JoeWoodworker
VeneerSupplies.com
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

____________________
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 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
____________________
Part 4
Veneer Information

About Veneer
Veneering Myths
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
____________________
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

Vacuum Press

DIY Manifold Assembly for a Vacuum Veneer Press

Vacuum Press ManifoldA manifold assembly will allow a vacuum press user to attach multiple vacuum bags to a single vacuum pressing system at the same time. Check out the twin set of 7-way manifolds build by Phil Barnes of Germantown, Maryland shown on the right.

I've seen three-way manifolds sell for $200 each. The interesting part is that most of the web sites and catalogs that sell these manifolds do not show a picture of them. Look below and you'll see why. They are incredibly simple and building one yourself could save you 80%. I don't think any instructions are needed for building one. The pictures below should suffice. Just be sure to use thread sealing tape between each fitting.

Using the Manifold

To use a manifold system, you simply attach the lock-on connector to the tank fitting shown in the pictures below. Then you will need extra vacuum line and additional lock-on connectors to go from the barbed fitting to each vacuum bag.

When your first vacuum bag is ready for pressure, attach a vacuum line to it and open the corresponding vacuum valve on the manifold (be sure the other valve is closed). After the first bag is fully pressurized, close the first vacuum valve and attach another vacuum line to the second bag. Then open the second vacuum valve. When adequate pressure is achieved in the second bag, you can re-open the first valve. The vacuum press system will now maintain the desired level of vacuum pressure in both bags.

Don't forget that the system will cycle on and off twice as often with two bags connected!

2 Way Manifold-Off
Figure A: 2-Way Manifold Assembly
Total cost: $25.25
(place your mouse over this picture for more information)

Part Name
Qty
Website Link for Part
Vacuum Valve
2
Tank Fitting
1
Brass Barbed Fitting
2
Brass "T"
1
Full Kit  



3 Way Manifold Off
Figure B: 3-Way Manifold Assembly
Total cost: $34.50
(place your mouse over this picture for more information)

Part Name
Qty
Website Link for Part
Vacuum Valve
3
Tank Fitting
1
Brass Barbed Fitting
3
Brass "X"
1
Full Kit  


4-Way Manifold Off
Figure C: 4-Way Manifold Assembly
Total cost: $47.90
(place your mouse over this picture for more information)

Part Name
Qty
Website Link for Part
Vacuum Valve
4
Tank Fitting
1
Brass Barbed Fitting
4
Brass "X"
1
Brass "T"
1
Brass Pipe Union
1
Full Kit  

Free Vacuum Press Plans
The Vac FAQ
Heat Lock Veneer Glue
© 2001-2008 JoeWoodworker.com
All Rights Reserved.
Legal Disclaimer
Copyright Information