Darryl Keil
Posts: 1445
Joined: 2003-05-22
Location: Maine
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Well, guess I’ll chime in since no takers on this question.
Here’s my take....
Pro’s, obviously the main thing is easy access. Lift the lid set the work in place, drop the lid, turn on the vacuum.
No sliding, like in a bag, which means everything stays right where you put it.
Unobstructed access to the work piece until you drop the lid.
Membrane lasts longer than a bag due to the lack of sliding in and out.
Con’s, requires dedicated space. Cant roll it up and put it away like a bag.
Doesn’t tend to hold vacuum for as long as a bag, due to the gasket all the way around the frame, so the pump will recycle more often. Generally not a problem though.
Costs more than a bag.
Generally cant do overly tall work unless you purchase a special extra height membrane.
I think a frame press is best for a shop using a vacuum press rather regularly for multiple flat panels and low profile curved work that can afford dedicated space for the press. If mainly for infrequent use a bag is more practical and economical. That’s my take. Another option is the zipper bag, gives you the access of a frame press with the roll up and put away covenience of a bag.
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