Replies

1. 
   SheriDi | Dec 01, 2009 01:36am | #1

   I'm not a professional, nor do I have the Excel 5, so consider this my one cent opinion. 

   I bought and built the EVS vacuum press kit from veneersupplies.com a few years ago and couldn't be happier.  That particular kit is $148.50 right now, but do remember you also need to purchase the polyurethane bag which will add at least $100 to either the EVS or the Excel 5. 

   I am doing more veneering now than I ever thought I would simply because it is so easy and my press is so efficient.  I guess you are the only judge as to whether it is a good investment for your business, but I can only think that if you plan on doing any amount of veneering, it will certainly increase your efficiency/productivity.

   I've placed many orders with veneersupplies.com and have never had a problem.  The few questions I had when building my press, were answered by Joe the very same day!

   Hope this helps.

    

1. 
   ImoutYOUWERENEVERIN | Dec 01, 2009 02:20am | #2

   Thanks for the input.

   I'm looking at the EVS as well. Seems it may be to have a pump that cycles rather than continous but I really have no clue.

1. 
   bones | Dec 01, 2009 04:30am | #3

   I just finished my kit this week-end.  I had a gast 1.1cfm pump so I did not need to get that.  You can make it in a week-end.  My pump can handle up to a 4'x4' bag.  The instructions are easy to follow It operates as advertised.  It will kick on when the pressure drops and kick out when it hits proper pressure.  I did not get the poly bag because of the cost and I'm an occasional user.  The bag is 30mil and heavy duty.  I did cheat and pay the 20 bucks to have him pre-build the manifold (I'm lazy).  

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   View Image...Advice is a form of nostalgia.  Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off , painting over the ugly parts, and recycling it for more than it’s worth –  lyrics from the song wear sunscreen

   
2. 
   brad805 | Dec 01, 2009 07:08pm | #4

   The only negatives I have heard about the Excel is that is a continuous run machine.  Other than that, I have heard it works well.  I have a vacupress and it is a very neat and compact machine.  I belive the compressor run version vacupress sells is near the price of the excel.

   If you are planning on curved work in the future an exhaust port connection will be helpful to save you time and money building forms.  Vacupress sells a bladder that you can expand with the exhaust to counter the vacuum below the form.  Without a bladder you typically need plywood ribs at 4" spacings to avoid form sags.  Since the bladder usually projects outside the form on both sides it also helps reduce the strain on the bag when the form is in the bag.

   Brad