VS Extreme™ is the ultimate vacuum bag. Each bag is made from an extra-thick (30 mil) polyurethane material that has been designed for VeneerSupplies.com using an advanced thermoplastic capable of withstanding pressures exceeding 3,750 PSI and stretching more than 6 times its width and length*. VS Extreme vacuum bags offer 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 Rob Hughes
Rating:
After a year or two of reading about vacuum clamping on the net I purchased the V4 Press Kit, VS Extreme bag, breather mesh and Ultra Cat glue. Any questions regarding what to purchase were promptly answered and after purchasing the products I was kept informed regarding delivery dates.
The products arrived in excellent condition, and the V4 kit went together easily. The parts are of exceptional quality and the instructions are brilliantly written.
The bag is robust yet flexible, easily conforming to complex shapes. My first attempt at vacuum clamping was 100% successful, no leaks, and easily handle by my pancake compressor.
5/5 stars for customer service, product design, value, and overall experience. Thank you.
Review by Harrison Mills
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Quick shipping, great prices, and quality products... this is why I keep buying my veneer supplies from Veneer Supplies. The bag is super heavy duty and sealing it is a piece of cake. I recommend this website to everyone I know!
Review by Mike Waters
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I have used vacuum bags from competitors for some time both for wood veneers and RC plane foam wing sheeting. Those bags would work well for several cycles and then develop slow leaks. Finally, I purchased a VS Extreme bag. This is truly an example of the old adage "you get what you pay for". In attempt to save a few dollars, I ended up spending more in the long run replacing inferior bags. I ran over 50 cycles on the first bag and saw absolutely no reduction in performance. In fact, the bag seemed to get more pliable and even easier to work with. The seal system is much larger and easier on my hands to close and re-open. This is a huge benefit if you use the bag a lot and it cannot be emphasized enough. The bag is impregnated with an oil substance which makes the surface very slick (not greasy or oily) that prevents glue sticking and even makes loading the bags easier.
I purchased a second bag last week and will add two more soon. I bought the lock on connector as well. Honestly, I didn't think it would be worth the added expense, but I figured I'd give it a try since I was upgrading my system. I should have been using these all along. They seal perfectly and are super easy to connect and release. This is important if you have shop space challenges and need to put the bag away when not in use.
I built my vacuum system based on the example that Joe provided on the web page. He has placed an incredible amount of information on his site. There are numerous topics that are easily searched. If you cant find an answer, Joe answers emails very quickly. I buy supplies from many vendors and Veneer Supplies is among my favorite; they are "good people".
Review by Dan Quackenbush
Rating:
This bag is so sturdy it should last forever. I have a 4 X 8 bag on a huge table that I haul up to the ceiling and it is a pain to lower and raise every time I use it. So, I got this smaller bag which will cover most of the sizes I normally make. This bag is much better than the one I got "somewhere else."
Review by Randolph Gill
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I ordered on Tuesday morning and got the package on Wednesday afternoon! Great product & service. I will continue to order veneer & supplies from Joe!
Review by Mike Logan
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This is my 4th vacuum bag I've ordered form Joe. Great bags and great customer service. This is my second 2 x 4 bag (the other is a 20 mil Elite) and is my most used bag. I also have 4 x 6 and 4 x 9 which are also great bags when I need the additional room. Really refreshing to find a business that still provides that old fashioned customer service that is so rare these days. 5 stars for Joe.
Review by Linda S
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I used the bag for the first time yesterday and it was terrific! It's exactly as it's described on the website. I would never say a veneering bag was indestructible but this one would have to come close. When I took it out of the box it was immediately apparent that this was a high quality bag. After using this bag I would never go back to a cheaper vinyl one. When I buy a bigger bag it will definitely be a VS Extreme Polyurethane.
Review by Jacob Kalata
Rating:
I dont do a lot of pressing but I have a feeling this bag could take some serious abuse. Most of guys in my area are using vinyl bags and I guess they are fine but as soon as you see it, you know this bag is going to last a long time.
My bag took only 3 days to arrive and was packed very well. The shipping cost to me was about $12. Joe answered all of my questions before I ordered and he also helped me out with a very unsual vacuum pressing dilemma. Two thumbs up!!!!!