Replies

1. 
   luvmuskoka | Jul 08, 2003 05:57am | #1

   Migraine,

   I concur with Doug...let's see the press in action. The bars are awsome...How much for the painting behind the bar?

   Ditch

1. 
   migraine | Jul 08, 2003 10:35pm | #3

   It is actually a reproductions of an old wharf sign.  Puts the old saying "a bird in the hand is worth more than 2 in the bush"  into a whole new meaning ;~)

2. 
   migraine | Jul 08, 2003 10:06pm | #2

   They finish on the one bar is gold paint.  Designer wanted a painted finish. 

   The press is a shop made model that I have had for the past 8 years.  It has a 10cfm pump (I think, but not a small one) . The controller is from Vacuum Pressing Systems and it costs about $250.00   That $250 was some of the best money ever spent.  The bag is a 5 sided bag and it will press  anything upto about 5'w X9'L X 2'h.  It is the same, origional bag The bottom edges are attached to a steel frame that rises and lowers from the ceiling with the use of pulleys.  It frame seals to the surface of the table. There is a surge take that helps keep the pump from cycling on and off.  It's made from an old booster tank from my well.  About a 50 gal tank.  The whole table is 1/8" x2" square steel tubing with a sheet of 1/4" aluminum plate as the table surface.  

   I have been able to press formica for tops, laminate multiple layers of Corian, and press up to 18 sheets of birdeyes maple veneer at one time.  This was done by gluing up and pressing one sheet.  While that one starts to cure, I start gluing another and then add that to the existing panel(s) in the press.  I keep doing this until they are all laid up and with a final press time of overnight. I have also built molds that measure 54" wide X 106"long X 22" high .  Sort of stange looking "roller coasters"  

   I'd show pictures, but thing has been disassembled for shipping/moving to a friend's shop.  I'll be building another when I finally get to Washington.  Probably without an aluminum top.  That sheet of aluminum cost over $500.00.  Next time I go to his shop, I'll take some pictures and post them.

   If any of you have never used a press, these things are incredible.  A good set up can cost less than $500. The cost to build mine was about $2000.00, but that was overbuilt.  Mainly to handle larger multiple pressings and molds that weighed in excess of 300 lbs.

1. 
   DougU | Jul 09, 2003 01:47am | #4

   Migraine

   Thanks, and the pictures would help. Is there a book that you know of that would explain how to build one.

   You mention glueing up some birdseye maple panels, I have to do the same thing, birdseye and all. I was going to farm it out, but I would rather do it myself.

   Thanks

   Doug

2. 
   caseyr | Jul 09, 2003 05:13am | #5

   Migraine

   I have a couple of old, well used vacuum pumps that I picked up cheap and thought I might try my hand at vacuum bagging - as well as a venturi vacuum "pump" that I picked up cheap at Harbor Freight.  I was interested in your comments on a controller.  I went to the web page of the outfit you mentioned:  http://www.vacupress.com/products.htm              but I didn't find anything about a controller.  Just what does the controller control and why is it worth $250? 

1. 
   migraine | Jul 09, 2003 07:56pm | #6

   Sorry about the bad referal.  The actual company is Quality Vacuum products.  try going here: http://www.qualityvak.com/price.html#electric  The electric controler runs around $275.00  The reason for the controller is to prevent the pump form cycling on/off and when you get to the level of vacuum you need, the pump will shut off.  It also has a setting for using your pump/controller as a hold down.  The controller draws down to about 26" mercury(if I remember correctly)  With out the controller, the pump would continueously run, which is not good because it causes the pump to overheat.  I also prefer an oil-less pump, but I have both.  You can buy them at Graingers.    You will also ned to buy a check valve to prevent the air from running backwards through the pump when the pump shuts off.  Also find a an old pressure tank, or an old compressor tank, preferably 20+ gals.  This will give your press a place to "store an extra vacuum charge"  It will give your pump the ability to turn its self off and not run continueously   The way the controller works is that if you set the vacuum level to 22" mercury, it will shut of at that level and then will turn back on when it reaches 20-21" mercury.  If you did not have a tank and there was a small leak in the system, the pump would turn, turn off repeatedly, about every second.

   The bags can be made fron 54" patio vinyl and a tube of vinyl adhesive.  No need to seal the ends of the bag.    Two flat sticks and 3-4 spring clamps will hold it closed until the vacuum level kicks in.  Then, you could  take the clamps off, and there would be no leaks(technically, but not recommended)

   I know you don't know me, but this is probably the most important tool I could recommend to any one.   I wish you were in the Southern Calif. area, I could show you what I was talking about. 

   If you want more info, drop me a line and we talk more about this. 

   By the way, the end of this month is the Woodworking/Machinery show in Anaheim, Calif.  If you have never been to this show, or the one back East, you would be walking around with your eyes bulging out of your head and your mouth would be drooling over all the machinery, large and small.  This is not your local, once a year small time show.  People come from other countries for this show.  Machinery prices range from $100-$1,000,000+  Take the wife and kids, Disneyland is across the street.  Even though Disney tickets are around $54.00/adult

1. 
   caseyr | Jul 10, 2003 06:54am | #7

   Migraine - thanks for the info.

   Don't think I can make it down by the end of the month, but is the Woodworking/Machinery show held in Anaheim each year or does it rotate with other locations?  Might make it down next year if it is there.

   Is this the show you are referring to?

   http://www.awfsfair.org/intl/english.html

1. 
   migraine | Jul 10, 2003 07:48am | #8

   Every two years and always in Anaheim.  I believe when it is not here , it is in Atlanta.  To bad, this is the one to not miss