Thin Air Press Kit 14 x 47"

Thin Air Press Kit 14 x 47" 

The Thin Air Press Kit 14x47 (35.5 x 119.5 cm) is an inexpensive introduction to vacuum laminating and can be used for projects from laminating pre-shaped skateboard decks, to building small furniture parts.

This size press is specifically designed for our pre-shaped veneer sets and molds. Originally offered in our complete board building kits, it has a rounded end and is small and easy to use for all your pre-shaped builds. 

The kit can be re-used many times, and other sizes are available to suit your project. 

Easy to use, no power required. 

The Thin Air Press Kit 14x47 contains: 

• a 14x47 vinyl vacuum bag
• with a one-way valve positioned in the center
• seal attached to opening
• a low-volume, high-pressure manual vacuum hand pump
• breather netting
• extra sealing tape
• illustrated instructions with maintenance sheet 

NOTE: FOR PRE-SHAPED VENEER ONLY!
This bag size is NOT large enough for any uncut sheets of veneer.

How to use this product:

• insert your glued veneers and mold into the heavy-duty vinyl vacuum bag
• position the breather netting under the valve
• seal the bag
• connect the manual pump
• wait for your project to dry in the press

Watch as it generates enough pressure to press 7-layers of maple into a 3-dimensionally shaped skateboard.

FAQ: 

Is this reusable, and for how many times?

The kits are designed to be used many many times. With a little care and maintenance, the TAP Kits will last for years.

Will the glue stick to the bag?

PVA glue and epoxy will not stick to the bag.
Any dried glue can be loosened with fingers and either shaken or blown out with a shop vac.

How many boards can I press at once? One board at a time. You are limited by how fast your glue dries. 

Once you start spreading water-based glue on the veneer sheets, you have about 7 minutes to get them pressed before the glue dries.

Dry glue will not bond together. If the TAP Bag gets a hole in it, can I fix it?

Clear 2 packing tape seals up any suspected punctures. Use a length of the butyl tape to fix any side seam gaps or splits. See instructions for further details. 

Do the valves leak?

While many people assume air is leaking back through the valve, they are made of cast rubber and almost never leak. The most common problem with slow leakage is the open-end seal tape. If the seal is not properly closed up (check both sides) you will lose vacuum. If the top cap of the valve is not compromised with dust and debris, the valve will not leak.

Do you refund my veneer if my pressing doesn't work?

Sorry but no refund is possible for this.

What's a Dry Run and why should I do that?

It means to press your project in the TAP bag, without putting any glue on the veneer sheets. Stack the dry sheets of veneer over the mold, seal them into the press with the breather netting in place, and pump the air out. Check for 10 minutes to make sure the TAP bag is not leaking. This will help you become familiar with the process before you commit glue to your veneer sheets.