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I want to laminate with the vacuum bag. One thing I want to do is build up laminations on the inside form to make the outside form. I bought some 1/16" maple from a skateboard supplier. I have problems, and need advice. I had hoped that the vacuum method would pull the layers down to the form, but I find that the bag sucks under the layers and does not really pull it down. So, I guess I am stuck with having to prebend all of layers, unless someone can clue me into a method that will work for the flat veneers.

I don/t have a bag, but my lam veneers are .022 ,2 of them glued to.070 veneer

I believe breather layers are used to alleviate that issue. The breather layer is a mesh-type material placed over the laminates. Check out joewoodworker.com for more info.


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I would prebend at .06 thick unless the curve is gentle and the piece is long.
You definitely need to use breather any time you vacuum bag. The purpose of the breather is to make sure the bag doesn't choke off, it assures a even pressure distribution inside the bag. Usually a felt type of material is used, folded cloth would work also.The mesh joewoodworker sell is also fine but a little stiff, this stiffness attribute James points out may indeed prevent the bag from going in between layers. But in the end the purpose of a breather layer is vacuum distribution and one should always be used inside a vacuum bag.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com