Festool Vac Sys Complete SE1 & SE2 Set. How good?

[mrob]

Hi All.
I am thinking about buying the Festool Vac Sys Complete SE1 &SE2 Set off ebay. You can't buy it from Festool anymore as discontinued. Does anyone have experience with this clamp? Its a lot of money to fork out without having tried one so I figured I would ask on here. Basically want to know how strong the clamping pressure is and what is the longevity of this kit? Again it won't come with Festool guarantee so want to make sure its got good life in it? The one on ebay is both clamps, basically like new and the whole kit. I'll post the link if anyone want to see what I am talking about?https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/187030763619?_skw=festool+vac+sys&itmmeta=01JP9XY4KW6CX45RWAETP05N6X&hash=item2b8be6f863:g:E1kAAeSwTUlnuMMr&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1ceBNR9WaVFmgl1E%2FNq5ETmUP63SLOnZ%2F1qDy328fwjbpYg1SwTyv7bFsSyeQpibFuNoCiKQNwZldKz%2FmA9dN5EN%2Fi3c4hZ8v0RN78Btz68U5wU609MOj7mzBqi2fJJvdXNPZRhqkBiPGElAxUSSjaRxxtxrT1XVwuWNIFkkBA%2FOQMMXyveWRBgCU2um8yH64U4r4HDN4xRc2JPfm1WRxXcxQh%2FLEzpfofpVjYGp23O%2FqYC3ruCuODstEYXH2Ys--qUTQvVNSilL5HRJAkQkAJTUFpVTFoh5j%2Fbc2dN%2FxBbDQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR47K-L2yZQ

I'd really appriate any onfo you have on the pros/cons of this kit.
Thanks in advance.
Martin

 

[cpw]

I use it as a hobbiest.  I have both heads, but really only use one at a time semi-permanently mounted to the front rail of my MFT.

The vacuum is plenty strong; I don't recall it ever being a problem for moderately sized work pieces (basically anything that fits on the front of the MFT).  I have mine aligned with the top of my MFT, so for panels that are big enough the system is just making sure htey don't shift.  I've have occasionally had to retighten the screws that hold the head in place to prevent something from tilting in a way that I didn't want it to.

The system really is a time saver.

 

[SoonerFan]

I have the complete set and I use it all the time. It is flat out terrific for sanding, edge banding and many other tasks. I have holders for both heads on the end of my out feed table. This setup allows boards to slide by when the head units are  down and allows the head units to clear the top of the table when up. For me it works great. I mostly use one unit but use both when working on larger panels, doors, etc.

It also great to be able to suction the head units to a flat surface when I want to use it in other locations. And finally, I find the holding power to be great. I have never had a piece come off unexpectedly.

In summary, I am completely satisfied with the setup!

 

[semenza]

The holding suction is really strong. It will hold an eight foot board at one end (like a diving board) and you can't pry it off. At least I never applied enough force to make it happen. Didn't want break something.

I frequently use two heads on larger / longer pieces if only for stability. Or when doing multiple smaller pieces two pieces at a time.

Seth

 

[hdv]

I have the SE1 set and am really glad I managed to get it. To be honest I was a bit too late deciding, but I was lucky to be able to buy it off someone just after Festool discontinued it and the prices shot up. It is not like I use it every day, but when I do it always brings a smile to me and it does actually save me a lot of time. As a matter of fact, if I ever get a chance to buy the SE2 I'll jump right at it. (I did buy it, but it sadly never showed up.)

I can only recommend this tool to you. I am sure you won't regret it.

If you do decide to buy it, then I suggest you follow the advise giving here on this forum to make sure it is always ready to use. Otherwise you might leave it in its systainer too often, because of the perceived hassle of setting it up. That would be a shame.

 

[Cheese]

That's a nice complete system as it also includes the various sized suction heads which Festool also no longer offers.

Here's a chart on the weight each suction head can support.

[attachimg=1]

 

[MikeGE]

As a hobbyist, I was also a late convert to the utility of the VAC SYS, but bought the SE1 and SE2 before Festool discontinued them. Now I can't imagine my workflow that doesn't include the VAC SYS. Here are two photos showing the SE1 as I incorporated it into my MFT-style workbench.

This photo shows the vacuum pump and SE1 head stored when not being used. The SE1 head is mounted to a piece of 19mm plywood by four M10 countersunk screws. I tapped four holes in the base of the SE1 head that were begging to be used.



This photo shows the SE1 attached to the rails of the workbench and connected to the pump. The hoses are not correct in this photo, but have since been redone so they are correct.



I have not needed the SE2 head yet, so it stays in the Systainer for now. I have the components to make an identical mounting board, but have not been motivated enough to complete the project.

 

[mrob]

Amazing responses. Thank you so much. This is exactly what I need. The bench setup is great. Exactly as I want to set it up.

 

[pettyconstruction]

I have one,
I’d buy again in a heartbeat if I had to

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[SoonerFan]

@mrob did you end up buying the used unit? If so, are you liking it?

 

[Cheese]

Hi All.
I am thinking about buying the Festool Vac Sys Complete SE1 &SE2 Set off ebay. You can't buy it from Festool anymore as discontinued. Does anyone have experience with this clamp? Its a lot of money to fork out without having tried one so I figured I would ask on here. Basically want to know how strong the clamping pressure is and what is the longevity of this kit? Again it won't come with Festool guarantee so want to make sure its got good life in it? The one on ebay is both clamps, basically like new and the whole kit. I'll post the link if anyone want to see what I am talking about?https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/187030763619?_skw=festool+vac+sys&itmmeta=01JP9XY4KW6CX45RWAETP05N6X&hash=item2b8be6f863:g:E1kAAeSwTUlnuMMr&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1ceBNR9WaVFmgl1E%2FNq5ETmUP63SLOnZ%2F1qDy328fwjbpYg1SwTyv7bFsSyeQpibFuNoCiKQNwZldKz%2FmA9dN5EN%2Fi3c4hZ8v0RN78Btz68U5wU609MOj7mzBqi2fJJvdXNPZRhqkBiPGElAxUSSjaRxxtxrT1XVwuWNIFkkBA%2FOQMMXyveWRBgCU2um8yH64U4r4HDN4xRc2JPfm1WRxXcxQh%2FLEzpfofpVjYGp23O%2FqYC3ruCuODstEYXH2Ys--qUTQvVNSilL5HRJAkQkAJTUFpVTFoh5j%2Fbc2dN%2FxBbDQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR47K-L2yZQ

I'd really appriate any onfo you have on the pros/cons of this kit.
Thanks in advance.
Martin

Well, I hope you purchased it because eBay says it was purchased on March 16th.