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 A vacuum manifold assembly will allow a vacuum press user to attach multiple vacuum bags to a single vacuum pressing system at the same time. Check out the twin set of 7-way manifolds build by Phil Barnes of Germantown, Maryland shown on the right.
 I've seen three-way manifolds sell for $200 each. The interesting part is that most of the web sites and catalogs that sell these manifolds do not show a picture of them. Look below and you'll see why. They are incredibly simple and building one yourself could save you 80%. VeneerSupplies.com has 2-way, 3-way, and 4-way manifolds for sale for for $26 and up.
I don't think any instructions are needed for building one. The pictures below should suffice. Just be sure to use thread sealing tape between each fitting.
Using the Vacuum Manifold
To use a manifold system, you simply attach the lock-on connector to the tank fitting shown in the pictures below. Then you will need extra vacuum line and additional lock-on connectors to go from the barbed fitting to each vacuum bag.
When your first vacuum bag is ready for pressure, attach a vacuum line to it and open the corresponding vacuum valve on the manifold (be sure the other valve is closed). After the first bag is fully pressurized, close the first vacuum valve and attach another vacuum line to the second bag. Then open the second vacuum valve. When adequate pressure is achieved in the second bag, you can re-open the first valve. The vacuum press system will now maintain the desired level of vacuum pressure in both bags. To attach more bags, you can build a larger manifold with more valves!
Don't forget that the vacuum press system will cycle on and off more often with each additional bag you add to the manifold.
Figure A: 2-Way Manifold Assembly
Total cost: $25.25
(place your mouse over this picture for more information)
| Part Name |
Qty |
Website Link for Part |
| Vacuum Valve |
2 |
|
| Tank Fitting |
1 |
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| Brass Barbed Fitting |
2 |
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| Brass "T" |
1 |
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| Full Kit |
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Figure B: 3-Way Manifold Assembly
Total cost: $34.50
(place your mouse over this picture for more information)
| Part Name |
Qty |
Website Link for Part |
| Vacuum Valve |
3 |
|
| Tank Fitting |
1 |
|
| Brass Barbed Fitting |
3 |
|
| Brass "X" |
1 |
|
| Full Kit |
|
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Figure C: 4-Way Manifold Assembly
Total cost: $47.90
(place your mouse over this picture for more information)
| Part Name |
Qty |
Website Link for Part |
| Vacuum Valve |
4 |
|
| Tank Fitting |
1 |
|
| Brass Barbed Fitting |
4 |
|
| Brass "X" |
1 |
|
| Brass "T" |
1 |
|
| Brass Pipe Union |
1 |
|
| Full Kit |
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