Vacuum Press — Lutherie Encyclopedia

Vacuum PressType: toolA vacuum bag system that applies uniform atmospheric pressure for veneering, laminating, and gluing curved guitar components.## Description A vacuum press consists of a vinyl or polyurethane bag connected to a vacuum pump. The workpiece and its glue-up components are placed inside the bag, the air is evacuated, and atmospheric pressure (approximately 14.7 psi or 1800 pounds per square foot) presses uniformly over every surface. The pump maintains vacuum during the glue cure time. Systems range from small hand-pump bags to electric pump setups with automatic pressure regulation. ## Use in Lutherie Vacuum presses are used for laminating guitar sides (applying veneer to a structural core), gluing bridge plates, pressing rosettes, laminating neck blanks with reinforcing strips, bending sides over heated forms under vacuum pressure, and veneering headstock overlays. The primary advantage is perfectly uniform pressure distribution, which is impossible to achieve with individual clamps on curved surfaces. Some luthiers also use vacuum presses as an alternative to go-bar decks for gluing braces, placing the braced plate on a radiused dish inside the bag. ## Selection Guide A basic vacuum bag system suitable for lutherie costs 100 to 300 dollars. The Roarockit system is popular for its simplicity and affordability. For more serious use, an electric pump with a storage tank from Vacuum Pressing Systems or Joe Woodworker provides hands-free operation. The bag must be large enough to accommodate the largest component you plan to press. A 24-by-48-inch bag handles most guitar work. ## Tips - Place a breather m…