re: 2 Part Epoxy Substitute

 BTW, I seem to remember seeing some issue with using a vacuum chamber with epoxy and other resins.  The escaping bubbles tend to cause a foam and make a huge mess so pressure pots are the preferred method.  They basically make the bubbles in 2 part resins get microscopic and don't make a mess.  With a vacuum chamber, you probably need a very long open time and low viscosity to give it time for the froth to settle down at a minimum.   

It is a good idea to seal the wood in the holes before you pour in the epoxy.  This prevents air trapped in the wood from bubbling up before it is cured.  You can actually just mix up a small batch of the epoxy and paint the bottom and sides with it, let it cure and then do the full pour.

You question got me think...I wonder if you could use one of the those space saver bags that you evacuate using a vacuum cleaner would work in place of a vacuum chamber?  Some of them come with hand pumps.  Put the segment with the wet resin in a paint can or other rigid container and put the can inside of the space bag.  Drill a hole in the side of the can so that the vacuum doesn't seal around the top before fully evacuated?    Just thinking out loud.