VS Standard™ vacuum bags are made from a very durable and puncture-resistant vinyl material. We use marine-grade 30 mil thick sheets to make this bag. This material has a high concentration of plasticizers and softening agents, which creates a material that is more resilient than craft-store vinyl. A UV stabilizer is also added, making it incredibly durable and resistant to tearing.
Each bag is welded on a state-of-the-art custom RF welding machine operating at 7,000 watts and 50 lb/in of pressure. This exact combination of frequency and clamp strength yields the most durable and airtight seam available. Each bag then undergoes a series of inspections, including a final check that we do prior to shipment.
Flush-Mount Bag Stem
For maximum durability, each vinyl vacuum bag includes our polyurethane flush-mount flange and brass stem. The flush-mounted flange allows you to use the full length of the vacuum bag without worry of project surface damage. A specially designed 2.5" diameter 50 mil flange is molded onto the vacuum stem body and this piece is then permanently welded onto each bag creating an 80 mil total thickness reinforcement area. A lock-on connector is required to attach your vacuum tube to the bag stem.
Critical Information: Updated Stem Fitting
Our vacuum bags now come with a new style brass stem that works with the new lock-on connector included with all vacuum press kits purchased after February 10, 2020. The new lock-on connector and the required barb fitting for vacuum press systems purchased before the update can be ordered here.
Additional Details
Each Bag Includes
Product Notes
Breather Mesh Reminder
Be sure to order breather mesh with your vacuum bag. It eliminates the need for a grooved top platen board, which can often be heavy and difficult to set over a project panel. The mesh prevents the trapping of air pockets inside the bag that cause veneer bubbles, and it makes it much easier to remove any glue that seeps through the veneer face.
Would a polyurethane vacuum bag be a better choice for my projects?
Vinyl bags are worth considering since they are less expensive. However, they tend to be very rigid (especially in cold shop environments) which can be frustrating with larger projects. Polyurethane bags are more flexible, easier to use, and very durable. Learn more about the differences on this page of the JoeWoodworker website.
How do I attach my vacuum tube to this bag?
Our lock-on connector is required to connect a vacuum tube to this vacuum bag. This connector is included with all of our vacuum press kits.
Do I need a top and bottom platen for the vacuum bag?
A bottom platen is required for flat panel work. Most large home centers offer 3/4" thick melamine board, which works very well. The bottom platen does not need to have grooves cut into it. Breather mesh placed over the veneer panel is typically easier than using a top platen - which can be heavy and awkward. Breather mesh also makes it easier to remove glue bleed-through on the veneer.
How large should I make the bottom platen?
The platen should match the nominal size of the bag. In other words, if you have a 4' x 6' vacuum bag, then the bottom platen should be 48" x 72".
Can I put a small project in a large vacuum bag?
Yes. There is no harm using a large bag to press a small project.
If I use a large vacuum bag for a small project, do I need to seal off the unused area inside?
No. Generally speaking, there isn't much "loose" or "free" air inside the unused part of a vacuum bag. If you are using a large bag for a small project, there is not much to be gained by closing off the unused area with a secondary bag closure.
Can I press multiple projects in a single bag at the same time?
Yes. Small panels can be set side by side in a large vacuum bag. Use breather mesh over each panel instead of a top platen. You can also stack identical sized projects on top of one another if a piece of wax paper is placed between them. This will prevent glue squeeze-out from bonding the panels to each other. Be careful not to stack so many panels inside that it causes the bag seams to pull apart.
Does the vacuum bag have to stay connected to the vacuum press after full vacuum is achieved?
Yes. This is because a perfect seal on a vacuum bag is virtually impossible. Here are some things to consider...
If the vacuum system is disconnected from the bag, you won't know if there is a leak because there is no vacuum gauge in/on the bag. With the bag connected to a vacuum press system, the vacuum level is visible on the system gauge. The vacuum inside the system is the same amount of vacuum inside the bag. If the vacuum press cycles on and off frequently during a project pressing, a leak can be recognized and then fixed. However, if the leak can not be immediately repaired, then at least the system can try to maintain the correct vacuum level in the bag until the panel is finished.
Can I use this bag with a vacuum press from a different company?
To use this vacuum bag with a vacuum press from another manufacturer, you may simply need to remove the existing connector on the vacuum tube and replace it with our "new" style lock-on connector.
What else should I know about the bag?
The maximum project size that is listed for this bag is approximate. It may vary by one inch due to tolerances in the manufacturing process. The maximum project size also depends on the total thickness of the platen and project. The usable size of the project panel can be maximized by using breather mesh instead of a top platen. It is critically important to avoid using a platen that is too large for the bag, which will cause the seams to pull apart.
Where can I find more answers to vacuum bag questions?
The JoeWoodworker FAQ page has a large section of information specifically about vacuum bags.
Review by Michael Brown
Rating:
This is a very sturdy bag that was easy to manipulate. It holds the vacuum nicely with a very good down force. We purchased the 24" bag, but will purchase a larger bag when the time is right.
Review by Matthew Curry
Rating:
I use these bags to mold leather holsters and they work great. Heavy duty to take the constant rubbing of molding tools and allows tools to slide along bag without resistance.
Review by Chase Akins
Rating:
I used the bag to laminate 4x 1/4 inch tempered masonite sheets with Titebond 3. Sheet sizes were 20x23 inches, glued after brief sanding. The vinyl fit all 4 sheets. Bag worked great. No air gaps between sheets at all.
Used a manual pump oil extractor instead of an electric pump, and it worked fine. Only issue I had was with the closure system. Had to repeat a few times to get a good seal.
Review by Louis Prugh
Rating:
The bag came quickly which is the norm for Veneer Supplies. I applied my newly made vacuum pump and the bag held the -27" Hg. I have not pressed anything yet but I am not expecting any problems. The 4 x 4 bag also arrived quickly and is in perfect shape.
Review by Paul "Marty" Fenlon
Rating:
Perfect size for some of the smaller projects that I am working on. The bag is well made, reasonably priced and rugged. The bag was shipped timely, and Joe's customer service is superb. I enthusiastically endorse this product to everyone, and I do the same for Joe's site.
Review by John Lehmann
Rating:
Vacuum Bag: Very sturdy and high quality.
Joe and his company: As I am a beginner and I am also using this veneer in a unorthodox way, Joe was completely helpful with all my questions and I had a few. I have bought more items from him and will continue to do so as I grow in the art of veneering.
Review by David Crass
Rating:
The VS Vinyl bag is a very high quality product. I'm impressed by how heavy duty it is. I've already made 8 panels and it performed perfectly every time.