The VS Elite™ vacuum bagging material has been designed for VeneerSupplies.com using an advanced thermoplastic polyurethane that can withstand pressures exceeding 3,750 PSI and stretch more than 6 times its width and length*. Our polyurethane film has superior resilience and unmatched puncture resistance. Made in the USA.
Each bag is welded with 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 I do prior to shipment.
*Elongation and breaking strength based on ASTMD 412 test method.
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.
Features
Each Bag Includes
Product Notes
Breather Mesh Option
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. Learn more about breather mesh on this page of the JoeWoodworker website.
Free Shipping on 24" x 48" Breather Mesh
The shipping charge for breather mesh can be quite expensive, but we have a way to save you some money. There is no additional shipping charge on breather mesh when ordered along with a vacuum bag using the option menu above. This discount does not apply if the mesh is ordered from the product page.
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 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.
Does epoxy stick to this polyurethane material?
I have experimented with our polyurethane material using several brands of epoxy, and it released from the test samples without issue. However, I've have received differing opinions about this from our customers, and my guess is that it depends on the type of epoxy, how much epoxy comes in contact with the material, and how often the vacuum bag is used in this capacity.
One of our customers recently wrote...
"We're using West epoxy, and have had zero problems with the material sticking to the bags. Just pops right off. We're using it neat, and also with microfiber thickeners, and I can say there's no need to worry about sticking with West epoxy and these polyurethane bags." - Kenny Delapp, Albuquerque Joinery
Do you offer samples of this polyurethane material?
Yes. Please click here for details.
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 Jeremy Leatherwood
Rating:
Why didn't I buy this years ago? Been using contact cement with paper backed veneer for years. Never happy with any of it. Even the good chemical stuff from 20 years ago. I always assumed vac bagging would be a nightmare. Nope. Total game changer.
Review by Tyler Nelson
Rating:
Using this bagging system and the Excel 5 kit, I was able to hold a strong vacuum for more than 24 hours with no leaks. Invest in a good bag, it will make your life so much easier and really reduce the amount of time you spend setting up.
Review by George Popov
Rating:
I have both Elite and Extreme variants of these bags, and they're an absolute pleasure to use. Granted I've never had other bags prior to owning these, but from seeing veneering videos online I expected I'd have to baby them more, close them a certain way, or and just fiddle with them a lot more. Nope, none of that nonsense - I just put the mesh and platen in the bag, slide the project between the mesh and platen, roll up the bag, connect the hose and walk away. They're a pleasure to use, and I expect to get lots of years from them!
Review by Leon Goldman
Rating:
I bought this to replace my small vinyl bag. It is easy to use and store. Holds the vacuum and, for me, a great replacement for the vinyl bag which was harder for me to handle alone.
Review by Patrick Remfrey
Rating:
I haven't used it much, but this thing sealed up really well with no effort at all on my first 10 or so uses. Time will tell on how it holds up, but I'm guessing for quite a while as long as I take good care of it. I'm looking forward to needing larger sizes in the future and would definitely get more of these bags when I need them.
Review by Charles Cheeseman
Rating:
Much easier to use than the vinyl bags. Much softer and more flexible especially when placing the project in the bag. Seals better than the vinyl bags.
Review by Mike Nichols
Rating:
Ordered this item with a lock-on connector and received it promptly and well packaged. Really happy with the results using a vacuum system I had built from a design and parts also from Veneer Supplies. Used to epoxy plexiglass to a bamboo base - results are a strong clear attachment with no bubbles. Looking forward to using the bag and vacuum system on veneer projects.