Constructing vacuum hot table

As a conservator in private practice, I have not yet been able to
able to afford the 5 to 6 thousand dollars for a vacuum heat table
for lining paintings. I have made wonderful use of a Nichrome foil
element under a stainless steel plate for hand lining, and I can
attach a Mylar or Dartek envelope with one or two tubes running to
my vacuum pump to create the negative pressure. This has never been
entirely satisfactory for dealing with deformations in the paint
film, and I covet the design of manufactured vacuum heat tables. I
would like to find any designs for a "home made" table. I recall a
presentation at WAAC in the late 80's about this, but I have been
unable to find the design anywhere. Is there anyone in a similar
position who may advise me?

Chris J. Kenney
Paintings Conservator
831-425-3860


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:3
                  Distributed: Thursday, June 14, 2001
                        Message Id: cdl-15-3-027
                                  ***