Here is the builder's kit for the Project: V2™ air-powered vacuum press. This 32-piece kit includes the core components of the press including the venturi vacuum generator. Some additional items will need to be purchased at your local hardware store. This version of the vacuum press uses 80 psi of compressed air to create vacuum (27.5" of Hg) via a venturi.
In the 18th century, Giovanni Battista Venturi discovered that when compressed air is forced through a restrictive nozzle, its velocity increases and the air is compressed and when it exits the nozzle, it expands and has the ability creates vacuum. This amazing concept can be used to generate vacuum efficiently and economically on a vacuum press.
Kit Instructions: PDF Download or Website
Assembly Option: Partial Assembly Available
The builder's kit contains all of the parts shown below. Please see the kit instructions for a list of the additional parts (available at most hardware stores) that are required to complete the vacuum press.
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Why is the Project: V2 Kit our top selling vacuum press? Speed: The Project: V2 system will create vacuum faster than previous versions of our venturi system. Strength: This system is designed around a very powerful venturi which is capable of creating up to 27.5" of Hg. Pressure Storage: With an affordable ball valve and integrated barbed fitting, the system can be pre-charged with vacuum pressure to increase the initial pull down speed. Air Efficiency: This system requires less than half of the CFM of pressurized air compared to the previous model. This means even smaller compressors can pull down average size vacuum bags. Electrical Efficiency: The V2 kit uses only 6.8 watts @120 VAC when the system is recharging vacuum. Keep in mind that the electrical consumption of your air compressor will vary. When the system cycles off, there is no electrical consumption at all! Quality: The Project: V2 system uses nearly all brass components. No flimsy plastics or cheap stamped metal parts are used. Non-Proprietary Parts: Most of the parts used on this system can be readily found on the Internet or at your local hardware store. Durability: The venturi comes with a full lifetime warranty. See the warranty details tab above for more information. Simplicity: The entire system can be built in 2 to 3 hours and the process of building your own vacuum pressing machine is very rewarding. Weight: The V2 system weighs only 11 lbs and can easily be carried from one location to another. Noise: The Vac Pro venturi has one other very welcomed improvement... an integrated silencer. We've never offered a better venturi!
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| Model |
Vacuum Flow
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Air Requirement
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Max. Bag Size
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| Vac Pro Mini™ |
.8 CFM
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1.80 CFM @80 PSI
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2' x 4'
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| Vac Pro Basic™ |
1.2 CFM
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2.1 CFM @ 80 PSI
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4' x 4'
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| Vac Pro Plus™ |
3.2 CFM
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4.8 CFM @ 80 PSI
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4' x 9'
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Electrical Option
For those users who prefer a low voltage version of the system, you can now opt for a 24VDC Mac valve. This option will also give you a 24VDC power transformer (for use with standard 120 VAC household current) with a 6 ft. cord. The standard voltage option simply adds a heavy duty, 8 ft., 3-conductor power cord for standard household current. The high voltage option replaces the standard 120VAC Mac valve with a 240VAC.
Handle Option
Add a metal handle with screws for only 3 bucks. You can buy this handle at most hardware stores for the same price or get it here and help support this website.
Gauge Upgrade Option
This upgrade swaps out the standard duty gauge with a stainless steel glycerine-filled gauge. Though this item is not necessary, it is definitely valuable for users who might subject the vacuum press to daily abuse.
V2 Premium Upgrade
Planning a Future Compressor Upgrade? The standard V2 and V2 Plus systems are a great value for users with small to medium sized compressors but if you want the ultimate vacuum press system, the V2 Premium is the way to go. You'll need a larger air compressor to step up to the V2 Premium. From there, you'll only need this 12-piece upgrade kit to get the maximum performance from your V2 system.
Review by Joe Bochar
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Hands down one of the best investments for my shop. The kit arrived promptly and with my two 24" pvc tubes tapped & cemented I was ready to go. In under 2 hours I had vacuum. Easy to assemble, very clear instructions, and it works!
Now... time to make a vacuum infuser.
Review by John Schumer
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I bought the, V2 Auto Cycling Venturi Vacuum Plus Press Kit from Joe last week. It arrived at my door in 3 days, well packed. Everything is top quality!
Took me about 5 hours to assemble mine, with a few trips to the local hardware store for extra brass fittings. I was able to create two 21" vacuum tanks to fit into my Festool Systainer.
Under testing, with my first ever veneer panel in the bag, it created vacuum in 30 seconds, and never cycled back in in 5 hours!
Thanks Joe,
John
Review by Darien Hobes
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Yup. The title says it all. I love this system and I wouldn't trade it for anything (almost). My system took 2 hours to assemble and worked perfectly the first time.
The shipping charge for my order was under $10. You cant beat that. And just like everyone else has said, Joe's level of customer service is super.
Review by Mat Werber
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I ordered the Project V2 standard.
The kit was easy and fun to build; I was worried that it would leak because I threaded the PVC chambers by hand (simply drilled a hole and screwed the brass connections in)...but the first time turning it on it worked, and there was zero leakage. I can leave it alone for half an hour or more and the pressure doesn't drop at all.
I ordered it for acoustic guitar construction...specifically, I'll be gluing the braces to the back and sides, and attempting to make a double-top using nomex and paper-thin (1mm) sheets of cedar/spruce.
Review by Aaron Petersen
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Like everyone else has said, this is a great kit. I ordered on Tuesday morning, had shipping confirmation with tracking info within 2 hours, and the kit (complete with every part) was on my doorstep Thursday morning.
If you have any interest in veneer this kit is for you. It's so easy anyone can put it together in an hour and start pressing veneer. Plus, dealing with Joe is a pleasure and I can't wait to order from him again.
Review by Chuck Tade
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Like many others whose reviews I've read, I've been a hobby woodworker for many years. I happened across this site by accident and was amazed by the quality of content. After surfing here a few times I decided to build the project V2-plus. Due to the accuracy and completeness of Joe's instructions, I found the press very easy to make. It took longer to make the upright style carrier than to assemble the press. I couldn't find 3" PVC where I live (unless I bought a 20 ft piece), so I decided to modify it from two 3" resevoirs to four 2" resevoirs. This means a few more joints and it took a bit more determination with silicone sealing of all fittings, but now it works perfectly. I also bought some vinyl and made my own bag using Joe's plans. Works great, and now I'm gonna make a bigger one. I enthusiastically agree with all the things others have said about how Joe is so easy to deal with (I've never seen such prompt response from an internet seller before), and what good quality products he sells. Don't hesitate to build one of these if you're thinking about it. It's fun. I'm going to do lots of veneering and add vacuum clamping to my system soon.
Review by Mark Beers
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I am very new to vacuum pressing and was anxious to find an economical way to get into it. I have been woodworking for years but have not ventured into bow or bent fronted chests, but am ready to go there now. VeneerSupplies.com and JoeWoodworker.com are great resources to guide you through every step to be successful.
I built the V2 Plus kit and am very impressed with the both the quality of the kit and parts and the thoroughness of the instructions. This kit is truly a breeze to assemble. It took me less than 2 hours from receipt and opening the box to having a vacuum press ready to run. I do pride myself on my mechanical skills but did err in my initial assembly. When I e-mailed Joe to explain my symptoms he nailed the issue exactly (I had incorrectly installed the check valve) and he responded in less than 30 minutes at 7:00pm at night. I made the corrections and the system functioned perfectly. This kind of support and response is a model of how internet purchasing and support should be. Great job.
I have since ordered the vacuum clamping add-on for the vacuum press and am absolutely sure that it will be the same high quality as the V2 Plus kit.
I WILL purchase all of my veneering supplies from Joe as I am a firm believer in supporting and dealing with great on-line vendors. You should have every confidence in your dealings here. Good luck.
Review by Jeff d.
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I ordered this kit after doing a fair amount of research on the Net. There are a lot of references to this site from all over and I finally came and looked and sent Joe a couple of e-mails that were returned usually that day. After getting the kit, which was shipped and received very quickly, I was able to put it together without any problems due to the great directions. After testing, which went smoothly with no leaks, the controller cycled after about 6-7" of pressure. I e-mailed Joe in the morning to ask if this was OK and got an e-mail back that afternoon saying that it would be allright to use on a panel but that it should not be like that and that he wanted to replace the controller, which he was going to send out the next day. That was on New Years day! I didn't expect a reply to the e-mail untill maybe the following Monday. Instead, that is when I got the new controller.
Everything that is written about the great service, pricing and quality of Joe and this site is right on. My system works great and I will be ordering more in the future. Thanks Joe for giving us "normal" woodworkers a place that wants our business.
Jeff D. Gilbert, Az.
Review by Dave Young
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After puting off purchase of a veneer system for years due to high cost I found Joe Woodworker's system and found the web site so well organized, thorough, and simple to follow that I bought the V2 Plus kit. Assembly was straight forward, Joe's answers to questions were same day, and his tips covered every detail. To save space in the shop I wall mounted mine on a hook so it is still portable if needed. I added a 5' compressed air line to the Mac valve to take connect/disconnect force off the Mac valve. This is a well thought out system that's very affordable and works great!
Review by Dan Volman
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I ordered this kit last week. It arrived in a few days and following the plans from JWW was straight forward. Probably not even the 3 hr. build time expected, but I wasn't really keeping track. It draws a vacuum in my small bag, 30" sq., more than easily. Now I'm on to building a larger bag to veneer a desk top. This is an excellent product at a very reasonable price. I am also very impressed with the timely way Joe answered my questions about gluing up a DIY vinyl bag. I emailed a question at 10:00 am and an answer was in my mailbox when I had time to check in the evening! This is superb customer service.
Review by Karl Henderson
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I purchased V2-plus kit with a 4'X4' poly bag and I have to say the system works great! The kit arrived on Friday. I started construction when I returned home from work and I had the system tested and working before the 10pm news.
The build instructions are very clear and concise.
The best part of this system is that I now have a vacuum press that I can repair, replace, and upgrade.
I highly recommend this kit.
Review by Scott Noakes
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I just finished pressing my 1st panel using the V2-Plus, spent less than 2 hours building the pump and had my panel glued up that night. The instruction were easy to follow and made putting it together a snap.
I've made veneer panels before using cauls and clamps, but this was so easy and quick, vacuum is definitely the way to go. I can't say enough about the customer service I received, it was great and shipping was very fast. Looking forward to doing business again.
Review by Leonard Niemi
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Just finished my V2 Plus veneer press that my wife bought for me for Christmas. Kit went together very smoothly and I am amazed how VERY quiet the press operates. I though it would be loud with the compressed air but diffently not.
Review by Dan Si
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Just wanted to say thanks for the great kit. Me and my 10 year old son put this one together over a few short evenings in the garage. Instructions are great and made it very easy to build. I looked around for the parts you offer in the kit and I don't think it would be feasible to get the parts cheaper than price you have the kit for, plus it was just easier to know I didn't have to go back to the hardware store 10 times because I forget this brass part or that one.
Review by Al Kelm
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I just finished assembly of my new V2 press. Having bought your kit I feel like I just saved a thousand dollars for one those "other" vacuum press machines. Your instruction documentation is absolutely wonderful. The shipment's parts list & inventory was 100% accurate. I pressed my first project and the unit worked perfectly. I bought the 2' bag, but I am sure I will be back for more of the larger ones. Thanks.
Review by Larry Fox
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Joe - wanted to drop you a line and say thanks for the speedy order and for all the good information available on your site. I put my unit together over the weekend and gave it a test run last night. All I can say is WOW,
very impressive results. After seeing the results I can achieve with the V2-Plus with a 4x6 bag, I am hard pressed to think of a reason why one would shell out a ton of $$ for a pre-built unit. Directions for putting together the V2 Plus kit were complete and 100% accurate and getting the builders kit as opposed to trying to source all the stuff myself was without question the right move. Rarely do I make a purchase where I am 100% satisfied but this is definitely one. I think that adding a vacuum veneering setup to my tool-set will definitely take my workto the next level. I think it is safe to assume I will be placing veneer orders fairly consistently going forward. Well done and thanks again.
Review by Rob Nolan
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I never knew it could be so easy to build a vacuum press. I bought the kit for the V2 plus from Joe. Followed his instructions and presto! I had it up in running in no time. No leaks either! Works awesome!
Review by Helmut Furtner
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I consider myself very lucky to have stumbled a half a year ago onto your web site. I was skeptic, but needed a vacuum system for my own shop. I worked in a shop before, where the owner got a drop down one sheet sophisticated 5x10 foot System for nearly 10,000 dollars! I ordered your V2 Plus Kit and when we got it altogether (piece of cake) the result was better than the competition. The breather mesh also makes all the difference, a must order! So I use only one sheet of 3/4 plywood with a high gloss Mica as bottom. I polished the Mica with a mold release wax, so no sticking and no residue on the veneer. It works better than perfect. I’m a professional carpenter from Germany and produce custom interiors for mega yachts now here in Fort Lauderdale. The V2 System is so good that it is even for my high end work most perfect. I am very grateful to who ever came up with that gadget.
Thank you,
Helmut Furtner
HF Marine Carpentry
Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Review by Dave Forbes
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Got the V2 kit last week, hooked it up and bagged my first wing over the weekend. My only thought is WHY DIDN'T I DO THIS SOONER! Works better than advertised even with my $89.99 Pep Boys compressor.
Thanks,
Dave
Review by Victor Harlow
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I'm genuinely impressed. This is an amazing piece of equipment. It took 2 hours to put together. I started after breakfast expecting to finish by mid day but actually, I had the system fully operational well before lunch. The system runs perfectly. This system sure beats the $500 version that [some one else] carries.
Review by Rolf Bergstrom
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I received my V2 kit along with a bag, several adhesives (gotta try em all), some supplies and some veneer. Everything arrived quickly and intact. I built the press pretty much exactly to the plans and it went together no problem. Wanted to make sure everything worked before making any mods, though I don't think any are necessary. I'll probably just leave it as is for now. The only thing I might change is the mounting as the unit is very much top heavy. If you lift it by just the handle the manifold assembly will be the fist thing to contact the surface when you set it down, no biggie.
Being in a hurry to try it out I hooked it up to my little PC 6 gal pancake compressor just to check for leaks and such. With a 2 x 4 bag and two 3/4in, 20 x 42 platens inside that little compressor had no trouble pulling the bag down. It took no more than 30 seconds and though the compressor motor kicked on the air pressure never dropped (had it set to 80 psi). If anyone is thinking about this kit but doesn't have a large compressor I think you could easily get by as long as you do flat pieces and keep the dead space in the bag to a minimum. My PC is a newer one that runs 150 psi but it has worked harder filling my truck tires than it did on the vacuum press.
Bottom line: Highly recommended.
Rolf Bergstrom
Review by Noah Dent
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Wow! It only took about 90 minutes to put my system together. I'm completely thrilled with Joe's system and instructions. Great customer support and excellent value. Highly recommended!!!!!!!
Review by Bill Davis
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I ordered the V2 Project Builders Kit, a bag, and some other supplies on Nov 14th and the complete order arrived Nov 21st. I was ready, having the reservoir tanks and carrier assembled and ready to add the rest of the parts. I didn't waste any time and had it ready to test within an hour and a half. I plugged it in and, was impressed when the MAC valve clicked as described in the instructions. Added the air connection and it sounded like it was doing its thing but as I waited for the meter to indicate it was working - NOTHING! OK, a few minutes of inspection revealed that Joe had sent me a check valve with the arrow pointing the wrong direction (just kidding). Not wanting to wait for a new one to arrive I just turned it around and the next test resulted in the vacuum climbing at a surprising (to me) rate. I adjusted the vacuum controller and I was in business. THANKS JOE!