Part 1
Introduction
Welcome
Veneering Basics
14 Good Reasons
Vacuum Press Uses
Vacuum Press Options
Overview
Questions & Answers
____________________
Part 2a (Option 1 of 2)
Project: V2 Venturi Press
About Project: V2
Parts List
Build the Manifold
Build the Reservoirs
Assemble the Venturi
Make the Carrier
Wire the Press
Testing and Adjusting
Mods and Options
____________________
Part 2b (Option 2 of 2)
Project: EVS Pump Press
About Project: EVS
Parts List
Pump Selection
Build the Manifold
Build the Sub-Manifold
Build the Reservoirs
Make the Carrier
Final Assembly
Wire the Press
Testing and Adjusting
Mods and Options
____________________
Part 3
Vacuum Bagging
Vacuum Bag Basics
Polyurethane vs. Vinyl
DIY Vacuum Bags (A)
DIY Vacuum Bags (B)
DIY Vacuum Bags (C)
Connect the Bag
Bag Closures
Platens/Cauls
Breather Mesh
Maintenance
DIY Frame Press
____________________
Part 4
Veneer Information
About Veneer
Veneering Myths
Backer Veneer
Veneer Glues
Veneering Tips
Substrate Materials
Flattening Veneers
A Sharp Veneer Saw
Jointing Veneers
Taping Veneers
Dealing with Defects
Curing Glued Panels
Veneering w/o Vacuum
Hammer Veneering
Iron-On Veneering
Veneer Storage
Amazing Bookmatches
Copper Veneer Guide
Paperbacked Veneer
Edgebanding Guide
____________________
Part 5
Miscellaneous Info
Vacuum Forming
Vacuum Chucking
Vacuum Clamping
Vacuum Clamp Matrix
Vacuum Infusing
DIY Vacuum Manifold
JWW Visitors' Vacs
Veneer Quality
Veneering FAQ
Veneer Glue FAQ
The Vac FAQ
Copper Veneer FAQ
Downloads (PDF's)

Method #1: VeneerSupplies.com Standard Valve Stem

The grommets are attached to the washers with an acrylic adhesive which prevent them from creeping if the vacuum bag stretches. With only a bit more than hand pressure, this combination also prevents elongation of the opening where the stem is placed. No cementing is needed and because of this, a valve stem can be moved from one bag to another if needed.

Attachment Instructions

1. Cut a 3/8" hole near the top center of the vacuum bag to accept the valve stem body.
2. To significantly increase the speed of air flow from the vacuum bag, remove the valve core inside the stem with a pair of small tweezers or a dedicated core remover. The valve core is the largest flow restrictor in the system.
3. Cut a 3/8" hole near the top center of the vacuum bag to accept the valve stem body.
4. Slide one of the grommet/washers onto the valve stem body with the black side facing up.
5. Insert this portion of the assembly through the hole in the vacuum bag.
6. Slide the other grommet/washer onto the valve stem with the black side facing down (against the vinyl).
7. Attach the washer and tighten the nut with a 9/16" wrench. One complete turn past standard hand/finger tightening will suffice.

See the vacuum connector lock on and stay on!

Method #2: VeneerSupplies.com Flush Mount Valve Stem

The flush-mount valve stem allows you to use the full length of the vacuum bag without worry of project surface imperfections caused by the protrusion of the standard valve stem.

These improved valve stems have a specially designed 2.5" diameter 50 mil flange molded onto the valve body which gets cemented onto your vacuum bag. A sharp-barbed brass insert slides into the valve body and locks into place.

Attachment Instructions

1. Mark the location on your vacuum bag where you wish to install the valve stem. For convenience, we recommend installing the stem 15” out from the bag opening. The location will not affect the pressure inside the bag.
2. In the selected area, cut a 3/8" diameter hole in the vacuum bag using scissors or a razor knife.
3. A small tube of cement is included with your valve stem kit. This cement will
   work with both vinyl and polyurethane materials. Be sure to follow the safety
   instructions included with the cement and wear appropriate eye, skin, and lung protection when using this product.
4. In a well ventilated area, clean the mating surfaces of the valve stem body and the vacuum bag with acetone. A synthetic abrasive pad will help maximize the effectiveness of the cleaner. When completed, the cleaned areas should look dull and abraded.
5. Apply the cement to the bottom of the valve body and to the vacuum bag area where the valve stem will be attached. Be sure there is full coverage on both pieces.
6. For vinyl, allow 3 to 4 minutes for the cement to set up. Then apply the valve
   body directly over the port hole (step 2). Using adequate pressure, smooth out the valve stem flange until any air bubbles are removed. A wood roller is helpful with this process. Allow 1 hour of drying time before using the vacuum bag.
7. For polyurethane, immediately set the valve body directly over the port hole after application of the cement. Gently massage out any air bubbles but try not to squeeze out too much of the cement. Allow 24 hours of drying time before using the vacuum bag.
8. Insert the brass barbed valve core that is included with the valve stem. Proceed carefully since the edges of the barbs are sharp. Once inserted, the valve core is not easily removed.

Method #3: Do It Yourself Automotive Valve Stem

The do-it-yourself method is great if you need a quick and cheap solution. You'll need to purchase a pack of threaded "mag" wheel valve stems from a local automotive supplier such as Pep Boys.

Construction and Attachment Instructions

1. Reinforcement is needed on the vacuum bag where the valve stem is applied. Cut two pieces of vinyl sheeting about 2" x 2" and use acetone or xylene to clean the vinyl where it will be bonded to the vacuum bag. You'll also need to clean the mating areas on the bag itself.
    
2. In a well-ventilated area, apply HH-66 cement to one side of each of the 2x2 vinyl pieces. Place one of the vinyl pieces inside the bag at the location where you will be mounting the valve stem. Then place the other vinyl 2x2 on the outside of the bag (directly over the inside vinyl piece). Now place a piece of scrap wood under the inside 2x2. This will prevent the cement from bonding to the inside-bottom of the bag. Press the assembly down with a wood roller. Allow one hour of drying time.
    
3. Remove and discard the valve core assembly inside the mag stem by unscrewing it using two small flat head screwdrivers or a pair of tweezers.
    
4. Use a Dremel tool or hack saw to cut an "X" on the bottom of the valve stem about 1/8" deep. This will allow air to escape, even if the bottom of the stem is pressed against the flat area on the top of the platen.
    
5. With a razor knife, remove the extrusions on the black washers so that the only rubber that is left is a flat washer, similar to the ones in the picture. These washers will seal the valve stem and the port hole on the vacuum bag and give you a reasonably air-tight connection.
    
6. Now cut a 3/8" hole in the center of the reinforced of the vacuum bag. You will be cutting through three layers of vinyl (two reinforcement pieces and the bag itself).
    
7. Place one of the rubber washers on the stem. Insert the valve stem up through the port hole in the vacuum bag. Press the other soft rubber washer onto the stem (from the top of the bag). Attach the metal washer and nut and firmly tighten.
    
8. To connect the vinyl tube from the vacuum press to the stem, you'll need a lock-on connector designed to attach to the valve stem.