Excel 5 and pods

[Bertotti]

Well last week I spent the bucks for the excel five vacuum clamp kit. I got sucked in because so many people claim that once they got into vacuum clamping it is one of the most used tools on theirs shop. So, here we are. I think I’ve watched every video on vacuum clamping there is on YouTube. I still have to ask, anyone have any initial problems they can share? As in what things went wrong when you started using a vacuum clamp set up? Thanks!

 

[Bertotti]

I couldn't find a black XXL 337 and the local shop had the Festool version so I supported my local shop. This will make a nice kit once I decide how to lay it out and the type of vacuum jigs I will use the most. [attachimg=1]

 

[ryanjg117]

Looks like it fits nicely in that loooong systainer. I don't have experience with the Excel 5 specifically, but I purchased a Thomas dual-piston pump from VeneerSupplies mostly for veneer bagging, but it works fine for vacuum clamping jigs like this. I also purchased a set of Podz, but haven't used them much.

The issue I have is the size of the pods tend to make them difficult to use on my 20mm workbench, which is also my go-to sanding station and assembly area. Obviously, you need a contiguous surface under the podz to attain vacuum.

I'm actually looking to design my own podz style vacuum squares but rather than sucking from both sides, I'd use an integrated bench connecting dog like TSO's Smart Connect or Power-Loc Dog to connect it to the bench. Then, design them to suck only from above.

Let me know how you end up using them. I think I need some inspiration to bust them out more often.

 

[Bob D.]

I was searching for more information on Podz and came across these which appear to be unique in that they are made in two pieces and can be rotated or the top half changed out for various shapes.

I don't know anything about them other than what you see in this video. Anyone used them?

https://vacuum-cnc.com/en/

 

[rst]

While I made my own vac jigs for 30 some years, the first commercial pods I used were Virutex as Festools system was NAINA at the time.  I bought the base units and mounted them on bar stool swivels.  They use push/pull tube fittings and great.  I bought the Festool systems as the variety of pods was very useful for what I needed, still have the Virutex, one of many tools I really should sell.

 

[Bertotti]

Thanks for the comments and for giving me more ideas. I also have the 20mm tables so I use a chunk of masonite with the white on one side. The four are not enough for the bigger pieces. I like center support and could make some spacers I suppose. I am currently thinking of buying some HDPE from McMaster Carr in a larger sheet and making something from it, as suggested above, something I could lock onto the table through the 20mm holes.

I looked at the XXL since they came out and kept telling myself they are too big too awkward and too hard to store but in reality, it has worked very well for me. I have considered another. Oddly the Festool one from a local dealer was less expensive than direct from Tanos. Not sure why unless it is just because I shop there whenever I can.