vacuum press

I use the pump and it doesn’t run continuously :)

I installed a water valve in the line and once I achieve 25” I shut off the valve and shut off the pump.

Once the bag has been used a few times it will leak a little and drop to 20” in about ten minutes so I turn on the pump, open the valve and recharge the bag. Repeat as necessary OR invest in a switch and one way valve to make it automatic. Joe sells those too…

Cheers, Don

-- Don Kondra - Furniture Designer/Maker

Using an air compressor has to be the most ineffecient way to do it.

I use a pump that runs all the time, but I also use yellow glue so I only run it for about an hour.

I will also turn it off and on as Don above does if I’m in the shop to babysit it.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

I, also use the continuous duty pump. It runs for about 4 hours to set the glue, then I turn it off. Really never had any problems with this set up.
One thing you may want to look at;
Joe has the 2×4 polyurethane bag on sale for about $70.
You can usually get a good used Gast pump on ebay for $60-$70.
The only other thing you will need is a closure system, and tube- maybe $10-$15
So for about $160 you would have a good set up.
BTW, the polyurethane bags will last you quite a long time.

Just food for thought.
Dave

-- MISSION FURNITURE-My mission is to build furniture

For any serious vacuum pressing I suggest you get a rotary vane pump such as a Vacupress ( http://www.vacupress.com/ ) , Veneer Systems ( http://www.veneersystems.com/ ),
or Vac-U-Clamp ( http://www.vac-u-clamp.com/ ) which I have ( the Mark X ) . all of these units will last a long time and are set up to give you lasting performance. They have control and regulator valves that turn on and off automatically and are fully adjustable.

John

-- Oldworld, Fair Oaks, Ca