Would a hand held food saver vacuum work with this device??

NO, I do not believe a hand pump will work. In most cases, depending on the wood of course, you will need to vacuum for at least an hour, usually more. I also am not sure that you would be able to develop enough vacuum. I would suggest looking on Craigslist, E-bay, or local pawn shops for electric vacuum pumps like the HVAC technicians use. They are going to generate about the best vacuum you will be able to get for the money.