: Buy a copy of the Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction. You can find it on
: their Wset Sytem web site under Educational Literature, in their Products
: Guide section. I think that this book is an excellent reference for all
: wood/epoxy work.

Bruce,

I second that emotion. They also have a pamphlet on vacuum-bagging technique.

The Cheap Little Sucker how-to article that someone mentioned is available on the web. Try this address: http//web2.airmail.net/redmonj/sucker.htm. Lindsey Publications has a lot of far-out titles for tinkerers, including a few about low-cost ways to create vacuums. I wouldn't think the shop-vac approach would be very helpful to you, though. My guess is that it could generate enough of a vacuum -- without generating too much heat -- to be helpful in laminating fiberglass, but wouldn't be able to exert enough force for laminates made of 1/8" veneer & plywood. Just a guess, though.

Keep us posted on your progress. I am very interested in the idea of using the cold-molded technique (with thinner laminates) for smaller boats, like kayaks.

Please keep us posted