This 12-piece builder's kit is for anyone with a vacuum pump that would like to build a continuously running system. Since this kit is used to build a non-cycling system the check valve, vacuum switch and vacuum reservoirs are not required.
The system is designed for woodworkers looking for a simple and affordable method of veneering wood panels. With an integrated speed control valve, the system is fully adjustable from 840 to 1750 lbs of pressure per square foot.
The only additional items you'll need only are a vacuum pump (with 1/4" threads), vacuum bag, and breather mesh.
Kit Instructions: PDF Download
Kit Contents
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.
Vacuum Clamping Option
Podz™ Kit (26 Piece 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 Podz 26-piece 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 Podz kit includes the following items:
What is the purpose of the vacuum valve?
It allows you to fine tune the pressure a bit without having to change the setting on the bleeder fitting. Additionally, the vacuum valve allows you to close off the flow to the bleeder valve completely so that, at the start of a pressing job, the vacuum pump can pull-down the vacuum bag slightly faster.
Does the system come with crimped-on ferrules?
We offered the kit with crimped-on ferrules for several years but these fittings became hard to find (in a size that fits our vacuum tubing) and then we had cost increases which were going to force me to raise the price of the kit. Instead of increasing the kit price, I opted to take the ferrules out of the kit. The ferrules were not expensive but the installation time was excessive. In a continuous-run system, the ferrules were absolutely useless any how. We don't even put ferrules on the auto-cycling kits.
Review by Joe Polich
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This kit provides everything you need to hook your bag up to your pump. I had tried to price all the pieces locally but gave up trying to match everything at one place. The kit was definitely cheaper than individual pieces plus the quality is outstanding!
The kit, pump and bag closure arrived earlier than expected and was packed extremely well.
Review by Dan Wahlquist
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I bought this for a vacuum clamping system that I'm building for my CNC router. It's a learn-as-I-go situation. Everything about this is impressively high quality; the parts, the ideas, the instructions, the website and the users builds. Much easier to get the kit than source the parts individually and cheaper too.
Review by David Utzschneider
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Great kit to get started and saves time from having to source all the pieces individually. Arrived fast as well.
Review by Todd Partridge
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My experience with VeneerSupplies.com was excellent all the way around. The website is informative and comprehensive, and my email questions were answered most timely. The product was shipped and received in a matter of days. All arrived safely, all were present and accounted for and the packaging of the items was logical - no wondering if any of the parts were missing. All instructions were clear and everything worked as promised. I will definitely recommend VeneerSupplies.com.
Review by Brian Nowak-Thompson
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Simple assembly in a few minutes and everything you need is included. The one suggestion would be to include a photo of either an exploded view or the completed setup in the written directions that come with the kit.
Note from Joe - I agree with Brian and there is now an image of the completed system in the instruction set.
Review by Brad Strong
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I bought this kit (with the vacuum clamp option), a 2' x 6' bag, and a Rietschle Thomas 3.15 CFM pump. I ordered it in the afternoon. An hour later, I received an email from Joe saying it had shipped. It arrived the next day via UPS ground. I assembled the pump kit with no issues following the included instructions. It had everything needed for assembly including the Teflon tape for sealing the threads. I made a platen from 3/4" MDF I already had by cutting 1/4" deep groves every 2" in both directions and rounded the corners using a block plane and sand paper. I also used the breather mesh instead of a top platen (highly recommended).
I purchased the cold press glue, glue roller, and veneer tape as well. I followed the procedures outlined on Joe's web site, and my first veneer pressing project turned out great.
I had a couple of questions for things I didn't see on the web site, and Joe answered them via email within an hour or two and then added the answer to his web site for everyone to benefit from.
Excellent product, service and informative web site.
Thanks Joe