Vac-Sys w/ Vacuum Bag?

[Ster1154]

I have a vac-sys and recently had a project that has a bit of veneer on it.  I've scoured the FOG and seen some varying opinions about using the vac-sys pump for vacuum pressing.

I know other vacs (from vacuumpress for instance) have an auto-shut off whereas the Vac-Sys is continuous.  Does this mean it's not ideal for vacuum pressing?  Will it overheat?  Do I just need to monitor the gauges?

I rarely use veneer so I'd like to not have to get another vacuum, but I also don't want to damage the Vac-Sys.

 

[chrisrosenb]

I have been wondering about this also.

Here is a youtube video that explains the veneering pump & clamping process using a different brand pump that has auto shutoff.
I would think that you would want auto shutoff, but there are continuous run pressing systems. There are a lot of other veneering videos on youtube.

Veneering Video

 

 

[Cheese]

I guess it depends upon how long you intend to leave the object in the vacuum bag. I have no idea what the cure time is for the adhesives you're using but I'd imagine 2 hours or less.

I'd also think/hope that the Vac Sys pump could run continuously for a minimum of 4 hours without being damaged.

 

[Ster1154]

That was kind of what I figured.  I wouldn't let it run overnight, but I don't think 2-3 hours would harm the machine considering it's a continuous pump.

 

[blaszcsj]

I use my vac Sys for vacuum pressing. Works well. I just used the ct to draw the bulk air out. Joe woodworker is a good site for info.

https://www.joewoodworker.com/docs/vacuumpresschart.pdf

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

 

[chrisrosenb]

Thank you Stan. That is great news. What is the connector you have connected to the pump. Does it connected to the OEM pump connector?  I am in the process of building a VAC SYS cart & wanting to add some quick connections.

 

[dltflt]

I asked this question to Festool when the Vacuum pump came out and they said it t was a continuous duty motor so there would be no problem. Although I have not actually tried it as yet.

 

[JRD]

Once you suck the air out of your bag and you if don't have any leaks you should be able to turn your vacuum off. You need a gauge to know that you have reached 26 Hg of vacuum for adequate pressure on you veneer. 

 

[Michael Kellough]

It should be okay but I don’t like the idea of running for hours when not needed. I wonder if you could plug the vac-sys into a timer so it runs a few minutes every half hour?

 

[PaulMarcel]

It should be okay but I don’t like the idea of running for hours when not needed. I wonder if you could plug the vac-sys into a timer so it runs a few minutes every half hour?

That wouldn't be a bad idea. With my bags, the VacuPress will cycle about once an hour. If I were to use the Vac-Sys pump, having a 30-minute off, 2-minute on cycle would likely keep it pressed like the VacuPress.

 

[blaszcsj]

When turned off the pump it held pressure fine. I had the pump going for about an hr here. Better bond veneer glue sets up pretty quick. Using Home Depot husky high flow air fitting for the pump end and veneersupplies.com quick connect fitting for the bag.

 

[Cheese]

Just throw a check valve in-line with the vacuum pump. Put the pump on a timer that cycles every  30 minutes for 2 minutes. You’ll be golden.

If the leak down rate is faster than 30 minutes, then you need to address that situation.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Check valve. Good suggestion!

 

[chrisrosenb]

I believe the Festool pump already has a check valve.

 

[blaszcsj]

You can find the vac controller parts here:

https://www.veneersupplies.com/categories/Vacuum__Press__Items/Vacuum__Press__Parts/

 

[Pixeltim]

Does anyone know what connector this is and where I could source one?[attachimg=1]

 

[bertv]

Quick or auto coupling for air hose (bc it is Festool probably Euro-style). Automotive shops.

 

[Pixeltim]

Quick or auto coupling for air hose (bc it is Festool probably Euro-style). Automotive shops.

Do automotive shops carry Euro-style fittings?

 

[bertv]

Quick or auto coupling for air hose (bc it is Festool probably Euro-style). Automotive shops.

Do automotive shops carry Euro-style fittings?

They do over here in Europe : )

 

[blaszcsj]

Does anyone know what connector this is and where I could source one?[attachimg=1]

Home depot Husky High Flow HF fitting.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-High-Flow-Aluminum-Coupler-Plug-Set-HDA22500/305303819