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Excel 5™
Continuous Run
Vacuum Press System
* Special Savings! *
Simple and Powerful -
The Excel 5™ vacuum press kit is designed for woodworkers looking for a simple and robust way to veneer wood panels and clamp wood projects for routing, sanding, and carving. This system is a powerhouse of vacuum and a testament to simplicity.
Every part of the Excel 5 kit was designed with simplicity in mind. This makes it easy to assemble and incredibly durable. The vacuum level is fully adjustable from 280 to 1,785 lbs of pressure per square foot. Assembly consists of only a few pieces and each uses standard NPT threads.
At the heart of the system is a quiet yet powerful vacuum pump designed for many years of trouble-free operation. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. The sound level from this pump is even less than some diaphragm pumps. Additionally, there is no wiring involved in the assembly process and the whole system goes together very quickly.
The Excel 5 vacuum press kit can handle vacuum bags up to 4' x 15'. This system might not be suitable for use with epoxy and similar adhesive types. See the Questions & Answers tab above for more information.
Assembly Time: 30 to 35 minutes
Assembly Instructions: Click here
To complete your press, you will need a vacuum bag and platens.
Kit Contents
Continuous Duty 5 CFM Oil-Less Vacuum Pump- High Flow Vacuum Filter
- Braided Vacuum Tube (3/8" ID x 10 Ft.)
- Lock-On Vacuum Connector
- Exhaust Muffler
- Thread Sealing Tape
- Vacuum Valve
- Stainless Steel Vacuum Gauge
- Four Rubber Feet for Vacuum Pump
- Brass Cross Fitting
- Straight Brass Barbed Fittings (x3)
- Short Brass Pipe Nipple
- Long Brass Pipe Nipple
- Brass Barbed Elbow
- Brass Street Elbow
- Brass Hex Plug (x2)
- Composite Handle and Manifold
Features
- Adjustable vacuum level
- Very quiet - operates as just 55 dB at 10 feet on the A scale
- Balanced carrying handle with integrated manifold
- Powerful enough to create 25.5" Hg vacuum at sea level (1,785 lbs per square foot)
- Re-usable vacuum filter element made of stainless steel
- Oil-less, fan-cooled, and thermally protected induction motor
- Simple design with easy-to-follow assembly instructions included
- Fully adjustable down to 4" Hg for fragile projects such as model air craft construction
- Pump is rated S1 for continuous duty under a constant load
- Optional manifold with quick connector kit permits vacuum pressing up to 3 bags at the same time
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals, including lead, which are known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Excel 5™ Options
Excel Podz™ Kit Option (26 Piece Podz 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 Excel Podz 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 Excel Podz kit includes everything in the regular Podz kit plus the electric foot pedal.
- Podz Pre-Drilled Jigs - 4" x 4" HDPE (4 pcs.)
- Mach Valve (4 pcs.)
- Brass Plug - 1/8" NPT
- Blue Vacuum Tube (12 ft.)
- Brass Barb Fitting (7 pcs.)
- Removable Podz Gaskets (8 pcs.)
- Attachment Fitting (to connect to Excel kit)
- Latching Electric Foot Pedal
Extended Kit Option
This optional extended kit with quick connectors allows you to pull vacuum on up to three vacuum bags at once. This kit also includes two vacuum quick disconnects to allow the extra vacuum lines to be removed from the system when not in use. This kit saves you $22 when compared to buying the parts individually.
This extended kit includes the following items:
- Vacuum Valve (2 pcs.)
- Brass Barbed Fitting (4 pcs.)
- Lock-On Connector (4 pcs.)
- Braided Vacuum Tube (10 Ft., 2 pcs.)
- Lock-On Connector Adapter Fitting (2 pcs.)
Questions & Answers
Is this pump suitable for running continuously?
Yes! The pump is rated S1 for continuous duty under a constant load if used in an area where the temperature does not exceed 100° F. The manufacturer estimates the life of the pump at 7,000 hours until servicing is needed. Though we have been offering these pumps for many years, we've only shipped a few replacement parts. This vacuum pump has been exceptionally reliable and durable.
Isn't it better for the pump to cycle on and off?
Unless you are concerned about noise (which is minimal) or energy usage, there are no other major performance differences between the Excel 5 kit and a Project: EVS-2 kit with the same 5 CFM vacuum pump. The advantages to auto-cycling are the reduction of noise and the possibility of longer pump life.
Can I convert this system to the Project: EVS-2 so that it auto-cycles?
We have a discounted EVS-2 upgrade kit that allows you to disassemble your Excel 3/5 system and use many of the parts from it.
Can I use this system with epoxy?
The Excel system is not designed for use with epoxy and similar adhesive types unless an intake filter is used that can trap airborne particulates and prevent gumming in the system. We do not offer this filter nor can we suggest where to find one. Some users have reported that off-gassing is not a concern with today's types of epoxy, but I have no clear evidence to support this.
Why can't I use epoxy with this system?
I'm not saying you can't. The system is not designed for use with epoxy. You can try and it might be fine. Or off-gassing from the epoxy could gum-up the piston in the pump and ruin it which would not be covered by the warranty. So far, I've not heard from any users that epoxy caused an issue with their vacuum press.
Can this system be used for carbon fiber work?
I honestly don't know the answer to that question. Many have asked about it and then bought the system. I haven't received any feedback from them. If you have used the system for a carbon fiber project, feel free to send me some details.
Can I use a vacuum press for clamping boards together face to face?
At sea level, a typical vacuum press can put down the equivalent of 1,750 lbs of pressure per square foot. If the boards are flat, then this is generally considered more than adequate for a project where two sheet materials such as plywood or MDF are being glued together face to face. This also is true for gluing solid wood boards together.
Will this system have enough force to bend strips of wood so I can make bent laminations?
This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on many factors such as thickness, species and grain direction. It will also depend on the radius and complexity of the curves that are being used on the project. At sea level, this vacuum press can create up to 1,750 lbs of clamping pressure per square foot. You will need to decide if that is enough for your bending project.
What else will I need to have a complete vacuum press system?
You will need a vacuum bag and a few veneering supplies such as a glue roller, veneer glue, and breather mesh. Also needed is a melamine platen board which can be bought at most large home improvement stores.
Does altitude affect the maximum vacuum I can get with this system?
There is a loss of about 1" Hg for every 1,000 feet above sea level. This system can create 25.5" Hg so if you are at 5,000 feet, you will get approximately 20.5" Hg of vacuum. Since this system has a maximum vacuum of 25.5" Hg at sea level, it is not suitable for users above 8,000 feet.
What is the minimum vacuum level for veneering?
Most veneers require at least 17" Hg but a few species such as maple and bubinga are best pressed at 21" Hg.
Can I use a 240v AC converter to run this pump?
This pump is not available in a 220/240v AC and the 120v AC model can not be safely run with a 240v AC voltage converter.
What is the warranty on this system?
The vacuum pump is warranted by the manufacturer 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.
What is the return policy?
Please see this page for details regarding our return policy.
Does this system include a vacuum bag?
None of our systems come with a vacuum bag because we don't want to force you to buy something you may not need. We also have no way to know what size bag you might want with your system so the vacuum bags are offered separate from the rest of the system.
What is the size of the pump?
The approximate measurements are...
- Length: 9.5"
- Height: 7.25"
- Width: 6"
There is a well-known quote from Warren Buffett that "Price is what you pay. Value is what you get." When I think of this quote and the vacuum presses we offer, the Excel kits comes to mind. I don't think there is a better value in vacuum press systems anywhere else and our customers seem to agree. Christine and I ship more of this kit then any other on our site. It's designed it to deliver maximum value and that comes through its price, durability, ease of use, and capability. I think you will be very pleased with it.
Vacuum Clamping Questions
Do the Podz™ vacuum clamping jigs work on porous surfaces?
The overall effectiveness of the clamping apparatus is dependent on the porosity of the work bench surface and the porosity of the material being clamped. If the work bench surface below the clamping jigs is porous - such as unfinished MDF or particle board - then you will have diminished clamping power with this vacuum system. Some woods such as oak and walnut will leak a considerable amount of vacuum and this can reduce the holding ability of the system.
Where can I learn more about the Podz™ clamping jigs?
There is a very helpful questions and answer tab on the Podz product page.
Can this system be used to vacuum clamp projects for CNC routing?
The clamping add-on for this kit is designed for bench-top clamping. It is not designed for large scale CNC work. Most large CNC vacuum clamping systems use a vacuum blower (not a vacuum pump) which can move more than 25 CFM. If the project material being cut is exceptionally porous or will have cut-throughs that will release the vacuum, then this system certainly will not work.
Why does the clamping add-on on this product appear to cost more than if the Podz clamping kit is ordered separately?
The Podz kit option on the Excel vacuum press system also includes the electric foot pedal. The stand-alone Podz kit on our site does not include the foot pedal.
Can I use the Excel system with the Festool VacSys SE2 clamping jig?
I honestly do not know if for sure if the Excel kit is suitable for this Festool clamping jig. I suspect it could work, but I don't know how it would be connected. I do believe some users are having success with it using the Excel 3 or 5.
Vacuum Chucking Questions
Can this system be used for vacuum chucking?
There is no safe way to answer this question. More information needs to be provided. You would need to know three things...
- What is the surface area where the chuck attaches to the project?
- Is the project material porous? (some species of wood are very porous)
- How much weight will be held on the chuck at turning speed?
With these bits of information, you can calculate a number that will help you determine if the pump is safe to use for chucking. Continue on to the next question.
How much clamping force will the Excel 5 create for vacuum chucking?
This is based on a calculation using the maximum sustainable vacuum level and the surface area where the project is attached to the chuck. A smaller attachment area means less clamping/chucking force. A large industrial pump capable of pulling a very high vacuum may not be suitable for chucking if the vacuum surface area of the project is small. You have to calculate the vacuum surface area on your project first. Then determine what amount of vacuum you are capable of applying to the project. With this information, you can determine the total clamping force on the project and consider whether or not it is enough to safely hold your project while it is being turned. Here is the method for calculating the clamping force.
- Determine the surface area of the vacuum attachment point. In most cases, the vacuum chuck will be circular so use Pi (roughly 3.14) to determine this number. The formula starts by taking the diameter and dividing by two. This gives you the radius. Then multiply the radius by 3.14 and then multiply it again by the radius. Let's use a chuck diameter of 6" and determine the surface area. Divide 6 by 2. That makes 3 so then multiply 3 times 3.14 (Pi), then multiply that again by 3.
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6 ÷ 2 = 3
3 x 3.14 = 9.42
3 x 9.42 = 28.26
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So here we have 28.26 square inches in a 6" diameter chucking surface.
- - Determine the maximum sustainable vacuum level that you can reach with your project piece attached to the vacuum chuck simply by placing it on the chuck and turning on your vacuum pump. A non-porous material that is chucked to your lathe will typically achieve the same level of maximum vacuum that your pump is capable of achieving. In other words, the project material itself allows no loss of vacuum therefor the pump will achieve its best available vacuum.
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In the following example let's assume that the project material is non-porous and that the pump can generate 25" of Hg. For every inch of Hg vacuum, you get .49 lbs per square inch of pressure. Multiply .49 by the vacuum level that the pump can create.
.49 x 25 = 12.25 (this is how much pressure in pounds that you are getting per square inch)
- - Multiply 28.26 x 12.25 to get 346.19 lbs of force holding your project to the lathe.
- - Now only you can decide if that is enough chucking force to safely hold your project.
What if the chucking project is porous? How do I determine if this pump is suitable?
Unfortunately, there is no way to determine this without actually placing the project on a vacuum chuck. You would need to determine the actual maximum sustainable vacuum and this will vary across each project you try out depending on the size and porosity of the material.
What pump do you recommend for vacuum chucking?
I can only suggest one thing... the bigger, the better. Several of our customers are using 3 CFM vacuum sources for chucking but most are opting for 5 CFM vacuum sources.
Product Reviews
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Very Happy with This Pump
Review by Tyler Nelson
Rating:
The assembly instructions were clear and easy to understand, everything went together perfectly. The pump itself works like a charm and was stronger than I was expecting. I recommend going with one of vacuum bagging kits as it greatly increased the vacuum I was able to maintain in my system.
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Great Vacuum Pump
Review by Craig Aebli
Rating:
This is a great vacuum pump. It does an excellent job with creating a vacuum quickly with a 4' x 6' polyurethane bag. The assembly is quite easy with excellent instructions provided. Pump is very quiet compared to other vacuum pumps I have used in the past. Very pleased with the service and communications with Veneer Supplies.
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This Is The Best Vacuum Press
Review by Cedric Williams
Rating:
I have to admit there was a bit of trepidation running through my mind before I bought the kit. That was largely because the price seemed to good to be true. This is by far the least expensive 5 CFM vacuum press on the market so I wondered if it could be a waste of money. But I read all of the product reviews and Google comments about this company/website and decided it was a good option.
The order was placed on a Sunday night. By 11 AM the following day, they sent me a status update message that my order was packed and it included a tracking number also. The boxes subsequently shipped a few hours after that and arrived (perfectly packaged) two days later. Assembly was quick and I found the instructions to be very well written. The pump is surprisingly quiet. I had no idea vacuum pumps could run with so little noise. Everything about this vacuum press is impressive from its simplicity in design to its quality parts (especially the pump).
So how well does it work? In a word, flawlessly. It vacuums out the 4x9 polyurethane bag (also bought here along with breather mesh) in about 2 minutes or so. And then it easily maintains the vacuum without any fussing. This really is a very nice set up.
I did have two questions, one before ordering and one after. The owner of the company was quick to reply with helpful and encouraging comments. With his support, my first veneering job came out perfectly. It is amazing what you can do with veneer and it is surprisingly easy to do it.
No regrets at all with this purchase and I wish I'd done it sooner.
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This is a Quality Kit from a Great Company
Review by Keith Coleman
Rating:
It's hard to find fault with this kit. The pump is quiet and appears to be rugged. The overall simplicity of this design makes it seem like a sensible way to go. All of the kit parts are well made and I don't expect I'll have any issues down the road because of it.
Joe and company shipped it out the same day and it arrived here in Colorado four days later. I also bought some breather mesh and the Extreme polyurethane vacuum bag.
I had emailed him several times prior to ordering and he was very communicative and open to all of my newbie questions. There's a sort of benevolence in his replies in so far that he doesn't try to sell you anything. He actually dissuaded me from buying two things that he thought was unnecessary for my types of planned projects.
The shipment arrived quickly and everything I ordered was packed very well. They use tons of white packing paper to ship stuff - much better than stryofoam peanuts! The kit assembly took all of about 20 minutes. The vacuum press has now been in my shop for a month and I've put 5 or 6 panels to use from it. They have all turned out flawless. There is no better way to use veneer than with a vacuum press. A big thank you to Joe and his team for making this a perfect transaction.
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Excellent Value and a Great Addition to My Shop
Review by Bill Ramey
Rating:
I went with the top of the line Excel 5 kit because I've seen first-hand what it is capable of doing. A friend has one and I've borrowed it and his polyurethane vacuum bag multiple times. I've tried out the Podz vacuum clamping pucks and what they do is amazing.
Here is how I decided to get this kit:
First, I wanted something that was quick and easy to assemble. Second, I wanted a press from a company that has a history of good customer support. Third, I didn't want to spend a fortune. My total set up cost was just under $850 (including shipping) but I figure I will get at least 10 years of projects from it. That is about 25 cents a day - a price I will gladly pay to get perfect veneer panels.
And between panels, I'll be using it for bench top vacuum clamping which is strangely enjoyable because it works so well for this. I often use it when routing drawer fronts, but the most frequent use is when I'm sanding a board or project part.
Kudos to Veneer Supplies for a great kit, reasonable prices, fast shipping, and excellent customer service.
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Very Satisfied with this Purchase
Review by Don Cook
Rating:
I'm completely impressed by this company and the products I've purchased so far. The Excel kit is designed very well and it's very easy to put together. The whole assembly took less than 20 minutes and I'm kind of surprised by how quiet it runs. It pulled down my 2x9 polyurethane bag in about 45 seconds!
My only suggestion for improvement would be to add an on/off switch, but I bought this kit with the Podz clamping option which comes with the foot pedal switch. Even when I'm not doing any vacuum clamping, I leave the foot pedal attached to turn the pump on and off. It's very convenient.
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Best Vacuum Pump I've Owned
Review by George Popov
Rating:
This is the best bang for the buck continuous run pump I've ever had. I spent the money on 2 cheaper pumps in the past (starting with the typical blue and grey rotary vane special), and wish I had just purchased this to begin with. It's quieter, cooler, and as far as I can tell will outlast me.
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9 Years and Still Running Strong
Review by Garrett Smith
Rating:
I bought my Excel kit 9 years ago and it been running strong all this time. I have no idea how many projects I've built with it... may be couple hundred. It's now permanently attached to a shelf above my bench so I just pull down the vac tube and power it up. The heart of the kit is this rugged vacuum pump which has never given me a moment of grief. Its hard to find tools this durable anymore. I'm writing this review while I'm back on this website to order a larger polyurethane bag and some more breather mesh. I know it will get shipped today and arrive tomorrow. VS is a great operation to work with!
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Arrived Fast, Great Product
Review by Jacob Greenway
Rating:
My kit arrived two days after ordering! Assembly was fairly easy with just a few because hand tools. It's amazing how much pressure the vacuum press and bag can put on a veneer. The pump is solidly built.
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Fantastic Vacuum Press Pump
Review by Jason Mazur
Rating:
This vacuum press unit is outstanding. It's built solid and runs great. I can see many years of service from this unit. Currently I'm using it with two 4' x 4' bags and one 4' x 8' bag and pressing 4 table tops at a time using their urea resin glue to bond thick walnut veneer. The pump keeps the pressure for the recommended 4 hours with no problem. Just purrs along. My tables are coming out beautifully.
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Love This Vacuum Press
Review by Douglas R Groves
Rating:
Love this vacuum press. I was using a homemade press that used my air compressor and it had to run almost constantly and was very loud. Even though this press runs continuously, to me it is very quiet. Would recommend this to anyone interested in doing some veneering projects.
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High Quality Kit
Review by Michael Olinger
Rating:
The pump is quiet and performs as advertised. The kit is very complete and high quality. Also, the assembly instructions are excellent. I purchased the 220v version with the understanding that the power plug was an Australian standard. I made a "conversion cable" to a US standard plug but plan to simply replace the supplied plug. Also, Australia power is 50Hz but don’t worry, this pump (like many appliances) works fine on both 50Hz and 60Hz.
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My First Vacuum Pump
Review by Jeff Cleveland
Rating:
This is my first vacuum pump and I am pleased with the quiet operation, speed of evacuation, and ability to hold pressure constant. The ability to adjust the pressure valve allows me to begin the evacuation of air slowly then adjust the bag around oddly shaped parts to ensure consistent pressure before fully applying vacuum pressure.
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Great Little Pump
Review by Jim Fortes
Rating:
Purchased a Festool Vac sys set but UPS lost the pump in transit. Still waiting for the claim to come through. Picked up the Excel 5 pump from Veneer Supplies and it works great with the Festool Vac Sys SE-1. Only had to purchase a European quick disconnect and bingo, I am in business. Assembly was quick and easy with excellent instructions provided.
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Great Product and Support
Review by Mark Visconti
Rating:
With the discontinuation of the Festool Vac-Sys, I picked this unit up after it was recommended as an alternative to me. I decided to put it together early one morning over a weekend and thought I was missing a part. I contacted Joe via email, got a reply almost immediately and determined the parts were all there. The unit went together easily and was up and running in a short time. Thanks Joe!
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Pleasantly Surprised
Review by Jim Howell
Rating:
This is the first ever product review I have done. I purchased the Excel 5, foot pedal, and the Podz kit thinking I would try on my CNC. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the system worked better than I had hoped. A couple of observations: 1) be sure to use as many Podz that will fit under the work for insurance on holding and for flexing, 2) foot pedal is a must in this set up, 3) would be nice to have a "bleeder"in lieu of releasing vacuum by using the quick connect fitting at connection to the Podz. Also, I have to say that Veneer Supplies is great to work with. Joe was/is knowledgeable and helpful.
[Note from Joe: I think Jim may have overlooked a part of the kit instructions where it explains how to set the bleeder that comes with the kit so that it releases vacuum quickly when the system is turned off. I have emailed him about this.]
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Easy Assembly
Review by Glenn Bradley
Rating:
The Excel 5 arrived as scheduled. Unit was very well packed and all parts arrived in excellent condition. Assembly was just as quick and easy as described.
Instructions were easy to follow. There was a valve upgrade since the instruction print out and the handle orientation changed. A quick email exchange confirmed the non-issue. Vac gauge would not rest at zero. Although this was not really a problem for my use a replacement was quickly supplied.
I would recommend Joe's goods to anyone. His experience and free sharing of information is a bonus to the solid products.
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A Top Notch Level of Service
Review by Jeff Childs
Rating:
The Excel 5 is a totally awesome product. For my intended use, which is veneering guitar bodies, it is more vacuum pump then I'll ever need. But rather than review the pump itself I would like to brag on the high level of service I have received from the folks at Veneer Supplies. From their willingness to answer any concerns I've had to their never ending quest for excellence in providing not only products but the level of quality in providing top notch service, it is not only refreshing but outright amazing that they care as much as they do. So thank you very much for making my first dive into the world of veneering a pleasant experience.
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Love This Pump So Much I Bought a Second!
Review by Tyler Miller
Rating:
Excellent pump, very quiet, solidly built and very adaptable for many applications. I use them for kydex holster making, I have two of them now and they run all day. Fast shipping, excellent customer service!
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Solid Value
Review by Frederick Schmokel
Rating:
Highest quality fittings. Outstanding instructions. Very quick assembly with minimal tools required. You'll be up and running in way under an hour. Highly recommend this product for your veneering projects.
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Great Product
Review by Tim Frost
Rating:
I am not doing veneering yet. I intend to in the near future. However, I did order with the Podz system. The Podz are working out great for planing. You can plane and not have any clamps in your way. It seems the suction is doing very well holding to my table. I am very pleased with the outcome. Joe was great to work with and he seems to be very conscientious.
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Very Happy
Review by Kevin Cowan
Rating:
Item was easy to assemble. Clear instructions with pictures. 10 seconds to evacuate a 4x4 bag on a curved form. Very happy with the performance and quietness to the product.
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Outstanding Product and Customer Service!
Review by Monty Curry
Rating:
Assembly was easy and instructions were very understandable. I went with the 220v and it works great with just changing the 3 prong plug. It runs quieter than I thought as well. Overall, the product and customer service has been awesome! I highly recommend this company and this product!
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Must Have
Review by Aaron Saxton
Rating:
It has been a year now, numerous jobs and heavy use. The pump is consistent and flawless in operation. It is so easy to use that I just couldn't imagine using any other pump. Staff at the old shop - growing tired of their pump and the nature to sometimes malfunction - now come and use my bag and pump for jobs that need to be perfect. The pressure is amazingly constant and guaranteed to remain where you place it. I haven't had to do any maintenance as yet and wonder when I will.
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Great purchase experience and great product. No regrets.
Review by Jeremy von Oy
Rating:
Purchase and delivery experience was great. I'm happy with the quality of the pump and the parts in the kit. Installation instructions were detailed and easy to follow. I've been using the vacuum pump for about 3 months now, primarily for vacuum bagging composites and vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (resin infusion) of composite parts. It works great and I can leave the pump running as long as needed while the resin cures with no worries about oil mist like you can get with HVAC style pumps. There are two extra vacuum ports which came in handy to run an extra vacuum line for evacuating the resin feed line prior to infusion.
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Good Vacuum System
Review by Dave Chamberlain
Rating:
I purchased the Excel 5 system to make vacuum hold down jigs for my CNC router. I do batch jobs of two sided projects and was tired of using screws or two sided tape. I purchased the system pre-assembled and also bought the other brass fittings that I needed. They shipped fast and work great.
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First project and loving it
Review by Thomas Zadlo
Rating:
I've done several small veneer/marquetry projects in the past but gluing the final result down is always problematic. Because of these projects plus other needs I decided to splurge and get the Excel 5 kit.
Joe was super helpful with advice on which kit. The kit itself went together exactly as the instructions said, and it works like a champ. It's very quiet, and I have it running in the basement right now and I can't hear it on the main floor of the house. Additionally, you can just tell quality when you see it. The components in this kit are clearly well made and I have no doubt it'll last for years to come.
I went with the kit for a few reasons including not wanting a long project just to be able to draw a vacuum for the next project, and I don't regret the choice. This thing is great.
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Great Pump
Review by John Jenkins
Rating:
Really easy to assemble and very quiet. I'm through three projects and this little guy is performing perfectly. I'd buy it again as well as the poly vacuum bags.
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Compact, Powerful, Fun to Use
Review by Mark Young
Rating:
Easy assembly with great directions; delivered promptly, runs quietly. Speedy email replies with answers. I made a wooden box w/ sliding lid to hold the pump, hose, and pod clamping kit.
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Great Product
Review by Adam Lang
Rating:
I recently purchased an Excel 5 vacuum press system, a VS Extreme 4' x 12' Poly Bag, and a plethora of other supplies.
For starters, I can't begin to praise how effective and QUIET your small pump is. I have bagged numerous panels since making my purchase and am happy with every product that comes out of the bag.
Additionally, the bags are very strong and highly resistant to glue residue. I haven't made any sloppy guile-ups yet, but the few seepage episodes that have happened have not once stuck to the bag.
Lastly, working with Joe and Christine has been great. Truly a small business operation with excellent customer service.
I look forward to being a customer for years to come.
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Great Product
Review by Bill Becker
Rating:
The pump is very well built, directions Joe provided we're easy to follow and everything actually went together as intended. Overall very pleased and would recommend!
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Excellent Vacuum System for Wood Turners
Review by Jim Kent
Rating:
I am a wood turner. I am very happy with the Excel 5 vacuum press. It was easy to assemble it took about 20 min.and had a 18in. platter on my lathe and was working on it. I have used other vacuum systems and this one is the quietest running so far.Thank you Joe for selling quality products and providing a excellent level of customer service.
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Great Product
Review by Stephen L Noe
Rating:
I bought the Excel 5 system a couple of weeks ago. Had it up and running an hour later, and keep kicking myself for not making the move sooner. Easy to assemble, quiet, and powerful. I use it for reverse chucking on a wood lathe, and can’t imagine not having it now.
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Great Pump
Review by Jarred Kaiser
Rating:
Upgraded from the venturi unit that runs off your compressor. Very fast pull down, and amazingly quite. ordered the Podz with it. Highly recommended.
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Excellent Vacuum Press System
Review by Jamie Harvey
Rating:
I am very happy with the Excel 5 vacuum press. It was easy to assemble and is more compact than I expected. I've only tried it on a couple of small marquetry pieces and am happy with the results. I expect it will work perfectly on larger pieces as well. The unit is also much quieter than I expected. Very happy that i bought this unit versus some of the others I looked at. The service and communication as well as the extensive on-line support and "how to" information on the website are unmatched.
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Assembly was a Breeze
Review by Chris Stasny
Rating:
I am a veneer vacuum virgin. I ordered a system and it was here so fast that I am pretty sure I had not yet closed my iPad before Fed-Ex was knocking on the door. Assembly was a breeze with detailed instructions. I had my first veneer sandwich built and vac'd in two swishes of a fuzzy lamb's tail. Good product. Good service.
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Excel 5 Shipped Promptly
Review by Philip Laudenklos
Rating:
Very good people to deal with. Was shipped promptly. Assembly instructions are excellent and goes together easily. I have only tested at this time but looking forward to my veneer project.
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Excel 5 Vacuum Pump Review
Review by Jeff Price
Rating:
I received the Excel 5 very nicely packaged. It took roughly 45 minutes fto put it all together but the instructions were very clear and all the parts and fittings matched up. I had aready built a vacuum frame press using Joe's instructions so I was all set to go.
The pump is solid, fairly quiet and fruns nice. Great draw-down. It has three ports for vacuum which I am going to use because of the semi-production mode I am in with small panels.
Awesome pump. Highly recommend.
Jeff
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Faultless Customer Service
Review by Simon Pocock
Rating:
I initially ordered this pump together with a vacuum bag and completed the shipping and payment details. Within less than 12 hours (which is pretty remarkable considering time differences between Australia and USA) I received an email indicating I'd selected the wrong shipping method which Joe adjusted at no additional cost.
It's my online experience that this doesn't happen very often, if at all! I would definitely recommend purchasing veneering supplies from Joe as prices are extremely competitive, particularly compared to Australia, and the customer service cannot be faulted. I haven't had the opportunity to use the products yet but put the parts of the vacuum pump together in about 20 minutes. It's a very solid unit and the bag is very heavy duty and well constructed. In fact I have ordered 2 additional bags.
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The Gold Standard for Vacuum Press Systems and Customer Service
Review by Jesse Elmore
Rating:
This is a great system. I use it for both veneering and with the Excel Podz to do power carving.
The system is wonderful and at a great price, but the real value over others is Joe. Everything was shipped quickly and securely, Joe's assembly instructions are written very well and easy to understand, and his customer service is top notch.
I had a question about an issue I was running into (my issue, not the system's) and he responded very quickly with the solution.
All the above are the reasons you can find people recommending Joe and his kits all over random woodworking forums. That's how I found him!
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Quality Pump
Review by Andy Rawls
Rating:
I've used this pump for several months with my 4'x8' bag and have had no issues. It was delivered quickly and was a breeze to put together.
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Great, reliable, product
Review by Ted Waltman
Rating:
Very easy to assemble with the supplied pictures/directions as a helpful guide. Quiet, reliable operation. Used this for several carbon fiber vacuum bagging operations with excellent results. HIGHLY recommended!
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A Breeze to Assemble
Review by Dominic Nepa (Beverly Hills Woodworks)
Rating:
The Excel 5 was shipped quickly, expertly packaged and a breeze to assemble (great written and visual directions). I am confident I could have built the DIY kit, but building furniture is more fun and I would rather spend my time making sawdust.
The Excel 5 along with the Veneer Supplies 4' x 9' Elite Poly Bag perfectly pressed my 4' x 8' starburst veneer table top.
Along with all of the great information at the Joe Woodworker website I successfully completed my first, YES MY FIRST ever veneer project. I don’t know why I waited so long to get into veneer work when everything I needed from tutorials to supplies can be found in a single location.
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You've Found It
Review by Mike Fuchs
Rating:
If you are trying to find a vacuum press set-up and are unsure about what you need, stop looking. You've found it.
Over many years of woodworking I have always shied away from jumping into a vacuum system. It seemed the reasonably priced ones had poor reviews, and the good ones were too expensive. Then there's types - piston, diaphragm, oiled, oil-less. Better to just stay away. Well, I finally found a product that ticked all the boxes and is supported by a dedicated company.
The Excel 5 is in a price sweet spot, it is oil-less which I decided I wanted, and is rated for continuous running. Upon receipt I was already impressed. The package was really complete, included absolutely professional grade fittings, and was really carefully packed for shipping. It shipped and arrived really quickly. This is a package assembled by people who use it and who care.
I'm just starting to experiment so not much to report on use other than a) it is amazingly quiet, and b) it is really strong. I will post more once I get more experience with pressing and clamping. This company and package has really filled me with confidence.
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A Breeze to Assemble
Review by Satoshi Yamauchi
Rating:
This kit was such a breeze to assemble. Everything I needed was in the pack and. As soon as I received the kit I assembled it and in no time I had a vacuum bag that was fully operational. I used this Excel 5 for a commercial project and worked out nicely for me.
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Solid Kit with Exceptional Support
Review by Stephen H. Phillips
Rating:
This is a solid kit and it comes with exceptional support from Joe. We're running it almost every day. I can tell you it's quiet and fast to vacuum down the 4x4 bag we use (also a great product). The parts go together in about 15 minutes. We bought the extra fittings and are planning to run at least two bags at a time. It's good time to offer fine woodworking and cabinetry and it only got better when we introduced a few exotic veneers (thanks to this website).
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Couldn't Be Happier!
Review by Joe Zimmerman
Rating:
First class operation. Shipping was prompt. Joe answered a couple of questions within 20 minutes. Couldn't be happier with the continuous run system and the Podz clamping system. I returned a Festool vac system and bought this from Joe.
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A Great System
Review by Greg Yates
Rating:
Count me among the others who are very satisfied with their Excel system. The simple and rugged design is great for my business. We have used veneer for a couple of years and this really steps up our game. The vacuum pump looks to be durable and nicely machined. The other parts are top notch too. The instructions are written so that even a child could assemble the kit in less 20 minutes. It's rare to find a set of instruction written so well. The customer service is very good too. The owner replies to email very fast and he took time to answer some newbie questions that now seem kind of dumb. This a great system and I recommend it highly.
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Brilliant... Incredible... Genius...
Review by Brian Cozloff
Rating:
This is a very good system and it is priced a lot less than anything I would consider using in my shop. The system arrived two days after I ordered and it was packaged very well. I just like the simplicity of the whole package though. Adjusting the vacuum couldn't be any more easy. The valve idea on the system is total genius. I also bought the podz jigs... these things are brilliant as well. I used the vacuum jigs as soon as I finished assembling the kit which took less than a half hour. The clamping strength is nothing but incredible. This weekend (tomorrow) will be my first attempt at vacuum pressing a veneer. I cant wait to get started. Very happy with this purchase.
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Probably the Best Tool in My Shop
Review by Gary Sharpe
Rating:
This is probably the best tool in my shop because of what it allows me to do. I've done small furniture design for 25+ years and I wish I had started veneering much sooner. I can now take a design that was $500 and with an exotic veneer, I can make it a $700 with less work in the total project and no cost increase. The Excel vacuum press works wonders whether it's a small end table or a large dining room table top.
My order was placed on a Tuesday and the boxes arrived on Friday. I bought it because of the many comments posted here and because the price was right in line with my budget. This is the right tool if you are on the fence about vacuum pressing
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Review from Western Springs, IL
Review by George Rodgers
Rating:
Everything arrived just as expected, in a very short period of time and was easy to assemble with the directions provided. I also bought the add on clamp system which also went together easily and works well.
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Review from Golden, CO
Review by Jacob Hall
Rating:
I picked up the Excel 5™ Continuous Run Vacuum Press System for a veneering project in my basement. I'm covering over 100' of wall space with cherry wainscoting. I have 4 decorative columns and a 300 gallon aquarium stand that I wanted to add accent panels to (madrone burl). It's a daunting project and I needed a quick and reliable solution to veneer these panels.
This system was the key to relieving some of the pressure in completing the project. I assembled it one morning before heading to work and ran it almost non-stop that weekend mass-producing veneered panels for my project. It worked flawlessly and was worth every penny. I intend to take on some more challenging veneer projects in the future using this vacuum press.
On a side note, Joe and Christine are awesome! They will have my business for every future veneer need. It's hard to find reliable and honest partners in business, but that's what you'll find here.
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Review froim Victoria, British Columbia
Review by Geoff St Germaine
Rating:
The Excel 5 System came well packaged and with clear and detailed instructions on assembly and use. The setup was straightforward and I had it assembled and working within 45 minutes. I'm using the vacuum system with a bag, the Podz and a vacuum bridge clamp. The system works very well for these and provides more than enough vacuum for these purposes.
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Review from Malad, ID
Review by Ed Dahle
Rating:
This product came exceptionally well packaged and on time. I had already read the excellent assembly instructions on Joe's site. I had all the necessary items needed for assembly and it went very well. I tried it out with the Podz jigs and after a little learning curve everything worked well. I am at 5,380 feet in elevation and this press pulled 27" Hg, amazing. If you want an excellent system get this, also the noise level on this press is very low and not obnoxious at all. Thanks Joe and Christine, you folks are the best.
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Review from Centralia, WA
Review by Rick Longabaugh
Rating:
I just got the Excel 5 system in about April 2016. Why did I wait so many years to buy a dream setup? Since about 1996 when I started the learning curve to do marquetry and veneering I have used an air compressor setup to run my vacuum bag. It is noisy and bulky and I did not want to work in my shop while using it. I absolutely love this setup. It is small, lightweight, a joy to use and I'm actually amazed at how quick it deflates the bag to start pressing veneer. Rating this system from a 1 to a 5 it is definitely higher than a 5. You will love it. Oh yes, I also started using it to flatten my veneer instead of using a veneer press because it is easy and not a bother to use as it is so quiet.
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Review from Austin, TX
Review by Tom Beach & Amanda Walker
Rating:
Everything about getting this vacuum press was awesome. It was packed well and shipped immediately. It's a seriously great professional piece of equipment with really good instructions for assembling and using it- plus the resources Joe has on his website have been very helpful. We didn't need to ask any questions because it's so user-friendly. It is one of the quietest pieces of equipment in our shop and runs a lot cooler than expected. We are constantly discovering new ways in which this press is well-designed and easy to use. We absolutely recommend it.
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Review from Stevenson, Washington
Review by Scott Griffiths
Rating:
This has been a great product (Excel 5). Get the Podz because they make a great add-on for adding a vacuum clamping station, I use mine so that I can band circles with the Festool Contura Bander... I love doing business here.
P.S. If your looking to get into veneering, this is a great place to start. Joe makes it easy.
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Review from Clyde, NY
Review by Christopher Bellizzi
Rating:
This kit was so easy to assemble even I did it. Great instructions and everything went together as planned.
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Review from Yacolt, Washington
Review by Nick Lazzaretto
Rating:
I recently purchased the Excel 5 Vacuum Press, Build-A-Bag with breather mesh, and the Ultra Cat glue. The assembly of the Excel 5 was very straight forward and went together very well, as did the bag. I have used it several times since I received it about 3 weeks ago and I am very impressed with the whole system. I use it more for a vacuum clamping system than I do for veneer, though I will be doing that as well. If I added up all the clamps I would need to glue the things up I've been gluing, they would far surpass the investment I have with this system...plus, there is no way I would be able to get everything clamped up fast enough!
The system is very compact and quiet too, more so than I anticipated. Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase, I only wish I would have done it sooner. Definitely one of the favorite tools in my shop! Joe has been very helpful answering my questions and guiding me through the process, and this is truly a quality product that I would recommend to anyone in the market for a vacuum press! Thank you very much Joe! Companies like yours selling quality products and providing your level of customer service are harder and harder to find.
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Review from Tucson, AZ
Review by Matt Feeley
Rating:
I recently purchased the Excel 5 vacuum press and I could not be more happy with my decision. The instructions included were very clear, comprehensive, and 100% accurate. I didn't time how long it took to set up my vacuum press, but by carefully following Joe's directions i feel it was under 30 minutes to complete.
Holy smokes is it quiet. Out of habit, i wore my earmuffs when i turned the Excel 5 on, but soon realized that they were not needed. I can talk on the phone or hear the radio with no issues while the vacuum press is running. I have only had my vacuum press for a little more than a month, but I really enjoy using it and find myself looking for excuses to do veneers. I am extremely happy with my purchase.
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Review from Denver, CO
Review by Tom Faber
Rating:
I ordered the Excel 5 vacuum press and a Dura-Max Extreme vacuum bag from Joe and I must say that I am completely impressed. Not only was the system easy to put together but also easy to use. My projects have been turning out better than I had expected with this system and for that I am grateful. Also, Joe clearly made himself available for any questions that I might have using the system and answered those questions very quickly. It has been an amazing experience going through this company and I could not be happier. I will definitely use VeneerSupplies.com for all my vacuum system needs in the future.
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Review from Somerton Park, South Australia
Review by Andrew Bartlett
Rating:
2016 was the time for a new vacuum press. I selected the Excel 5 Continuous Run and have been impressed with it. It was very easy to set up and the manner in which you did - follow the instructions - gave a thorough understanding of how the machine works. I did my first veneer press within 30 minutes of opening the box. I also purchased an Elite polyurethane bag. This bag impresses me and I wonder why I did not purchase one earlier. As an international customer I am happy how easy this purchase was and the speed of delivery - 1 week to Australia. Thank you.
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Review from Boulder, CO
Review by Dan Baldwin
Rating:
I am so pleased with my Excel 5 system ! I have done several vacuum bag pressings with it and still marvel at how cool it is to set everything up, then turn on the system and watch it do the work. Joe's stuff is so well made and his instructions for assembly are impeccable. I am looking forward to future projects using the system. It has really helped bump my woodworking up a notch or two.
Thanks Joe !
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Review from Wauwatosa, WI
Review by Jim Muench
Rating:
This is my first time ordering a vacuum press. I am truly thrilled the service, delivery time and price. The kit was unboxed and assembled in no time. Got a sample in the press right away with ease. I am looking forward to using this on my next project. What a great way to enhance my design and building capabilities.
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Review Boulder, Colorado
Review by Dan Baldwin
Rating:
I purchased this vacuum press kit and some veneer supplies and have just completed my first vacuum press veneer project which was a maple serving tray with ebony inlay and spline joints and featuring a bottom panel with walnut burl veneer. I am so grateful that Joe has taken the time to put together such a comprehensive system for learning about, purchasing and using veneer supplies and tools. The sites make it very easy for a first timer to learn the ABCs of veneering. Buy the stuff, start the project, if you run into any problems the chances are very high that the solution or workaround is somewhere on Joe's site. The products are great, the support is great, the instructions and knowledge base that Joe provides is the best I have encountered. I'm looking forward to my next veneering project ! Thanks Joe !
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Review from Abilene, TX
Review by Andrew Stewart
Rating:
Great vacuum for my purpose. It's quiet, easy to install, pulls great vacuum quickly, and doesn't get hot. I'm using it for fiberglass and carbon fiber products. In addition, I want to say thank-you to Joe, who contacted me about my ordering unnecessary equipment. While this is a continuous run pump, I had initially planned on adding the EVS auto-cycle kit to it since I would have the pump running between 12-24 hrs at a time. He assured me that this kit was rated for it, and after looking at other reviewers who stated years of trouble free use, I decided to go with the pump alone. Most companies wouldn't look at an order for discrepancies like this, so I definitely appreciate that.
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Review from Chicago, IL
Review by Jon Deiter
Rating:
Joe was incredibly helpful with my decision to buy this system. I build a lot of curved doors and I wanted a reliable and easy to use vacuum press. I've been using the system every week for almost a year and it performs perfectly. No complaints whatsoever. If you are unsure if this press is right for your project, send an email to the owner of this company and you will have a reply within a couple of hours. Customer service like this is so hard to find these days.
I went with the Excel 5 instead of the Excel 1 because I wanted to pull down my 4x8 bag as quickly as possible. I have a tendency to be slow getting projects into the bag so the extra power in the pump helps.
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Review from Reno, NV
Review by Beau Harrison III
Rating:
I have been buying veneer from this website for years and it has always been a pleasure so when my old 90's vacuum press died a couple of weeks ago I knew exactly where to look for a new one. I ordered it here for three reasons. The first is that I like the customer service here. The owner is the only contact person you have to work with and he is quick with replies and always very helpful with them. I like to support small businesses even if they are not local to me.
The second reason is that the price is incredible. I don't know any other place to buy an adjustable vacuum press with all of its features (if you can call them that) for under $500. It's still a bargain even when this system is not on sale.
The third reason I bought it is because I like "simple". Every tool I own that claims to do a dozen different things has been troublesome. My last hyper tool claimed to do too many things and was so complicated that I just sold out after only 5 months of ownership. This vacuum press is the opposite. I plan to keep it for a couple of decades. It is simple and easy to understand.
I live in Nevada so shipping from this company (which is in Maryland) took 4 days. That is fine and if it seems lengthy, it is only because that is what UPS needs to do their job. I didnt think the shipping charge was outrageous.
So get one of these systems and a good vacuum bag. Don't forget your glue either!
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Review from Roanoke, VA
Review by John Richard Dochinski
Rating:
Ordered on the 11th, arrived on the 12th. That is as good as it folks. This system is flawless and there is not a thing I could suggest to improve it. What the other reviews say is all true. The system is very compact and the parts are all high quality. I'm especially pleased with how quiet the pump runs. My nosey neighbors cant complain because they wont even hear it running.
I've been buying veneer from this website for 2 years and its always a pleasure to shop here (at Veneer Supplies). I've never any a single problem and I'm happy to support the little guy. You'd never know it judging by this website but its entirely run by a mom-and-pop company. Checkout the 'ABOUT US' page to see what I mean. Its just a husband and wife team running the show. That is awesome and these are good folks.
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Review from St. Charles, Ilinois
Review by Bill Tomchek
Rating:
As of this writing, there are 6 reviews prior to my own, all of which give 5-stars. I am number 7 to the 5-star list.
Being a newbie to woodworking and vacuum pressing, I started my learning process at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking (which is excellent). From there, I reviewed this site among others. It was Joe's easy to understand site pages that encouraged me to try his solution. I'm very glad I did.
Everything about the Excel 5 kit, from assembly, setup, and use has been top-notch. So far, everything has been limited to veneer glue-ups, of which all 10 have been flawless and simple to do. The Dura-Max poly bag and the breathable mesh pretty much made the entire system a piece-of-cake. Being lazy, I also indulged the use of their foot pedal.
Hopefully soon, I'll also try the Podz clamping system too.
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Review from Hardin, MT
Review by Bill Maietta
Rating:
Being new to vacuum press technology, I leaned heavily on the informative materials from JoeWoodworker.com. I had done quite a bit of veneering, laminating and even bent lams, but always with forms and clamps. If you're in a similar position, I strongly recommend you read the trainings and explanations there before you get going. They will also help decide on the best system for you. They're very clearly written and comprehensive.
I went with the Excel 5, and I am very pleased with it. I've had it about a week and used it a couple of times for bent lams (maple drawer fronts). Again, I'd stress to read the information that comes with the system. The assembly instructions are clear and precise, but it does take a little time and focus. The same applies for glue-up, press forms, platens, and press times.
Once it's put together and you're up and running, it's pretty darn simple. Plug in the machine, set the vacuum pressure and wait for press time (based on type of glue). I used the UltraCat glue, and one more time... read directions, then mixing, application and cleanup were a breeze.
Service was excellent as well. Joe is very responsive through email. He does a great job explaining the seemingly complex elements of vacuum pressing on his website, making it simple, and follows through with great products and service.
One more technology, set of tools, in the workshop is a very good thing.
Thanks!
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Review from Spring Hill, TN
Review by J. Kevin Sperry
Rating:
My system was ordered on a Thursday night and by Friday I had a tracking number for my box. Everything arrived on Tuesday, no problems at all. I felt the shipping was acceptable considering that this thing probably weighs 15 lbs or more.
The parts are good quality and I bet most of them are US made which is a nice bonus. It took me about 15 minutes to put the kit together. All parts were present. The pump is less noisy than I expected which means that its fine to let it run while you are doing some thing else in the shop. I like the adjustability too.
This is a good system and I'd probably buy another one if I had to.
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Review from Port Charlotte, FL
Review by Sean Phillips
Rating:
Veneering and vacuum bagging were a big part of my business several years ago. But that changed when my partner and I went our separate ways. I got some tools and he got some tools. What I didnt get was the vacuum system and I've wanted one for a while now. I pulled the trigger on this system about 5 weeks ago and I've really put it through the wringer in my shop. I'm using it with a 4x12 polyurethane bag (also bought here) and a huge piece of vacuum mesh. I have more than 20 panels completed with it so far. The vacuum press is very easy to use. This is basically because it has very few parts. The simple pressure adjustment by turning a handle is nice. I know there are some that want a complicated machine for this type of work so they can impress their friends. I preferred to save several hundred dollars and go with the "keep it simple stupid" (K.I.S.S.) version and I'm glad I did.
This is a vacuum press that most people could cobble together with hardware store parts and a salvaged vacuum pump but in the end, that wasnt worth it for me. I bought this kit because I wanted to know that everything would work together with my bag. One thing that would be a pain to make on your own is handle. It seems a bit vestigial at first but then you'll realize how often the system gets moved around. That is when the handle is worth having. The parts on this system appear to be high quality.
My shipping cost was very reasonable and it took 3 days to get to me. They sent me a tracking number on the same day I ordered. Its hard to say what the vacuum press system itself cost to ship because I had a lot of things in my order but overall it was fine. If you order this system, you can get a huge bag like I did. This system will pull down a big bag in just a couple of minutes.
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Review from Gainesville, FL
Review by George W. Turner
Rating:
I received my vacuum press two days after ordering. My shipping cost was acceptable, and the items were shipped with a lot of packaging material inside to protect it. This press is exactly as described and it only took me and my son just 15 minutes to assemble.
We are using a 4x8 vacuum bag. The pump vacuumed out the bag within a couple of minutes. So far I have pressed 3 panels. The first one didnt turn out too well. The owner of this company replied to my email about the problem and we figured out that I used too much glue. After that, the next veneers came out perfectly.
I think there are too many people out there who are afraid of veneering but this is not something that is very hard to do.
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Review from Dalton, PA
Review by Warren Walters
Rating:
Our shop has two excel 5 vacuum systems. One is from 2011 and still going strong and the other is one we just bought two weeks ago. The new version of the system is a nice improvement over the former version. The handle and manifold additions are great. The handle is very well designed making for a balanced feel when carrying it around from job site to job site. We bought the kit with the extra hose kits but havent used it that way yet but I have no worries since this pump is really powerful. Everything else is a sensible improvement as well. The vacuum level adjust is entirely tool-less (unlike the old system).
If you like the keep-it-simple idea, then this pump is for you. Overall, I'd recommend this pump to anyone looking for a simple, quiet, reasonably-priced vacuum press.
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Review from New Albany, NY
Review by James Thompson Jr.
Rating:
I searched the web for a vacuum press for several hours and posted some messages on a couple of woodworking forums. Everyone says that this place is the best for all things vacuum. I have to agree. The products here are sensible and affordable and the company owner (Joe) is very helpful. He must have answered more than 20 questions I had before ordering and after.
About the system - its is quite good. In fact it is excellent. The pump is not nearly as loud as I thought it would be. The system itself is fairly compact and the parts seem to be very well made. I have no worries about the Excel pump and I'm looking forward to using it.
The shipping was reasonable. I paid $26 but I also had some glue and other supplies in the order. The order was submitted on a Tuesday and I receieved it Thursday afternoon. I couldn't ask for a better turn around time.
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