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Build Your Own Vacuum Press

    Build Your Own Vacuum Press

Veneer Supplies Newsletter

VS Standard™ Vinyl Vacuum Bag
4' x 8'
* Special Savings! *

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Regular Price:
$259.50
Your Price:
$209.00   ($50.50 Savings!)
Customer Rating:
Breather Mesh:

 

VS Standard™ vacuum bags are made from a very durable and puncture-resistant vinyl material. We use marine-grade 30 mil thick sheets to make this bag. This material has a high concentration of plasticizers and softening agents, which creates a material that is more resilient than craft-store vinyl. A UV stabilizer is also added, making it incredibly durable and resistant to tearing.

Each bag is welded on 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 we do prior to shipment.

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Flush-Mount Bag Stem
For maximum durability, each vinyl vacuum bag includes our polyurethane flush-mount flange and brass stem. The flush-mounted flange allows you to use the full length of the vacuum bag without worry of project surface damage. A specially designed 2.5" diameter 50 mil flange is molded onto the vacuum stem body and this piece is then permanently welded onto each bag creating an 80 mil total thickness reinforcement area. A lock-on connector is required to attach your vacuum tube to the bag stem.

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.


Additional Details

  • Actual Size: 54" x 102" (+/- 2")
  • Approximate Project Size: 48" x 96"
  • Material Thickness: 30 Mil per side
  • Color: Clear

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Each Bag Includes

  • Attached Flush-Mount Bag Stem
  • 58" Bag Closure
  • Detailed Instruction Sheet

Product Notes

  • The opening on this bag is on the 54" side.
  • Click here to download the PDF instructions.
  • A lock-on connector is required to connect a vacuum line to this bag. The lock-on connector is included with all of our vacuum press kits.
  • This bag is sealed on three sides. Some users prefer to have two opposing open ends so that a shop helper can assist with loading larger projects from the other end of the bag. To do this, purchase an additional bag closure and simply trim off the end seal.
  • The vacuum flange is RF welded to the center of the bag (left to right) and approximately 15" in front of the bag opening.
  • Punctures, bursting, and misuse are not covered by any warranty. Do not use vacuum levels exceeding 25" Hg. Be sure to protect the bag from sharp edges on project panels by covering or rounding-over any areas that could cause a puncture or tear in the bag material. Smooth the corners and all edges on the platen boards.
  • Do not allow the bag to be vacuumed into or under any openings (even small ones) in the project or form/mold. Vacuum can cause the bag to pull into these openings and create a reverse bubble which will burst. The resulting damage is not covered by any warranty and will not likely be repairable. Use a suitable material that safely covers these openings and prevents the bag material from going inside the project or form.

Shipping Information

  • The 60" length of this product's box triggers a surcharge by FedEx, which can make shipping a bit expensive. Shipping by USPS may cost less. Our website will show both shipping options if both are available.

Breather Mesh Reminder
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 this product by clicking here.

Questions & Answers

Would a polyurethane vacuum bag be a better choice for my projects?
Vinyl bags are worth considering since they are less expensive. However, they tend to be very rigid (especially in cold shop environments) which can be frustrating with larger projects. Polyurethane bags are more flexible, easier to use, and very durable. Learn more about the differences on this page of the JoeWoodworker website.

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...

  • Sometimes the bag closure doesn't seat perfectly across the opening.
  • Sometimes the bag will stretch a bit after full vacuum is created and will then need a bit of additional vacuum. This happens most often when there is a large project in the bag. The vacuum system will cycle off (if you have an auto-cycling system) and then turn on again for a few seconds. After that, it may not cycle again for several minutes or even hours.
  • Old vacuum bags and ones that have been stored near sources of UV light can develop pinholes. In those cases, the vacuum press can help keep the vacuum maintained.

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 the 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.

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.


Product Reviews

  1. Works Well

    Review by Kyle Emerick
    Rating:

    This proved to be a good quality product and works well with no issues. I can tell it will last much longer than other products I looked at. Super happy with the purchase.


  2. Very Good Bag - Made Well, But Go With Polyurethane Instead

    Review by Gary Clemens
    Rating:

    I bought a 4x8' 30 mil vinyl bag and a 4x4' 20 mil polyurethane bag here and they are both nicely constructed. The vinyl bag is thick and heavy, and I'm guessing it will last a lifetime. If I had unlimited funds and could do it over again then I would buy the polyurethane 4x8' bag. The polyurethane is lighter and much easier to use because it doesn't stick to itself like the vinyl. Once this bag gets more shop dust on it, then it should be easier to work with. But if you have the money, go with the polyurethane instead.

    Overall, I'm very satisfied with everything I've bought from this company.


  3. Overall Great Product

    Review by Todd Harris
    Rating:

    Had a large bookcase project that required laying up many panels so a large vacuum bag was non negotiable. I bought this and it has been great. The materials are tough enough for one person to put in an 8 foot by 18 inch panel without fear. The lock system is great along with the fittings that you buy separately. Overall great product!


  4. Awesome Bag - Joe Does It Again

    Review by Bo Akins
    Rating:

    This bag is a work horse! I use it daily. My hydraulic press blew a seal on a Thursday, and by Monday evening I had this bag set up and working perfectly. Joe's order processing and shipping is amazing.


  5. Great Product - Great Company

    Review by Cassaundra Hicks
    Rating:

    Wonderful product! Great shipping time and unbeatable communication with this company! I am very happy with my new bag and am cranking out quite a few projects with it currently. I appreciate the care and customer service shopping here. Thank you!


  6. Review from Midlothian, VA

    Review by Brian Noble-Marx
    Rating:

    Both the curved forms and flat panels were a snap with this bag. Combined with the Project V2 Premium 9 venturi system, this bag is ready between 45 secs and a minute. I highly recommend the breather mesh with this as that eliminates the need for a top platen.


  7. Joe Rocks!

    Review by Jasper K.
    Rating:

    I bought my bag and vacuum press from Joe (JoeWoodworker) and I have to say the service and products are remarkable. The vacuum bag is indestructible. I've used it for about a dozen projects so far and its been super easy to close up and I've never encountered a leak. Congrats Joe on a great product and stellar customer service.


  8. This Is One Huge Heavy Duty Bag

    Review by Steve Rozmiarek
    Rating:

    This is one huge heavy duty bag! I bought a kit and pump too, and on the first trial run figured I'd have problems someplace. Nope. Joe's advice is sound and this bag makes the hardest part easy! I'm recommending Veneer Supplies.com to everyone who will listen!


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