first attempt at DIY vacuum press

**homedepotpro** · 08-22-2008 12:13 PM

This is my attempt at an inexpensive vacuum press so that I can understand how it functions. It is made out of vinyl sheeting and a some pvc parts. Before I got into board building, I was very much into pneumatics (compressed air), so I understand all the principles behind the vacuum press. Still however I understand that theory and reality can sometimes be two different beast. For this reason I went simple and cheap to develop a grasp on the vacuum molding process.

Parts:
Vinyl Sheet - Free (left over from banner making supplies)
1/2" pvc bushing - $.40
3/4 pvc bushing -$.50
Automotive Goop: Contact cement - $5
Shrader Valve (tire valve) - Free (left over from another project)
Mini Tire inflater - Free
Misc hose - Free (also left over)

Total:~$6

I modified the compressor to be a vacuum pump in a similar manor to this Instuctable Vacuum Pump. Besides that everything else is pretty self explanatory.

[IMG]http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p84/homede...

**Louishr** · 08-22-2008 12:28 PM

Very much into pneumatics ay? Do you mean potato guns per chance? hah well, I've never used a vacuum a press so this doesn't really mean much but it looks good to me.

**homedepotpro** · 08-22-2008 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by Louishr

Very much into pneumatics ay? Do you mean potato guns per chance? hah well, I've never used a vacuum a press so this doesn't really mean much but it looks good to me.

Perhaps

on of my many projects

**Louishr** · 08-22-2008 02:02 PM

link doesn't work

**homedepotpro** · 08-22-2008 03:33 PM

Originally Posted by Louishr

link doesn't work

is that better

**thomasberg** · 08-22-2008 04:16 PM

cool, how did this setup work out? how much vacuum did it generate?

**homedepotpro** · 08-22-2008 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by thomasberg

cool, how did this setup work out? how much vacuum did it generate?

I'm assuming I can generate almost a full vacuum because the pump is rated to 150psi. I think it can handle 15psi of vacuum.

**All3N** · 08-22-2008 11:28 PM

Originally Posted by Louishr

Very much into pneumatics ay? Do you mean potato guns per chance? hah.

If u wanna potato gun look no farther. :3 ive made a few interchangeable barrel potato guns that work amazing! pm me and we'll see what we can do if u dont wanna make one yourself. :3

**Louishr** · 08-23-2008 12:50 AM

Originally Posted by All3N

If u wanna potato gun look no farther. :3 ive made a few interchangeable barrel potato guns that work amazing! pm me and we'll see what we can do if u dont wanna make one yourself. :3

Trust me I don't need any more I have a corner in the attic where all my old ones lay unused. I was just tipped of by him calling a tire valve by its proper name a shrader valve. It just sounded like he had made some potato guns before.

**legendary** · 08-23-2008 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by homedepotpro

I'm assuming I can generate almost a full vacuum because the pump is rated to 150psi. I think it can handle 15psi of vacuum.

Nathan,

I am just guessing

, but I think 12-13 psi will be a good guideline for what you may achieve. The motors in those inflators are not rated for continuous duty, so it may give up on you at some point.

One other comment after watching the golf ball shooter video. PLEASE learn to wear safety glsses when doing you mad scientist experiments. You know the old saying,"it's all fun and games until someone puts an eye out." 8)

**brainfartalerts** · 08-23-2008 07:08 AM

Originally Posted by legendary

Nathan,

I am just guessing

, but I think 12-13 psi will be a good guideline for what you may achieve. The motors in those inflators are not rated for continuous duty, so it may give up on you at some point.

One other comment after watching the golf ball shooter video. PLEASE learn to wear safety glsses when doing you mad scientist experiments. You know the old saying,"it's all fun and games until someone puts an eye out." 8)

You wouldn't happen to be mated to skatermom would you?

But he is correct - wear yo glasses