CONESTOGA WORKS VACUUM CHAMBERS
Local wood can often be a treasure-trove for the woodworker or woodturner but oftentimes is rejected because it isn’t capable of being worked because it’s too soft, punky, or spalted. Our vacuum chambers will allow the woodworker to condition the normally unacceptable wood in a simple and safe manner to produce a high quality material that has outstanding machining properties. The process of using vacuum to infuse a heat cured plastic resin into the wood allows it to retain details normally only available in very dense exotic hardwoods that are very expensive and becoming difficult to find. By using local woods normally destined for the burn pile we are also fostering good ecological practices.
VACUUM CHAMBER DETAILS
- Cylinder material is American made, laboratory grade, clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
- Top and bottom plates are CNC machined from ¾ inch, Type I PVC sheet.
- Top seal is custom cast for a perfect vacuum seal of the entire cylinder surface. All fittings are solid brass.
- Full port, brass ball valve with sintered bronze filter to the control vacuum level.
- 2-1/2”, liquid filled, stainless steel and brass vacuum gauge.
- 6 feet x 1/4 inch I.D., reinforced vinyl hose with a Milton M Style Quick coupling.
- Custom designed metal stock carrier holds the wood material throughout the treatment process.
- Securely keeps the wood submerged in the stabilizing liquid.
- Carrier handle eliminates the placing of hands in the stabilizing liquid.
- Each unit is fully tested to hold a high static vacuum level.
- Complete instructions for the stabilizing and dyeing of wood. [click here for instructions]
Fully warranted against defects including leaks, structural or component failures for one year. The warranty does not include normal wear of seals, damage due to misuse or use of materials other than approved methacrylate resins designed specifically for vacuum stabilization.
