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Vacuum pressing is a game changer in woodworking, allowing for flat and curved clamping that was once only possible with special jigs. In this article, Make Something will take readers through the three levels of vacuum pressing, from the extremely cheap to the top-of-the-line equipment.
Level one involves veneering a tabletop for less than $25 in equipment. He will show readers how to make their own bags and provide tips on finding affordable materials. Level two requires a bit more investment with a cheap vacuum pump, but allows for curved work. Finally, level three is for advanced vacuum pressing for compound curves. He will compare vacuum pressing methods and provide final thoughts on the process.
Overview of Wine Saver and Woodworking Clamps
The wine saver and woodworking clamps are two essential tools for any woodworker. While the wine saver is primarily used for preserving wine, it can also be used as a cheap alternative to woodworking clamps.
Compared to woodworking clamps, the wine saver has a wider reach and can put pressure over the whole piece, no matter how big it is. The only limitation is the size of the bag used, which can be made at home for a fraction of the cost of a store-bought vacuum bag.
Using a wine saver as a woodworking clamp is a great way to get into vacuum pressing without breaking the bank. There are three levels of vacuum pressing, ranging from extremely cheap to expensive. Level one involves veneering a tabletop for less than $25 in equipment, while level two involves using a cheap vacuum pump for curved work. Level three involves making art skateboards and combining veneering with compound curves using a top-of-the-line vacuum press made specifically for woodworkers.
Overall, the wine saver and woodworking clamps are versatile tools that can transform woodworking and open up creative possibilities. While there are more expensive and better ways to do vacuum pressing, using a wine saver is a cost-effective option that can produce great results.
Advantages of Vacuum Pressing
Vacuum pressing has numerous advantages that make it a valuable tool for woodworking. Here are some of the benefits of vacuum pressing:
- Uniform Pressure: Unlike traditional clamps, vacuum pressing provides uniform pressure over the entire surface of the workpiece, ensuring that the entire piece is evenly pressed.
- Versatility: Vacuum pressing can be used for a wide range of woodworking applications, including veneering, laminating, and bending wood.
- Cost-Effective: With the ability to make your own vacuum bags and the option to choose from various levels of vacuum pressing, vacuum pressing can be a cost-effective method of woodworking.
- Creative Possibilities: Vacuum pressing opens up many creative possibilities for woodworking, including the ability to veneer your own pieces and create curved pieces that would otherwise require special jigs.
- Efficient: Vacuum pressing can save time and effort compared to traditional clamping methods, as it requires less physical labor and can be left to run for extended periods of time.
Overall, vacuum pressing is a valuable tool for any woodworker looking to expand their creative possibilities and streamline their woodworking process.
Vacuum Pressing Levels Explained
Vacuum pressing is a technique that can transform woodworking and open up many creative possibilities. There are three levels of vacuum pressing, ranging from extremely cheap to expensive.
Level One
Level one involves veneering a tabletop for less than $25 in equipment. This level requires a simple wine saver pump and a homemade vacuum bag. The bag can be made from eight-gauge vinyl, which is available for $5.99 per yard, and some netting from a bag of potatoes. The bag is sealed with sealing tape and hot glue.
To use level one, the wood veneers are glued onto the tabletop and covered with a piece of melamine. A piece of webbing is placed on top, and the bag is sealed with sealing tape. The wine pump is used to suck out all the air from the bag, which takes around five minutes. This is the easiest and cheapest way to get into vacuum pressing.
Level Two
Level two involves using a vacuum pump, which costs around $99. The bag is made in a similar way to level one, but with brass fittings and washers hot glued to the bag. This level allows for laminating wood over a curved surface.
To use level two, the wood veneers are glued onto the curved surface and covered with wax paper. The boards are placed over the wax paper, and the bag is sealed with a Pex pipe and sealing tape. The vacuum pump is used to suck out all the air from the bag, which takes around an hour.
Level Three
Level three involves making ten art skateboards and combining veneering with compound curves using a top-of-the-line vacuum press made for woodworkers. This level is the most expensive, but it offers the most flexibility and creativity.
Vacuum pressing is a technique that can be used to create flat clamping and curved pieces that would normally require special-made jigs. With the three levels of vacuum pressing, woodworkers can choose the method that best suits their needs and budget.
Level One: DIY Vacuum Pressing for Veneering
In this section, Make Something introduces the first level of vacuum pressing for veneering, which is a cost-effective method for woodworking. He demonstrates how to make a tabletop with Walnut and Oak veneers over some plywood using a simple wine saver pump and a homemade vacuum bag.
To make the vacuum bag, he uses an eight gauge vinyl, which was listed for $5.99 a yard and got two yards of this vinyl for $7. He cuts the bag down to size and seals it with sealing tape, hot glue, and washers. The bag is then used to laminate the wood veneers over the tabletop.
He explains that this is the easiest and cheapest way to get into vacuum pressing, which costs around $10 for the pump and $7 for the bag. The netting can be obtained from a bag of potatoes, and sealing tape is a few more bucks.
He emphasizes that having the ability to veneer your own pieces opens up many creative doors and is much easier and cheaper than using solid wood. This level of vacuum pressing is ideal for those who want to start with a low investment and experiment with veneering.
Finding Affordable Materials
Vacuum presses can open up a world of possibilities for woodworking, but the cost of materials can be a concern. However, there are ways to find affordable materials for vacuum pressing.
One way to save money is by making your own vacuum bags. A simple wine saver pump can be used to create a vacuum seal, and bags can be made from inexpensive materials such as eight gauge vinyl. By using washers and sealing tape, airtight seals can be created to ensure a successful vacuum press.
For those on a tight budget, level one of vacuum pressing involves veneering a tabletop for less than $25 in equipment. By using plywood and veneers, creative doors can be opened without the expense of using solid wood.
Level two involves spending some money on a cheap vacuum pump for more advanced vacuum pressing. By using brass fittings and sealing tape, curved pieces can be created without the need for special jigs.
While level three involves the use of a top-of-the-line vacuum press, it is important to note that the wine pump can work just as well. The investment in more expensive equipment can make the process easier, but it is not necessary for successful vacuum pressing.
Overall, with a little creativity and resourcefulness, affordable materials can be found for vacuum pressing.
Constructing the Vacuum Bag
Vacuum presses are a great tool for woodworking, but the bags can be expensive. In this section, we will learn how to make our own vacuum bags for three levels of vacuum pressing, from extremely cheap to expensive.
For level one, the materials needed are a wine saver pump, nipples, 8 gauge vinyl, washers, sealing tape, wood glue, veneers, plywood, and a piece of webbing. To construct the vacuum bag, the vinyl is cut down to size and a hole is cut in the vinyl to fit the nipple. The washer is forced onto the nipple, and the vinyl is sealed onto the washer using sealing tape. The underside of the washer is also sealed with sealing tape. The veneers are glued onto the tabletop and a piece of melamine is placed on top to ensure that it is sucking air from all sides. The webbing is folded over the top, and the bag is sealed with sealing tape. The wine pump is used to suck the air out of the bag, which takes about five minutes.
For level two, a vacuum pump is used instead of a wine saver pump. Brass fittings are hot glued onto washers and sealed with sealing tape. The fittings are screwed into each other and placed inside and outside the bag. A curved piece of foam is used as a mold, and the veneers are glued onto the foam. The boards are placed on top of the veneers, and a piece of wax paper is placed on top. The orange bag netting is placed around the middle, and the bag is sealed with sealing tape. The vacuum pump is used to suck the air out of the bag, and the mold is left for an hour.
By following these steps, woodworkers can create their own vacuum bags for a fraction of the cost of pre-made bags.
Sealing and Pumping the Bag
To create a vacuum press, one needs to seal and pump the bag. The cheapest way to get into vacuum pressing is to use a wine saver pump. To make a bag, one can use eight gauge vinyl, which can be bought for $5.99 per yard. By using a coupon for 50% off, one can get two yards of vinyl for $7. After cutting the bag down to size, one can use washers to force the vinyl onto the nipples of the wine saver pump. To ensure that the seal is tight, one can cut a hole in the vinyl and seal it on the washer using sealing tape. The bag can be sealed with more sealing tape along the seams. Before sealing the end of the bag, one can glue the veneers to the tabletop using regular wood glue. After sticking the veneer on top of the tabletop, one can use a piece of melamine to keep it flat and a piece of webbing to throw on top. The bag can be folded in half and sealed.
For level two, a vacuum pump can be used to laminate some wood over a curved surface. A dense piece of foam can be used to create the curved surface. Veneers can be made by buying pre-made veneer or using two-ply veneer or paper-backed veneer. Regular wood glue can be used to glue the veneers. After laying down the veneers on top of the foam, a piece of wax paper can be placed on top. The boards can be placed on top of the wax paper, and another piece of wax paper can be placed on top of the boards. The orange bag netting can be placed on top of the wax paper, and a piece of tape can be wrapped around the middle. The bag can be sealed with a Pex pipe, and a $100 Harbor freight vacuum can be used to pump the air out. This option is more cost-effective than the top of the line vacuum press and can be left to run for an hour without having to come back and pump the air out every couple of minutes.
Level Two: Using a Vacuum Pump for Curved Work
In this level, Make Something demonstrates how to use a vacuum pump for curved work. He recommends using a vacuum pump instead of a clamp for curved pieces that require special jigs.
To start, he uses a dense foam to create a curved surface for the wood. He then cuts out veneers for the lamination process. The veneers can be bought pre-made or made by oneself. He recommends using two-ply veneer or paper-backed veneer for better flexibility in bends.
For glue, Make Something suggests using regular wood glue or cold press for veneer glue. He lays the veneers on top of the curved surface and places another piece of dense foam on top. He then uses wax paper to prevent the wood from sticking to the foam.
After that, he uses a bag to vacuum press the wood. He hot glues brass fittings to washers and puts them on the inside and outside of the bag. The fittings screw into each other to create an airtight seal. He uses a vacuum pump to suck the air out of the bag.
With the vacuum pump, the wood can be left for an hour or more without the need for physical pumping. The vacuum pump ensures that the wood retains its shape with no spring back. This level requires a vacuum pump that costs around $100, which is more expensive than the previous level but still fairly cost-effective.
Choosing the Right Vacuum Pump
Vacuum presses have become an essential tool for many woodworkers as they open up numerous creative possibilities. However, choosing the right vacuum pump can be challenging, especially for beginners. In this article, we will discuss the three levels of vacuum pressing and the equipment needed for each level.
Level One: Veneering a Tabletop for Less Than $25 in Equipment
For beginners, the cheapest and easiest way to get started with vacuum pressing is by using a wine saver pump. This method costs only $10 and requires a vinyl bag, washers, sealing tape, and netting. The trick is to find the right washers that fit over the pump’s nipple to create an airtight seal. Once the bag is sealed, the woodworker can use it to veneer tabletops, doors, and other flat surfaces.
Level Two: Using a Cheap Vacuum Pump for Curved Work
For those who want to do more advanced vacuum pressing, a cheap vacuum pump from Harbor Freight is a good option. At $99, this pump is affordable and can be used for curved work. The woodworker needs to use brass fittings and sealing tape to create an airtight seal on the bag. They can then laminate wood over a curved surface using veneers and regular wood glue.
Level Three: Making Art Skateboards with Compound Curves
For professionals or those who want to invest more in vacuum pressing, the top-of-the-line vacuum press is the best option. This press is designed for woodworkers and can handle compound curves, allowing them to create art skateboards and other intricate designs. However, this press is expensive and costs several hundred dollars.
In conclusion, choosing the right vacuum pump depends on the woodworker’s needs and budget. Beginners can start with a wine saver pump, while those who want to do more advanced work can invest in a cheap vacuum pump. Professionals or those who want to create intricate designs can opt for the top-of-the-line vacuum press. Regardless of the level, vacuum pressing is a valuable tool for woodworkers that can open up numerous creative possibilities.
Preparing the Bag and Fittings
In this section, Make Something explains how to prepare the bag and fittings for vacuum pressing. He suggests using a wine saver, which is an inexpensive woodworking clamp that can be used to apply pressure over the whole piece. The size of the bag determines the size of the piece that can be pressed.
He demonstrates how to make a vacuum bag using an eight-gauge vinyl that can be purchased from a fabric store. The vinyl is cut down to size and sealed using sealing tape and hot glue. The bag is then used to press veneers onto a tabletop made of plywood.
For level two vacuum pressing, he suggests using a vacuum pump that costs $99 from Harbor Freight. The pump is attached to brass fittings that are hot glued to washers and sealed using sealing tape. The bag is then used to press laminated wood over a curved surface.
He emphasizes that there are different levels of vacuum pressing, ranging from extremely cheap to stupid expensive. The wine pump is the easiest and cheapest way to get into vacuum pressing, costing only $10 for the pump and $7 for the bag. The $100 option is more advanced and allows for more complex projects.
Laminating Wood Over Curves
Vacuum presses can be used not only for flat clamping but also for curved pieces that would otherwise require special-made jigs. In this section, three levels of vacuum pressing will be discussed, ranging from extremely cheap to stupid expensive.
Level One
For less than $25 in equipment, one can veneer a tabletop. Having the ability to veneer one’s own pieces opens up many creative doors, and it is much easier and cheaper than using solid wood. To make a vacuum bag, one can use an eight gauge vinyl, which can be purchased for $5.99 a yard. Using a coupon for 50% off, one can get two yards of vinyl for $7. To make the bag, the vinyl is cut down to size, and a simple wine saver pump and nipples are used. The trick is to get the pump on there and keep the seal. Washers can be used to force the pump into place, and sealing tape can be used to seal the bag. Regular wood glue can be used to glue the veneer to the tabletop, and a piece of melamine can be used to keep the veneer flat. A piece of webbing can be thrown on top, and the bag can be sealed with sealing tape. The air can be sucked out of the bag with the wine pump, which costs $10.
Level Two
For level two, a vacuum pump can be used. This particular vacuum pump costs $400, but a cheaper pump can be purchased from Harbor Freight for $99. Brass fittings can be used to make a bag, and sealing tape can be used to seal the bag. To laminate wood over a curved surface, a dense piece of foam can be used. Veneers can be made or purchased, and regular wood glue can be used to glue the veneer to the foam. A piece of wax paper can be laid down on top of the mold, and the boards can be placed on top. Another piece of wax paper can be placed on top of the boards, and the orange bag netting can be put over the top. The bag can be sealed with tape, and the vacuum pump can be used to suck the air out of the bag.
Level Three
For level three, 10 art skateboards can be made by combining veneering with compound curves using the top-of-the-line vacuum press made just for woodworkers. This method is more expensive than the previous two levels, but it can produce impressive results.
In conclusion, vacuum pressing can be used to laminate wood over curves, and there are different levels of vacuum pressing that can be used depending on one’s budget and needs. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, one can achieve impressive results with vacuum pressing.
Selecting Veneers and Glues
When it comes to vacuum pressing, selecting the right veneers and glues is crucial to achieving the desired results. Veneering your own pieces can open up many creative possibilities and is much easier and cheaper than using solid wood.
For level one of vacuum pressing, a tabletop can be veneered with Walnut and Oak veneers over some plywood for less than $25 in equipment. The veneers used can be pre-made or paper-backed veneer, which is very thin and allows for some crazy bends before it cracks. Regular wood glue or Titebond cold press for veneer glue can be used for this level of vacuum pressing.
For level two, curved work can be done using a vacuum pump. A dense piece of foam can be used as a mold for the veneers, and the veneers can be made by the user or bought pre-made. Regular wood glue can be used for this level as well.
There are specialty glues available for vacuum pressing, but they are not always necessary. The three levels of vacuum pressing demonstrated in the video show that even a simple wine saver can be used for basic vacuum pressing.
Making your own vacuum bags can also save money. Vinyl can be purchased for a low cost, and bags can be made using sealing tape and washers. The netting for the bag can be obtained from a bag of potatoes or oranges.
In summary, selecting the right veneers and glues is important for achieving the desired results in vacuum pressing. Pre-made veneers or paper-backed veneer can be used, and regular wood glue or Titebond cold press for veneer glue can be used for basic vacuum pressing. Making your own vacuum bags can also save money.
Level Three: Advanced Vacuum Pressing for Compound Curves
In this level of vacuum pressing, the focus is on creating compound curves using the top-of-the-line vacuum press specifically designed for woodworkers. This technique allows for the creation of skateboards, which combine veneering with compound curves.
To begin, a vacuum bag is needed. While vacuum bags can be expensive, they can also be made at home for a fraction of the cost. The bag can be made using eight gauge vinyl, which can be purchased for $5.99 per yard. By using a coupon for 50% off, two yards of vinyl can be purchased for $7. After cutting the vinyl to size, a simple wine saver pump and nipples can be used to suck the air out of the bag. To ensure an airtight seal, washers and sealing tape can be used.
For this level of vacuum pressing, a top-of-the-line vacuum press is needed, which can be expensive. However, a cheaper option is available at Harbor Freight for $99. Brass fittings can be purchased from a hardware store and hot glued to washers, which can then be used with sealing tape to create an airtight seal.
To create compound curves, a dense piece of foam can be used as a mold. Veneers can be made by cutting two-ply veneer with the grain running in opposite directions or by using paper-backed veneer, which allows for more flexibility in bends. Regular wood glue can be used for the lamination process. The boards can be placed on top of the mold with wax paper in between to prevent sticking, and then placed in the vacuum bag with the orange bag netting underneath the nozzle. The bag can be sealed using Pex pipe and the vacuum pump can be left to run for an hour.
By using these advanced vacuum pressing techniques, woodworkers can create compound curves that would normally require special jigs. This opens up many creative possibilities for woodworking projects.
Comparing Vacuum Pressing Methods
Vacuum pressing is an essential technique in woodworking that can open up creative possibilities for woodworkers. There are three levels of vacuum pressing methods, ranging from extremely cheap to expensive. The following section compares the three methods.
Level One
Level one is the easiest and cheapest way to get into vacuum pressing. For less than $25 in equipment, woodworkers can veneer a tabletop using a wine saver and a homemade bag. The bag is made from eight gauge vinyl, which can be purchased for a low price. The bag is sealed using sealing tape and a simple wine saver pump. The trick to getting a good seal is to use washers that fit over the wine saver pump. The bag is then glued to the tabletop, and a piece of melamine is used to keep the veneers flat. The bag is sealed using sealing tape, and the air is sucked out using the wine saver pump. This method is the easiest and cheapest way to get into vacuum pressing.
Level Two
Level two involves using a vacuum pump, which can cost around $99. Woodworkers can use brass fittings and sealing tape to make their own bag. This method is still cost-effective and allows woodworkers to laminate wood over a curved surface. For this method, woodworkers can use a dense piece of foam to draw a curve and cut it out at the bandsaw. The veneers can be pre-made or made by the woodworkers themselves. The veneers can be glued using regular wood glue, and the bag is sealed using sealing tape. The air is sucked out using a vacuum pump, which is more efficient than a wine saver pump.
Level Three
Level three is the most expensive method and involves using a top-of-the-line vacuum press made specifically for woodworkers. This method allows woodworkers to make 10 art skateboards and combine veneering with compound curves. This method is the most efficient and provides the best results, but it is also the most expensive.
In conclusion, the three levels of vacuum pressing methods offer woodworkers a range of options depending on their budget and needs. While the cheapest method may require more physical effort, the more expensive methods provide more efficient and effective results.
Final Thoughts on Vacuum Pressing
Vacuum pressing is a versatile technique that can transform woodworking and open up creative possibilities. It can be used for flat clamping as well as curved pieces that would normally require special jigs. With three levels of vacuum pressing, woodworkers can choose the method that suits their budget and project needs.
Level one involves veneering a tabletop for less than $25 in equipment. This level uses a simple wine saver pump and a homemade vacuum bag made from vinyl and sealing tape. The bag can be reused, and the netting can be obtained from a bag of potatoes. While this method requires physical effort, it is the easiest and cheapest way to get started with vacuum pressing.
Level two requires a vacuum pump that costs around $100. This level is suitable for more advanced vacuum pressing, such as laminating wood over a curved surface. The equipment includes brass fittings, washers, and sealing tape, which can be used to create a reusable vacuum bag. This level is cost-effective and provides more flexibility for woodworking projects.
Level three involves the top of the line vacuum press made specifically for woodworkers. This level is suitable for complex projects that require veneering with compound curves. While this level is the most expensive, it provides the best results and makes vacuum pressing much easier.
Overall, vacuum pressing can be a game-changer for woodworking and offers many benefits, including cost-effectiveness, versatility, and ease of use. By choosing the right level of vacuum pressing, woodworkers can achieve their desired results and take their projects to the next level.