approach he takes to teaching the rest of us the art of veneering. He one of the most down to earth woodworkers I know and he's not afraid to show you the mistakes he has made to learn what he knows about veneer. And after 2 hours of vacuum press discussion, he never once suggested that I buy anything from him. How unusual is that?
I'm Amazed By This Kit

Review by Alan Tischer
Rating:

I'm amazed by everything about this kit. To start, it arrived within 48 hours of when I placed my order. With Joe's fabulous instructions I was able put the kit together in one afternoon. A day later I was pressing my first panel which came out flawlessly. For the money, you cant beat this system. Add in the fact that Joe's service is outstanding and the shipping is fast and cheap. What more could you ask for? The kit uses all high quality components including a very nice gauge, shiny brass components, a sleek looking (and cleanable) filter, the fancy lock-on connector and electronic gizmos that turn the press on and off. If you have ever thought about building a vacuum press, this kit will save you a lot of time, trouble, and money.
A Child Could Assemble This Kit

Review by George Stolzky
Rating:

My kit took only 2 days to show up and a day to put together. All of the parts are clearly well made and the assembly was a breeze. At first I was worried about having so many parts that need to go together but the instructions on Joe's website are so well done that even a child could assemble this kit. I used a vacuum pump that I got at a garage sale several years ago. I bought it then because I knew the one day I would try to figure out how to make it work for vacuum pressing. It sat in the shop for a very long time collecting dust and spiderwebs. But now it is clean and purring like a kitten thanks to this EVS kit.
One Stop Shopping

Review by Jim Hutchinson
Rating:

I am really happy I purchased the kit to build my vacuum system. One stop shopping! When shop time is at a premium, time wasted going out to purchase all the various components is costly. Great Job Joe!
I'm One Happy Woodworker

Review by Frank Yascesky
Rating:

After looking at the alternatives closely for several weeks, I decided to build my own. I just dont have $800 sitting around for a pre-made unit from (edit... another company). I'm definitely impressed with this kit. My whole system was up and running very quickly. The lock-on connector is very well made. The filter appears to be top-notch quality. Each brass component looked like it was fresh off the assembly line and the other parts also are grade A. Joe's instructions are well written and the pictures show you exactly what you need. Overall, I'm glad I spent my money with someone who offers such great service and such a super product. When I finished the pump, it looked exactly like the one in the picture. I'm one happy woodworker.
The Best Investment I Have Made

Review by Bill Marr
Rating:

I used this kit to make my own press, it was without a doubt the best investment I have made in woodworking equipment. I find myself looking for projects that involve veneering, and look forward to expanding in vaccum chucking.

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