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)

Information Type: Adjustable Auto-Cycling Vacuum: Electric Pump Page: 10 of 11

Testing and Adjusting
Close the vacuum valve on the main reservoir. Plug in the AC cord and turn the system on. The pump should turn on and air should begin moving through the system. You'll see the vacuum gauge needle rise. The system should cycle off before the gauge gets to 10" of Hg. Next, we will adjust the shut-off point to 21".

If the pump does not start or only runs briefly, be sure to adjust the vacuum controller (see next paragraph) before you re-examine the wiring.

Notice that there is a small plastic cap on the vacuum controller just in front of the "common' tab. Under this cap is where the adjustment is made for setting the amount of vacuum inside the unit. You can pop of the cap with small flat screwdriver.

For the next stage of testing, you will want to carefully adjust the vacuum setting to 21". With the system powered up, use a small flat screwdriver to slowly turn the adjusting screw counter-clockwise until the unit creates 21" of vacuum and turns off. Do not touch the tabs or bare wire on the vacuum controller while the unit is plugged in.

Remember: Counter-clockwise turns of the screw will increase the amount of vacuum required before the controller will turn off the system. I've found that most often, 21" of Hg is when there is about 1/8" of thread showing above the adjustment screw. Re-attach the plastic cap to the vacuum controller when the desired vacuum level adjustment is set.

The system will automatically cycle on again when the vacuum has decreased. The manufacturer of the vacuum controller claims that the unit will cycle back to the "on" mode within 4" of Hg decrease. This 4" amount of differential is not adjustable.

During normal operation of a tightly sealed unit, it is common to have the unit cycle on every 15 minutes for 10 - 30 seconds. The length of time depends on the size of the vacuum bag, pump and reservoirs.

After the system has automatically turned off, watch the needle on the vacuum gauge to see if it shows signs of a leak. It's not uncommon to have a small leak show up. The fix for this is simple. Read on, my friend.

Finishing Up

1. You can now attach the 10' piece of 3/8" ID braided vinyl tubing to the brass fitting on the vacuum valve.
2. Attach a 3/8" barb  to 1/4 NPT-male fitting on the lock-on connector
3. Slide this assembly onto the end of the tubing.

Your vacuum press system is now complete!