Building a Vacuum Press Table for Custom Skis & Snowboards

Building a vacuum ski press table is a key component of my ski and snowboard workshop. Over the summer, I’ve constructed a frame using aluminum extrusions, installed a 1 mm silicone membrane, and integrated a Robinair 5 CFM, two-stage vacuum pump with inlet filter, vacuum gauge and vacuum breaker valve. The table lays the foundation for future heated epoxy pressing. Here’s a full update on its design, progress, parts, and next steps.

Vacuum pressing is a proven method among ski builders — more affordable and space-efficient than pneumatic or hydraulic presses. You achieve consistent atmospheric pressure (≈14.7 psi) across the entire laminate. For skis and snowboards, it’s ideal for pressing composite layers, cores, bases, and sidewalls together reliably.

The pump can evacuate to about 28  in Hg (~0.95 bar). Not perfect but not bad!