Festool Clamping System

txrpls

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Joined
Feb 8, 2012
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I have a stepson who is going to the UK next month and I am thinking about haveing hime pickup a vacuum clamping system while he is there. I assume from the specs that it will work OK, except not as much power on 220v 50Hz. Does anyone know if it can be rewired for 110?
 
Rewiring it for 110 might involve putting a new motor in. Not something the avarage person can do.

Why don't you get yourself a step up transformer, works like a charm.
 
I would suggest step up transformer or running a generator to run it on 220-230V;  I use a generator personally.

Also your grandson is going to need to have some serious luggage to bring back in checked luggage.

ALso well worth getting the full set of  vaccuum plates, but that is another systainer he has to bring back.

Good luck; well worth it IMO.

Venk
 
I wouldn't even worry about the pump.  Just get the clamping unit and the pads, those are the real treasure.  If you're going to get a pump you might as well get one suitable for a vacuum press while you're at it.  JoeWoodworker.com has all kinds of stuff for vacuum clamping.  Except of course for the excellent Festool clamping body.  I'll bet they can help you rig up a pump that will suit the Festool clamp body, foot peddle and all.  There's also Q.V.P.

I've hunted and hunted and I've never found anything quite like the Festool clamp body.  The closest thing I've found is the Schmalz Multi-Clamp System.  Just about as expensive and probably inferior.  But at least that product is available in the US.
 
fshanno said:
I've hunted and hunted and I've never found anything quite like the Festool clamp body.  The closest thing I've found is the Schmalz Multi-Clamp System.  Just about as expensive and probably inferior.  But at least that product is available in the US.

The Schmalz actually has better specs that the Festool. Ordered one today. I'll let you know about the quality after I use it for a while.
 
txrpls said:
The Schmalz actually has better specs that the Festool. Ordered one today. I'll let you know about the quality after I use it for a while.

Great!  What all did you buy?  Did you talk to someone before ordering?  I didn't understand what they mean by "internal vacuum generation" that one unit had vs. the external pump unit.    It's a little confusing to me.

I noticed some of the optional suction plates looked suspiciously like the ones offered by Festool.  The 210mm dia. and the 200x55 plates.

 
The Schmalz offers two types -- one can use your air compressor and the other can use a vacuum pump.  Pricing with the compressor is a little less cost.  I have looked at these and priced them out and will eventually get one with two heads as it such a convenient method to secure work.  I think someone else here ordered one last year at AWFS as well as Schmalz had a booth.  I know that Felder also offered a version of the Schmalz in one of its promo catalogs.  Will love to see pics and get feedback once you have it up and running.

Scot
 
fshanno said:
txrpls said:
The Schmalz actually has better specs that the Festool. Ordered one today. I'll let you know about the quality after I use it for a while.

Great!  What all did you buy?  Did you talk to someone before ordering?  I didn't understand what they mean by "internal vacuum generation" that one unit had vs. the external pump unit.    It's a little confusing to me.

I noticed some of the optional suction plates looked suspiciously like the ones offered by Festool.  The 210mm dia. and the 200x55 plates.

I ordered the system that has a vacuum base and compressor. It comes with a square suction plate. I also ordered the two oblong plates and the foot switch. They have a model that works off of compressed air if you already have an air compressor in your shop. All i have is a little finish nailer compressor. I'll let you know how it goes.
 
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