Will air continuously flow from the air compressor after the full vacuum is drawn on the project?
No. Air stops coming from the compressed air source when the vacuum controller reaches its cut-off setting. Air flow from the compressor only happens when the vacuum controller opens the air valve on the system to build or replenish vacuum in the system.

Which version of the V4 kit will work with my air compressor?
Refer to the owner's manual that came with your air compressor to find its CFM rating. Then compare that rating to the chart shown in the product description for this kit. Your compressor must be able to meet or exceed the CFM requirements of the V4 version that you are considering. There is no harm if your compressor's output is far greater than what the venturi requires.c

My air compressor is rated in SCFM. How does that compared to CFM?
The formula to convert SCFM to CFM is complicated. If your compressed air is around 68°F and has a relative humidity of 36%, then SCFM and CFM are approximately the same. However, I recommend estimating this cautiously, so it may be best to multiply your SCFM rating by .95 to get a reasonable expectation of CFM. Click here if you really want to know more about this.

What can I do if my air compressor falls short of the requirements for the venturi?
The system will not work if your air compressor can not create the required air flow for the venturi. In this case, the venturi will only achieve partial vacuum. Some users have reported that the "work-around" found at this link helps if the air compressor is slightly under-powered.

Can I upgrade from the Mini, Basic, or Plus version to the Premium 5/9 version at a later time?
Yes, but it requires several parts; some of which are a bit expensive. However, keep in mind that the vast majority of users find the Plus version more than adequate for most projects up to 4x9, so upgrading may not be necessary.

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, a 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. Others have had success in doing this.

Are the assembly instructions included with the V4 kit?
I do not include printed instructions with the kit because it's too wasteful. Most people have already printed and read the assembly instructions before they order... something I highly recommend.

Does the V4 kit include a vacuum pump?
This system uses a venturi unit to create vacuum with compressed air. It does not include or use a vacuum pump.

Does the V4 kit include an air compressor?
The kit includes everything shown in the main picture of this system. It does not include an air compressor.

Can I order the kit without the venturi?
I can not remove parts from this kit for a variety of reasons. I have no way to know that the parts you may substitute will fit on the carrier or if they will work with the other pieces in the kit. For example, there is no way for me to know if the air valve on the V4 kit can supply enough air flow to a substitute venturi. That is just one example of many. Additionally, I want to provide support in the event that the kit doesn't work correctly and that is impossible when substitute parts are used that I can not evaluate for compatibility. Lastly, removing a part from the kit would not save very much money since the kit is heavily discounted due to being offered as a complete package of parts. Think of it as a bulk discount.

I already have some parts on hand. Can I order this kit without those parts?
This product is only sold as a complete kit. I can not offer a version without each piece that is included with the kit.

What is the size of assembled V4 kit?
Approximately 18-3/4 x 12-1/2 x 8-1/4" (WxHxD)

Can I use this system with epoxy?
The V4 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 1,750 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.

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.

How much does the system weigh?
The complete system weighs approximately 18 lbs.

What power source is required?
The Project: V4 kit requires standard US 120v AC. The system uses a power adapter to supply the system components with 12v DC.

Can I get the drawings for the wood carrier so I can make my own?
I don't offer a set of drawings for the kit, since it is not sold without the carrier.

Why does the venturi require more CFM at higher PSI? Shouldn't it be lower CFM at higher PSI?
We have two topics that are being co-mingled. The first is how much air flow can a compressor generate when the flow is unrestricted, and the second, how much air is flowing out of the compressor when it is connected to a device that restricts its flow.

This question makes a valid point about compressors having higher output flow rate (CFM) at lower pressures. The key to this are the conditions where this is true. Higher flow rates at lower operating pressures result from having little to no restriction on the output of the compressor. As the restriction increases, the pressure in the compressed air line will increase and the flow decreases.

When air leaves a compressed air line and shoots unrestricted into the atmosphere, the pressure in the air stream, once it exits the compressed air line, is 0 PSI. To prove this, place a "T" fitting at the exit of the compressed air hose and place a gauge in the leg of the "T" that is 90 degrees to the axis of flow. Provided that the through bore diameter of the "T" is the same size or larger than the inside diameter of the compressed air line, the gauge will read 0 PSI. If you place a ball valve on the outlet side of the "T" and slowly close the valve, you will see the gauge show increased pressure and the amount of air leaving the "T" will decrease. Once the ball valve is fully closed, the gauge will show full pressure and no air will be flowing out of the "T".

When there is a venturi at the end of the compressed air line, a very different condition is created than what is noted above because the air is not allowed to exit freely to the atmosphere. The venturi has a limiting orifice which presents a significant restriction, like the ball valve in the example above.

When a venturi is connected to the compressor, a specific amount of compressed air will pass through the limiting orifice inside the venturi. When the input pressure is increased, more compressed air will flow through that orifice because there is more force being applied to each air molecule, which results in more air molecules fitting through the orifice.

In summary, when there is a restriction in the system, a higher compressed air pressure will result in more compressed air leaving the compressor. The compressor will not produce more flow at higher pressures, however more air will leave the compressor and flow through the venturi.

If the previous system was called Project: V2, then why is this not called Project: V3?
We did have a Project: V3™ kit a few years ago, but one of the key component suppliers went out of business. It was a short-lived system, in which I may have only shipped 20 to 30 units. If you are one of the lucky few that has the V3 system, you've got a great tool in your shop!