Can I order this kit without the pump?
We do not offer this kit without a pump because we cannot know if a different pump would fit on the carrier. The pump that is included with EVS-2 is compact, so it leaves no room for a pump with a larger foot print. Additionally, we have no way to know if your existing pump would exceed the allowable amperage load on the EVS-2 electronics. If you would like to use your own vacuum pump, you may want to consider ordering the original Project: EVS kit. But be sure to check out this link first.

Can I use this kit to upgrade my Excel 3 or Excel 5 system to auto-cycle it?
Yes! 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.

How does it work?
A vacuum controller continuously measures the level of vacuum in the system. When additional vacuum is needed, the controller sends power to the vacuum pump and the solenoid valve. Once the set vacuum is achieved, the whole system cycles off. A check valve then holds the vacuum in the system reservoirs. A solenoid valve is used to release vacuum at the pump. This allows the pump to easily restart when additional vacuum is needed. The small sub-reservoir provides "free air" to the pump, which allows it to spin up toward full RPM without back-pressure stress. This reduces the wear on the pump's internal pneumatic components and motor windings.

What is the difference between this kit and the original EVS kit?
The original Project: EVS kit contains only the bare-bones parts to start building a vacuum press system. The original kit required you to source various parts from the hardware store such as plywood, electrical boxes, wire, switches, PVC pipe, and more. The EVS-2 kit contains 100 parts and includes everything you need to build the vacuum press system (except the PVC cement).

Why doesn't the kit include PVC cement?
It is very difficult to ship PVC cement due to flammability issues. And since most good hardware stores offer PVC cement at reasonable prices, it seems appropriate to leave this out of the kit.

Where can I find more questions and answers about this kit?
The JoeWoodworker Vacuum Press F.A.Q. answers more than 80 common questions about vacuum press kits.

Do I need a vacuum damper fitting if I order this kit with the 5 CFM vacuum pump?
No. The vacuum damper fitting is not needed with this kit, even when ordered with the 5 CFM pump.

How long does it take to assemble the kit?
If you are handy with tools, then you can likely assemble the kit in four to six hours.

Can I buy this kit pre-assembled?
Sorry, this item is not available pre-assembled.

What tools are required to complete the assembly?
Pliers, screwdriver, wrenches, wire strippers, drill bits, and a few other tools commonly found in a woodworker's shop are required. See the kit instructions for the complete list of tools.

Is there a 220/240v AC version available of this kit?
The EVS-2 kit is only compatible with 120v AC.

Does this kit include a vacuum bag?
None of our kits include a vacuum bag since there are so many sizes and materials from which to choose.

Can I use the 5 CFM version of this kit on small vacuum bags?
Absolutely!

What is the size of completed EVS-2 kit?
Approximately 20-1/2 x 12-3/4 x 11-1/2" (WxHxD)

What else will I need to have a complete vacuum pressing system?
You'll only need to order a vacuum bag and breather mesh to complete the system. Then head over to your nearest hardware store for some melamine board to be used as a platen inside the bag.

Does this kit include the lock-on connector that attaches to the vacuum bag?
Yes.

Which vacuum controller comes with this kit?
We offer two versions of the standalone vacuum controller, but the kit always comes with the "type 1" version, which is adjustable from 10.5" to 25.5" of Hg. The EVS-2 kit can only be ordered with the type 1 vacuum controller. If your project requires lower vacuum, you will need to order the type II version of the vacuum controller separately.

Do you have a version of this kit that can auto-cycle at lower vacuum levels?
I don't have a specific version of this kit designed for low vacuum, but you can order the Type II vacuum controller and use it on the EVS-2 kit.

How does my altitude affect the maximum vacuum level of this system?
There is a loss of approximately 1" of Hg for every 1,000 feet above sea level. For example, at 5,000 feet above sea level, the most vacuum this system will create is 20.5" of Hg. The generally accepted minimum for vacuum pressing most veneers is 17" of Hg, but a few species such as maple and bubinga are best pressed at 21" Hg. Since this system has a maximum vacuum of 25.5" Hg at sea level, it is not suitable for users above 8,000 feet.

Why would I need the continuous-run option?
This option helps reduce wear on the pump if the vacuum bag has a significant leak, which causes the system to cycle on/off too frequently. This option also is useful for bench top vacuum clamping of highly porous materials that quickly lose vacuum.

Can I order the continuous-run upgrade at a later time?
Yes. Please click here for details.

Can I use this system with epoxy?
The EVS-2 kit is not designed for use with epoxy, however I have not heard from any users that doing so 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 1,785 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.

Can I order this kit without the carrier or without the pump?
The EVS-2 kit is sold only as shown. We don't offer a version without the carrier or pump. You may instead want to consider ordering the original Project: EVS kit.

Why don't you include the assembly instructions with the kit?
It would be costly and wasteful to print copies of the instructions. It's best to use a laptop or tablet to view the kit instructions when assembling the system, since it allows you to zoom in on the pictures.

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. The vacuum pump included with this kit generates 25.5" of Hg at sea level, which is equal to 1,785 lbs of clamping pressure per square foot. You will need to decide if that is enough for your bending project.

Why does my system require me to tap on the vacuum controller to make it cycle off?
The issue is not caused by the vacuum controller. It is the effect from another problem. The vacuum pump is being "asked" by the vacuum controller to deliver a higher vacuum than the pump can offer. In this case, the vacuum pump typically has some sort of issue which is preventing it from achieving full vacuum. It may be able to reach slightly less vacuum than what the controller is asking in order for it to switch off the system. Tapping on it jolts the switch mechanism and causes it to turn off.

The most common cause is a clogged exhaust muffler. The muffler can be easily disassembled, cleaned, and put back into service. Another cause of this issue is when the breather fitting on the solenoid valve is clogged. This fitting can be cleaned with denatured alcohol and compressed air.