CT-36 and vacuum bag veneering

[fritter63]

Dear Festool -

It turns out my Luthier's Mercantile vacuum pump (1 CFM) for their clamping system is not sufficient for doing vacuum bag veneering (which needs 3 - 5 CFM).

However, I've found that if I put the hose of my CT-36 over the bag outlet, it will quickly evacuate and clamp the curved surfaces down just fine.

My concern (besides not wanting to stand there and hold the hose in place for 30 minutes) is that running the CT's motor against an empty vacuum chamber for that long will over strain and burn out the motor.

What are your thoughts?

Sincerely,

Vacuum Clamper

 

[Kev]

I'm just guessing, by I think traditional vacuum cleaners rely on the airflow to cool the motor, vacuum pumps are designed differently. I'd be careful on this.

 

[fritter63]

Thanks Kev, yeah I think I'm gonna have to bite the bullet on another pump....$$$$

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I don't know the answer. Stumped me.  [blink]

Let me see what I can find out. Might be Tuesday before I have something with Monday being a holiday.

FYI, I am going to be away from the forum for the most part this coming week. So, if you have questions that need fast answers, please contact the service department (closed Monday for Memorial Day).

Shane

 

[tjbnwi]

A full bag will cause the CT to shut down due to thermal sensor. I guessing the same would be true in this case.

Get creative, draw down with the CT, maintain with your smaller pump.

Tom

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

The short answer... we don't recommend using your CT for this purpose.

 

[Oldwood]

I use my Fein vac to evacuate the bag then switch to my vacuum pump to hold the pressure. The low cfm of the vacuum pump takes too long to get the bag evacuated but  once most of the air is out it will hold the pressure as long as you don't have a lot of leaks in your bag. I agree that leaving the Festool vac running after the air is evacuated would damage the vacuum.

Gerry

 

[rst]

I started out using a Sears vac, went to using the intake of my air compressor, and finally bought a refrigeration vac pump from a surplus seller.  I don't use vac bags but use self made vac clamps for pattern work quite often.

 

[rst]

I forgot to mention that high on my to "do list" is making a flexible, movable jigging using 8020 similar to the NAINA Festool VAC SYS

 

[fritter63]

A full bag will cause the CT to shut down due to thermal sensor. I guessing the same would be true in this case.

Get creative, draw down with the CT, maintain with your smaller pump.

Tom

Tried that , no bueno.