VacuSeal 3646C ...won't seal!

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BECBAYTX

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I have a VacuSeal 3646C that was working fine up until this morning. I think that the foam gasket along the edge under the rubber liner needs to be replaced. Does anyone know where I can locate this material? I did a google search for VacuSeal 3646C as well as "Seal Products Inc. Naugatuck, CT" ...got a phone number that's disconnected and not much else. It measures 1" tall x 1.5" wide. Don't laugh at my desperate attempt to improvise with layered in strips of foamcore. With 3 layers of 3/16" FC I could get it to maintain suction for about 2 minutes. I really don't want to spend thousands to replace this thing just because of this issue. I'm convinced that I should be able to find foam that will work. Does anyone have any ideas? Business has stopped until I can figure this out!
Thanks in advance!!
 

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Find a 3M /Stylus etc supplier or a Tape/Glue distibutor they often carry this type of poly foam strip in rolls. hope this helps.
 
Had a similar problem on a different model but same company machine.

What worked for me was to adjust the hinges in the back of the machine so the back sits lower.

It made a better seal around the edge and works fine.

It is a free and fast fix to try, if it doesn't work then go for the foam.

(All this is assuming that you have similar adjustable hinges like my vacu seal heat press)

Good luck.

Bob
 
1. Loosen the hinges then draw a vacuum and see if the top will seat itself better, then tighten the hinges back up while it is still pulling. You may have to bump or wiggle the top a bit while you do this.

If no go, then

2. Ask these guys http://www.onsitellc.com/
 
Funny you should ask. Going through the exact same issue on my old 4468H.

First do the Saran wrap test on the 2 vacuum intakes in the back corners.

1) Make sure everything is level-all directions.
2) Remove front latch-Count the turns so you can put it back at the same level.
3) Before you loosen the hinges, take off the 2 gas shocks. They just tap off with a rubber mallet. If you loosen the hinges without doing this, you could have a major problem with the lid moving forward powered by hydraulics.
4) Loosen the hinges from the slotted side (lower, not on the lid) Check to see if they are bottomed out at the top of the slot. *
5) Heat to 170 or so and try to pull a vacuum.
6) If it does, tighten the hinges like the lug nuts on a tire, inside then alternating to outside.
7) Tap the shocks back on.
8) Reinstall the latch.
9) Pull vacuum again as final test.

* If this doesn't work and/or the hinges are bottomed out, then you may need to shim the Masonite board up from the ledge.

1) Remove the 2 screws at the front of the board (under the foam)
2) Cut 8 strips of 8 ply mat
3) Lift up the diaphragm board and place 1 in each corner and 1 in the center of each rail to lift the board up to compensate for the worn foam.
4) Pull a vacuum, etc.

If this doesn't work, it's diaphragm time or you can replace the old foam.

Hope this helps. Good Luck!

Don
 
When not in use, do you keep the lid open or closed? I find that if I prop the lid open on my machine when not in use it takes the lid weight pressure off the foam gaskets and gives them a chance to rebound. I have a couple short pieces of 1X2 that I set on edge under the front.
I have replaced the foam gasket on mine (machine is about 28 years old) twice and though it is a bit messy, it isn't difficult. The hardest part is getting off the old adhesive residue.
You could conceivably glue a thin strip of like foam to the existing foam gasket with contact cement if the replacement from Bienfang (Subsidiary of Elmer's that bought out Seal) isn't available.
 
Drop Bear said:
Find a 3M /Stylus etc supplier or a Tape/Glue distibutor they often carry this type of poly foam strip in rolls. hope this helps.
Click to expand...

My husband took a piece of the original foam over to an upholstery place in town. They had some gray foam with a backer that was just about the same thickness....maybe a little denser than the sample. The guy cut him a 5' section from the roll and sold it to him for $3. We have it cut into 1.5" strips. Hope it works!
 
JbNormandog said:
Had a similar problem on a different model but same company machine.

What worked for me was to adjust the hinges in the back of the machine so the back sits lower.

It made a better seal around the edge and works fine.

It is a free and fast fix to try, if it doesn't work then go for the foam.

(All this is assuming that you have similar adjustable hinges like my vacu seal heat press)

Good luck.

Bob
Click to expand...


Already stripped out the foam! Yes, mine has the adjustable hinges. Dang...I should've waited and tried this first! :(
 
cvm said:
1. Loosen the hinges then draw a vacuum and see if the top will seat itself better, then tighten the hinges back up while it is still pulling. You may have to bump or wiggle the top a bit while you do this.

If no go, then

2. Ask these guys http://www.onsitellc.com/
Click to expand...



Thanks a bunch! I'm bookmarking that site anyhow. Didn't even know they existed! :thumbsup:
 
BECBAYTX said:
I have a VacuSeal 3646C that was working fine up until this morning. I think that the foam gasket along the edge under the rubber liner needs to be replaced. Does anyone know where I can locate this material? I did a google search for VacuSeal 3646C as well as "Seal Products Inc. Naugatuck, CT" ...got a phone number that's disconnected and not much else. It measures 1" tall x 1.5" wide. Don't laugh at my desperate attempt to improvise with layered in strips of foamcore. With 3 layers of 3/16" FC I could get it to maintain suction for about 2 minutes. I really don't want to spend thousands to replace this thing just because of this issue. I'm convinced that I should be able to find foam that will work. Does anyone have any ideas? Business has stopped until I can figure this out!
Thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...

Sorry I didn't read your post earlier as I have had these problems too. The hinge thing is the best remedy but you can contact BK Framing for technical support and parts. They are out of Illinois and are now the official parts company for Seal/Bienfang presses. Their phone number is 888-240-6021 and ask for Wendy. The other girls there are very helpful too.
 
cvm said:
1. Loosen the hinges then draw a vacuum and see if the top will seat itself better, then tighten the hinges back up while it is still pulling. You may have to bump or wiggle the top a bit while you do this.

If no go, then

2. Ask these guys http://www.onsitellc.com/ onsitellc.com
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip on the hinges! It fixed my problem with a poor seal.

Bob
 
Welcome to the G!
 
Another example of how old threads can still be useful. This zombie was over 9 years dead before BBlackie woke it up.

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