Can’t find the Vac clamping system

[luvmytoolz]

I'd join the boycott if the protest mandate also includes demands on Festool to release a new product, dubbed by me as a DF600, that combines the best features of the DF500 and DF700! [tongue]

I want a DF700XW to be able to make mortises/tenons 50-75mm wide!

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I'd join the boycott if the protest mandate also includes demands on Festool to release a new product, dubbed by me as a DF600, that combines the best features of the DF500 and DF700! [tongue]

I want a DF700XW to be able to make mortises/tenons 50-75mm wide!

You can do that with the DF700 that you already have, making multiple plunges.
I think what ChuckS is looking for is a DF500 that can plunge deeper, which I fully support.
I'm thinking the TS60 needs to happen first tough.....

 

[ChuckM]

CRG could read my mind. [scared]

Width and thickness aren't the limitations as we can move the DF500 up and down, and sideways. Right now, to make deeper mortises, I have to use a drilling guide and metric brad point bit.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

CRG could read my mind. [scared]

Width and thickness aren't the limitations as we can move the DF500 up and down, and sideways. Right now, to make deeper mortises, I have to use a drilling guide and metric brad point bit.

I'm fairly certain that you have said that directly. Not psychic, just remembering.  [big grin]
Probably aided by the fact that I totally agree.
Just today, the job I was working on could have benefitted from more travel.

 

[xedos]

The Barth vakuuSYST 3.15 system can be gotten for about $3k.  I'm seeing the Festool VAC-SYS system being purchased on ebay for about the same amount.  Why would people do this when you can get a better system for just as much, lol.

Workbench clamping device vakuuSYST® 3.15 SET

I'm guessing it's portability and storage. The Barth needs to be mounted to something and really can't be "stowed away" either, it's more of a production piece of equipment.
I've taken the Festool vac pump, pedal and one vac head outside and set them up on a table. When I was done, took the 3 pieces and stored them away downstairs.

I think you're in the minority.  I'll bet 99% of vac sys users don;t leave their shop with it.

 

[Cheese]

I think you're in the minority.  I'll bet 99% of vac sys users don;t leave their shop with it.

Possibly true...but that's still a nice option to have, not unlike the CMS router table that I also move outdoors from time to time. I really enjoy woodworking in the sunlight and fresh air as compared to the basement. The only downside is the direct sunlight reflecting off of the measuring instruments and making reading those measurements difficult.

 

[SoonerFan]

The last couple of days I have used my Vac Sys to hold the cabinet parts I cut out for some Sys Ports I am building to hold a few more Systainers.  Specifically I used the clamping unit to hold the parts while I applied 5mm hard maple edge banding and flush cut the edge banding with the MFK700/1.5 degree base after the glue had dried.  Then I used the Vac Sys again when I lightly sanded the edge banding and nail filler with an DTSC.  Next I will use the Vac Sys to hold the parts while I add poly and while I use the LR32 to drill the shelf pin holes. 

Using the Vac Sys for some reason reminded me of this thread.  I really wish Festool would consider bringing back the Vac Sys. Maybe the could take a play out of the Woodpeckers play book and do it as a “One-Time-Festool”.  Then they would know exactly how many to build.  They could even take deposits and state if less than XYZ units are ordered deposits will be refunded and no units will be built.  I say this because for the work I am doing the Vac Sys, MFK700, DTSC and LR32 are a great combination.  Festool calls this a system).  The Vac Sys was used in every operation and performed great.  For me it is a key part of my workflow.  I’d like for Festool to find a way to let those that missed out have another shot. I know this is extremely unlikely but seems like something they could figure out. 

PS - I did put this in the Festool Wish List section because I know my suggestion is unlikely to happen and I did not want to start another thread lamenting about the discontinuation of the Vac Sys.

 

[jgrout]

I made all the parts I needed to create the vac sys without a single Festool part. It works just fine and just as versatile.

 

[luvmytoolz]

I made all the parts I needed to create the vac sys without a single Festool part. It works just fine and just as versatile.

Don't even need to make the parts, vacuum tables for CNC/milling machines are ideal for this application, the last one I bought was 300 x 200 and maybe $150 or so with all the gaskets, etc. The only tricky part would be the rotating, swivelling base, but you can also buy them from Ebay pretty cheap.

Apart from the generous size of the table, the beauty of these is you can mask off any area as required to fit weird shaped objects.

 

[Cheese]

I made all the parts I needed to create the vac sys without a single Festool part. It works just fine and just as versatile.

Are you willing to share the parts you made with the Festool community?

I'm sure there's an immense amount of interest in your discovery as the Vac Sys is no longer available.  [smile]

 

[jgrout]

sure

clamp pedal you will need several fittings shown on the page so don't just buy a pedal

1/4" silicone rope

swivel fittings you will also need 1/4" od tubing

aluminum tubing

You will also need some way to generate a vacuum I have a 6 cfm vac pump I use for veneering. you can even make your own per instructions on Joe Woodworker site that uses a venturi created with an air compressor

The rest of the work is just a matter of cutting accurate holes for the aluminum tubing and making the vac pucks.  It is just a matter of willingness to work out the details This you tube video is basically the same path I followed to make my parts you tube video

 

[festal]

There is also vacpad.  I bought it, never used festool one so i can't compare it, but it does work ok.  Minor annoyances but does the job

 

[luvmytoolz]

There is also vacpad.  I bought it, never used festool one so i can't compare it, but it does work ok.  Minor annoyances but does the job

Wow! Wanted to checkout the product, but had to flee before the website gave me a brain aneurysm!

Warning to others, DON'T watch the bizarre and seemingly unrelated videos!

You've been warned, don't blame me if your head explodes!

 

[festal]

There is also vacpad.  I bought it, never used festool one so i can't compare it, but it does work ok.  Minor annoyances but does the job

Wow! Wanted to checkout the product, but had to flee before the website gave me a brain aneurysm!

Warning to others, DON'T watch the bizarre and seemingly unrelated videos!

You've been warned, don't blame me if your head explodes!

haha.  sorry here is the link
https://thevacpad.com/

 

[Ebuwan]

The Barth system (sans workbench) looks similar to the vacuum clamping system made by Doscornio.

I drank the VAC-SYS kool-aid after it was discontinued, missed out on a Recon offering, then opted to go with the Doscornio Mono S. I'm happy with it though customer service is a bit hit and miss. There's no dealer network here in the US so everything goes through Germany. It is also more expensive than the VAC SYS.

When the VAC SYS was sold at retail, it was really a great deal compared to the quality alternatives out there.

I was about to buy the vacsys too, then boom gone; I also went with the Doscornio; I bought anouther Mono 3d as well, so have to heads; Like said, it costs a little more, but i have no regrets.

My buddy has the Vacsys, and the Doscornio vac pump is the same exact part number, made by Busch. Actually did a little Systainer Mod and made it nice a portable now. I have the clamp heads and foot pedal stored in a Sys3 XXL 337.

 

[4nthony]

I was about to buy the vacsys too, then boom gone; I also went with the Doscornio; I bought anouther Mono 3d as well, so have to heads; Like said, it costs a little more, but i have no regrets.

My buddy has the Vacsys, and the Doscornio vac pump is the same exact part number, made by Busch. Actually did a little Systainer Mod and made it nice a portable now. I have the clamp heads and foot pedal stored in a Sys3 XXL 337.

I saw your posts in the VAC-SYS Discontinued thread and they turned me on to the Doscornio. Did you ever get my PMs? Before I made my purchase, I sent you a couple messages to ask about your buying experience.

Love the way you set up your Systainer with the pump. I might have to configure one in a similar way!

Cheers [cool]

 

[Ebuwan]

Nope, didn't seem em. Sorry, I stink for that!