FESTOOL VAC SYS SYSTEM ??

[onevw]

I  have a vac sys system and do you run the pump continually when working on a piece that is clamped.

How long can you run the pump and not have a problem the the pump.

Rick

 

[Rick Herrick]

I have run mine continuously for at least an hour during an edge banding session.  I really don't know what the real limits are though.

 

[onevw]

does anyone know
What vacuum should the gauge read with nothing on the clamp and at 5000 ft.
Rick

 

[squall_line]

Both of these threads should have good information for your question about the gauge reading at altitude:
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/.../festool-vac-sys-clamping-system-at-altitude/
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-problems/old-stock-vac-sys/

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I have been curious about the vac-sys for a while, thought it would be handy, but not necessarily a requirement. More of the "When you're a hammer everything looks like a nail" kind of thing. Sure you could/would use it (because you have it) but not that big of a deal, because there is always another way to hold something. Today may have changed my mind. I sure could have used one. I made do with what I had on hand, but it opened my mind to it a lot more.

 

[Sci]

I thought the same thing, then I got one.  I used it more than I thought I would.  I make a lot of drawers and it is great to attach one and be able to sand any side by spinning and rotating the drawers on the suction clamp.  It has really sped up the time to finish the drawers.

I have been curious about the vac-sys for a while, thought it would be handy, but not necessarily a requirement. More of the "When you're a hammer everything looks like a nail" kind of thing. Sure you could/would use it (because you have it) but not that big of a deal, because there is always another way to hold something. Today may have changed my mind. I sure could have used one. I made do with what I had on hand, but it opened my mind to it a lot more.

 

[Who2u]

Cool Plane! 8)

 

[Bob D.]

does anyone know
What vacuum should the gauge read with nothing on the clamp and at 5000 ft.
Rick

It's all relative to the local atmospheric pressure just like an altimeter. The best vacuum you'd ever be able to pull depends on the atmospheric pressure where the vacuum pump (any make/type) is located assuming there are no leaks anywhere else in the system.

You will never get close to a 'perfect vacuum' of -30" Hg or 0(zero) Tor as shown on the gauge, that is unless you want the World to implode. Even Outer Space is not a perfect vacuum.

760 Tor = 1 Atmosphere
>1 Tor =  Medium Vacuum

To achieve less than 1 tor takes multiple pumps and to measure it requires instrumentation that costs more than a complete Vac-SYS system.

Most bourdon tube gauges like the one used on the Vac-SYS are ranged so that their operating range when in use is near the center half of the gauges range. This is the most accurate and linear segment of the gauge after calibration and it's driven by the limits of accuracy in the mechanical movement and the bourdon tube that move the needle and create the indication on the dial. It's why the gauge selected for a well pump would normally be a 0-100 or 0-120 PSI gauge if the normal operating pressure is around 50 to 60 PSIG.

Those 'peanut' gauges (less than 2" diameter), especially the combination vacuum/pressure types are not very accurate and most are not designed to be calibrated. They can be accurized (indication verified at one or two specific pressures) but not calibrated (linear indication across a range within a specified tolerance).

 

[wrobertdavis]

I have been curious about the vac-sys for a while, thought it would be handy, but not necessarily a requirement. More of the "When you're a hammer everything looks like a nail" kind of thing. Sure you could/would use it (because you have it) but not that big of a deal, because there is always another way to hold something. Today may have changed my mind. I sure could have used one. I made do with what I had on hand, but it opened my mind to it a lot more.

I purchased the two head system recently and built sliding brackets to mount them on the side of my assembly table. I originally thought I would find advantages using them for joinery and some assembly operations.  I am finding they are immensely time saving for sanding and finishing. Once clamped, you get ideal unencumbered horizontal access to 5 out of 6 sides for sanding and finishing.  Just one flip provides access to the 6th side.  I am now considering the advantage of adding a second foot pedal, so the two clamps can be operated completely independently.  This lends itself to a streamlined environment - such as finishing one piece, then moving to the second piece (on the second clamp) while the finish on the first piece dries.

Bob