Part 1
Introduction
Welcome
Veneering Basics
14 Good Reasons
Vacuum Press Uses
Vacuum Press Options
Overview
Questions & Answers
____________________
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
____________________
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
____________________
Part 3
Vacuum Bagging
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
DIY Frame Press
____________________
Part 4
Veneer Information
About Veneer
Veneering Myths
Backer Veneer
Veneer Glues
Veneering Tips
Substrate Materials
Flattening Veneers
A Sharp Veneer Saw
Jointing Veneers
Taping Veneers
Dealing with Defects
Curing Glued Panels
Veneering w/o Vacuum
Hammer Veneering
Iron-On Veneering
Veneer Storage
Amazing Bookmatches
Copper Veneer Guide
Paperbacked Veneer
Edgebanding Guide
____________________
Part 5
Miscellaneous Info
Vacuum Forming
Vacuum Chucking
Vacuum Clamping
Vacuum Clamp Matrix
Vacuum Infusing
DIY Vacuum Manifold
JWW Visitors' Vacs
Veneer Quality
Veneering FAQ
Veneer Glue FAQ
The Vac FAQ
Copper Veneer FAQ
Downloads (PDF's)

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!

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. If the needle on the gauge is not resting at zero, you will need to release the pressure inside the gauge housing. Carefully remove the brass insert at the top of the gauge while held in the upright position. Any excess pressure inside will escape and the gauge needle will reset. If you are using a glycerin filled gauge, a few drops of the liquid inside may come out. Don't worry about it. Just wipe it off with a paper towel. Be sure to re-install the brass fitting when finished.
9. 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.