I'm relatively new to using a vacuum press, with only about 12 hours of experience under my belt, and I'm hoping for some advice on making the process smoother. I'm currently working on a few interior doors and have already completed the cores for the rails. My next step involves applying veneer (resawn poplar) to these pieces, and I'm trying to gang them up to glue multiple rails or stiles at once. However, even working with just two rails feels quite time-consuming! I recently switched from a small glue brush to a 3" roller, which has worked well, but ends up using an excessive amount of glue. To keep the veneer in place while working, I lay out some plastic wrap and use tiny finish nails, as it tends to slide around in the bag without them. I also use plastic wrap on the bottom to catch any glue squeeze-out. I have a pretty established routine for putting everything in the bag, but it still feels slow and cumbersome. I'm wondering if I should be holding the bag open somehow, maybe consider using a friend for help, or even switch to a different glue like TB3 for a longer working time. I'm getting quicker, but I'd love to know if there's something I'm missing that could streamline this process. Thanks for any tips!
2 Answers
Getting large glue-ups into the vacuum bag can definitely be tricky! Here are some tips I've found helpful:
1. **Keep a bottom platen** in the bag—I've used a piece of 3/4" melamine and rounded the edges with a router to make things easier.
2. **Stage your glue-up** on a second sheet of melamine so you can easily slide it into the bag, almost like a pizza peel. It helps to get everything in without a fuss.
3. If you can, **enlist a buddy for help**! Two people can spread the glue much faster and manage the bag better.
4. Consider using **Titebond Cold Press Veneer Glue**—it gives you an open time of about 15-20 minutes, which can be a game changer.
5. **Veneer one side at a time.** It may take a little longer, but it's less stressful and gives you better control.
6. **Timing is crucial**—start a stopwatch when the glue begins flowing so you can keep track of your open time. Having a big display makes it easier to see from across the room.
If sliding veneer pieces are causing issues, try excluding two dots of glue and using a dab of CA glue instead. This can help hold the veneer in place during the process and prevent it from shifting around.
I love the sliding method! I’ll definitely try that next time. One thing I learned is to avoid oversized veneer pieces since the bag can snap them off if they're too big. Also, keeping some space between pieces allows for better pressure application. Waxing the closure helps, too! Any more tips you've found useful?