Replies

1. 
   dgreen | Feb 03, 2008 01:27am | #1

   You might look at the Robinair pumps, they are built for commercial use and last darn near forever.

   Link

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   It would indeed be a tragedy if the history of the human race proved to be nothing more than the story of an ape playing with a box of matches on a petrol dump. ~David Ormsby Gore

2. 
   rpholland | Feb 03, 2008 02:30am | #2

   You might try looking at some industrial or medical salvage sources, I found an old medical vacuum pump that a local doctor used. Now this thing is probably 40 - 50 years old, but it was free. I only do the occasional glue -ups, so I don't know how long it will last. With my set up I use an electronic timer so I can set the pump to run for about 2 minutes and off for 5 - 7 minutes. This took some trial and error but basically when the vacuum reaches about 18 to 19 HG. it cycles on. I made my bag from 12 mil vinyl purchased from a fabric store, so it is not perfect and does develop leaks.

   Rob

3. 
   seajai | Feb 03, 2008 09:04am | #3

   check out http://www.grainger.com they sell Gast and Thomas vacuum pumps. I bought a Gast pump 2 years ago for about $325.00 and it works great with my 4'x6' bag. 

    

4. 
   danmart | Feb 03, 2008 06:18pm | #4

   drjimI

   Don't mean to ask a dumb question but I thought it might be worth considering. I will assume you have read Joewoodworker's site carefully and you probably ruled out the venturi system that uses a compressor. If you don't have a compressor, the vacuum is the way to go -- I think. I don't have the vacuum type system. I have a friends home made setup from Joe that uses a compressor. It works as advertised and I am impressed.

   My last job was on some small stuff so I used my friends large bag and platten. With a good seal it works very well.

   In earlier knots threads I got feedback encouraging me to go and get some vinyl material and build my own bag. On the other hand many have said the bag problems can be frustrating and doing your own is not worth the trouble?? Marc Spag(woodwhisperer site) does a video and seems a little frustrated with building his own at the end.

   Its hard for me to justify a dedicated vacuum pump at 350-400. The compressor does other things for me and I have one so I am going that way. If you are hoping to save some money, I think you can find a vacuum pump out there if you are patient.

   If I find some sources or any good finds I'll post a word.

   dan

    

    

5. 
   bigo | Feb 03, 2008 06:41pm | #5

   the commercially sold system touts a "1/3 HP 5 cfm oil-less rotary vane pump chosen for its industry proven performance"...from what i can find on Joe's site his pumps are piston type pumps i think..i have no clue if one is better than the other. Perhaps that could be the difference other than a pre assembled one over one thats not. ??

6. 
   TonyCz | Feb 04, 2008 01:04am | #6

   Check out Quality vakccum they have a great system I have the venturi model and really like it. Low noise level unlike the vacuum pumps which are veru loud.

   This system also has its own built in timer/ sensor in that it will add to the vacuum when needed.  

    

   http://www.qualityvak.com/

7. 
   EarlKelly | Feb 04, 2008 02:14am | #7

   If you already have the VPS bag, Spend the extra and get their 5CFM Blue pump and hose. Hook it up, plug it in, and start veneering. The vacuum Pressing Systems pump is more than just a pump. It has an internal filter, adjustable cutoff switch and two position(continuous and automatic) on off switch.

   My pump is 14 yrs old and I've replaced the vanes only once. The secret to making the pump live is to run it for a few minutes, without a load, before and after every pressing.

   Earl

   Furniture...the Art of a FurnitureMaker
8. 
   Wingdoctor | Feb 04, 2008 04:22pm | #8

   I bought the EVS kit and a Riechle-Thomas rebuilt pump from Joe and it was easy to assemble and works very well. I couldn't be happier.

   Bruce