JoeWoodworker
Veneer Supplies
The Official Website of this Non-Professional Woodworker ™

Part 1
Introduction

Welcome
Veneering Basics

14 Good Reasons
Vacuum Press Uses
Deciding on a Model
Overview

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Part 2a (Option 1 of 2)
Project: V2 Venturi Press

About Project: V2
Parts List
Build the Manifold
Build the Reservoirs
Assemble the Venturi
Make the Carrier
Wire the Press
Testing and Adjusting
Mods and Options
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Part 2b (Option 2 of 2)
Project: EVS Pump Press

About Project: EVS
Parts List
Pump Selection
Build the Manifold
Build the Sub-Manifold
Build the Reservoirs
Make the Carrier
Final Assembly
Wire the Press
Testing and Adjusting
Mods and Options
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Part 3
Vacuum Bags

Vacuum Bag Basics
Polyurethane vs. Vinyl
DIY Vacuum Bags (A)
DIY Vacuum Bags (B)
DIY Vacuum Bags (C)
Connect the Bag
Bag Closures
Platens/Cauls
Breather Mesh
Maintenance
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Part 4
Veneer Information

About Veneer
Backer Veneer

Veneer Glues
Veneering Tips
Substrate Materials
Flattening Veneers
Edgebanding Guide
A Sharp Veneer Saw
Jointing Veneers
Taping Veneers
Dealing with Defects
Curing Glued Panels
Veneering w/o Vacuum
Iron-On Veneering
Veneer Storage
Amazing Bookmatches
Copper Veneer Guide
Paperbacked Veneer

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Part 5
Miscellaneous Info

Vacuum Frame Press
Vacuum Forming
Vacuum Chucking
Vacuum Clamping
Vacuum Clamp Matrix
Vacuum Infusing
DIY Vacuum Manifold
JWW Visitors' Vacs
Veneer Quality
HH-66 MSDS
Veneering FAQ
The Vac FAQ
Downloads (PDF's)

VeneerSupplies.com

Information
Type: Adjustable Auto-Cycling
Vacuum: Electric Pump
Page: 4 of 11

Build the Manifold
The manifold creates a hard connection between the reservoirs, gauge, intake, pressure controller and the vacuum source. It's much easier than it looks, so let's get going!

Parts used in this section: Time: Tools:

Barb fitting - 1/4 NPT-male to 1/4" barb (1)
Brass branch tee - 1/4 NPT (2)
Brass pipe 1.5" - 1/4 NPT (2)
Brass cross - 1/4 NPT (1)
Vacuum valve (1)
Vacuum gauge (1)
Brass fitting - 1/4 NPT-male to 3/8" barb (1)
Brass elbow fitting - 1/4 NPT-male to 3/8" barb (1)

25 minutes

Wrenches or pliers
Thread-sealing tape


  1. Place two passes of thread-sealing tape on each of the male threads from the parts list shown above. Wrap the tape clockwise around the fitting.
  2. Attach the two brass pipes (1.5" long) to opposite sides of the brass cross fitting.
  3. Attach a brass branch tee to each of the brass pipe union fittings. Note the direction of these fittings in relation to the brass cross as shown in the picture below. This is critical.
  4. Attach the vacuum valve to the brass cross as shown below. Again, note the orientation of the handle on the valve. It must be aligned correctly with the rest of the manifold.
  5. Attach the brass barb fitting (3/8" barb to 1/4 NPT-male) to the vacuum valve.
  6. Attach the brass barb fitting (1/4" barb to 1/4 NPT-male) to the open end of the branch tee as shown in the picture below.
  7. Attach the vacuum gauge to the manifold. Note that the face of the gauge points toward the brass barb fitting in step 6. The bubble in the gauge is normal.
  8. Attach the brass elbow fitting (3/8" barb to 1/4 NPT-male) to the remaining open side on the branch tee.

The final assembly should appear as shown in the picture below.
Place your cursor over the picture to label each part.

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