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JoeWoodworker Veneer
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Part 1
Introduction

Welcome
Veneering Basics

14 Good Reasons
Vacuum Press Uses
Vacuum Press Options
Overview

Questions & Answers
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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
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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
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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

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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
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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)

VeneerSupplies.com

Project V2 Vacuum Press Information
Type: Adjustable Auto-Cycling
Vacuum: Air Powered Venturi
Page: 5 of 9
Venturi System

Assemble the Venturi
The vacuum generator (known as a venturi or venturi pump) operates on compressed air. See this chart for the air compressor requirements.

The vacuum press will be cycling on and off during operation. To do this, an electro-mechanical valve is needed to open and close the airflow from your air compressor. I suggest the use of Mac Valve brand pneumatics. They are very reliable and energy efficient.

You can find these valves at your local pneumatics dealer or you can help to keep this article ad-free by purchasing the Mac valve at VeneerSupplies.com. Here are the considerations for selecting the correct valve.

 
  • 1/4" NPT fittings
  • 120v AC operation
  • 3-Way valve orientation
  • 4.8 CFM minimum air flow

It’s time to build the vacuum generating unit.

Parts used in this section: Tools Required:

Thread sealing tape
Mac valve
Breather fitting
Quick connector

Brass "close" fitting
Venturi
1/8" NPT-Barb fitting

Wrench or pliers

  1. Apply thread sealing tape to all of the male sides of the fittings for this assembly.
  2. Attach the breather fitting to port #3 on the Mac valve. This fitting allows the venturi to unload any back pressure after each vacuum cycle and gives the overall assembly a professional look.
  3. Attach the compressed air quick connector to port #1.
  4. Attach the brass "close" fitting to port #2 on the Mac valve.
  5. Attach the venturi to the close fitting.
  6. Attach the 1/8" NPT to 1/4" brass barb fitting to the port marked “vacuum” on the venturi.

The final assembly should appear as shown in the picture below.

Completed Venturi Assembly

These instructions are provided for assembling the components available from VeneerSupplies.com. If you are using different components the exact connections may vary. If so, your best bet may be to take the venturi and the valve to the hardware store and play around with the fittings until you find a combination that works.

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