Festool Vac-Sys Vacuum Clamping System Set

[Flatsawn]

I'm curious as to how many purchased the Festool 57000003 Vac-Sys Vacuum Clamping System set (1)  and wished for the Festool 57000004 Vac-Sys Vacuum Clamping System Set(2). Or how many of you bought the 57000004 and found it of little use maybe even unnecessary?

Mark

 

[Claimdude]

I got the vac sys 1 and love it (I got the extra assortment of fittings). I thought about the second set up but my shop is not positioned well for using two units.

Jack

 

[tjbnwi]

I have the complete system, it gets used every time I'm working in the shop.

One of the best investments I've made.

Tom

 

[gsdvorak]

I picked up the set (1) at Festool Connect (recon unit).  Of course, the first job I had after getting it was plywood closet panels- 7' long- right away I wished I had purchased the 2nd unit.  Will likely be my next Festool purchase.

It's hard to believe the clamping pressure of these units unless you see it for yourself.  Awesome setup.

Regards,
Gerald

 

[Laminator]

Got the 1 and immediately found the need for the 2.  Edgebanding tall doors works much better with both.  Smallish parts do just fine with one.  Wish all the hoses were quick connect...

 

[Scorpion]

Question:  Does the second unit also come in a systainer?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rst]

Both vac sys' come in old style systainers.  I bought both units and have  two sets of heads.  Quite a few people have complained about the older style, but I don't find it a problem as mine stay in my shop.  I mostly use mine for cutom plastic fabrication so the adaptability is what led to my purchase.  I made adjustable legs with 8020 to attach to my MFT so that the vacs are level with my top.  I should have known that Festool would make them available as I had just bought two of the Virutex' the year before.
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[Kev]

Minor annoyance when you buy the two vac units and want two sets of heads, you need to buy an additional round head or get your seller to swap out the large oval for a round on the second vac unit.

2 v's 1 is completely dependent on the size of your jobs.

 

[Trevin]

I have both and I use them both most of the time.  They are great for sanding.  So convenient to just press a board on and sand then swap for another board.  Holds as well as clamps.  I do not mind the old systainers as I keep mine out in the shop next to my MFT's level with the tops.  I also used 8020 for my setup.

Trevin

 

[jeh]

What are the skinnier Vac-Sys heads used for? I see the kit comes with round and oval heads, but also see there are at least two other heads. Are these for narrower items?

 

[MrToolJunkie]

What are the skinnier Vac-Sys heads used for? I see the kit comes with round and oval heads, but also see there are at least two other heads. Are these for narrower items?

Exactly. Small and narrow stock. use this all the time on rail and stile and frame stock.

 

[cpw]

Minor annoyance when you buy the two vac units and want two sets of heads, you need to buy an additional round head or get your seller to swap out the large oval for a round on the second vac unit.

I bought one set of extra heads, but am hesitant on getting a second set of extras because it won't line up with the second unit quite right.  Anyone know of a seller that does that swap to make it line up right?

Charles

 

[rmwarren]

Both vac sys' come in old style systainers.  I bought both units and have  two sets of heads.  Quite a few people have complained about the older style, but I don't find it a problem as mine stay in my shop.  I mostly use mine for cutom plastic fabrication so the adaptability is what led to my purchase.  I made adjustable legs with 8020 to attach to my MFT so that the vacs are level with my top.  I should have known that Festool would make them available as I had just bought two of the Virutex' the year before.
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[member=25351]rst[/member] can you run those Virutex heads straight off a vacuum pump instead of using their main unit/compressor? I'd assume so and given the cost of their heads they are an interesting alternative to the VacSys in some situations.

RMW

 

[jeh]

What are the skinnier Vac-Sys heads used for? I see the kit comes with round and oval heads, but also see there are at least two other heads. Are these for narrower items?

Exactly. Small and narrow stock. use this all the time on rail and stile and frame stock.

Unfortunately this means I am getting one. I have been sitting on the fence on buying one, but now see how useful it will be for me in terms of holding workpieces. I came close to pulling the trigger on a refurb a few weeks ago, but hesitated and missed it.

 

[DynaGlide]

What are the skinnier Vac-Sys heads used for? I see the kit comes with round and oval heads, but also see there are at least two other heads. Are these for narrower items?

Exactly. Small and narrow stock. use this all the time on rail and stile and frame stock.

Unfortunately this means I am getting one. I have been sitting on the fence on buying one, but now see how useful it will be for me in terms of holding workpieces. I came close to pulling the trigger on a refurb a few weeks ago, but hesitated and missed it.

I heard you can call the recon lady and let her know what you're looking for. The vac sys only comes up 2 or 3 times a year.

 

[rst]

Richard, my units are run with (I think) 8mm plastic vac line with push/pull fittings.  I buy fittings and line from Automationdirect.com.  I use standard Milton air compressor fittings...vac is just is just reverse of pressure!  I also remove the fixed line on my Festool units as they are push/pull to make putting the units away easier.

 

[Scorpion]

I have the complete system, it gets used every time I'm working in the shop.

One of the best investments I've made.

Tom

While I would agree, I speculate that those who have dedicated space and leave it setup are the ones who have the strongest perception of value.  In my case, I don’t presently have the space to dedicate and, though I do think it’s fantastic when I take the time to set it up and use it, I do tend to not use it as much because the time to set it up isn’t always worth the effort.  Knowing that, I’d spend the money elsewhere.

 

[DynaGlide]

I have the complete system, it gets used every time I'm working in the shop.

One of the best investments I've made.

Tom

While I would agree, I speculate that those who have dedicated space and leave it setup are the ones who have the strongest perception of value.  In my case, I don’t presently have the space to dedicate and, though I do think it’s fantastic when I take the time to set it up and use it, I do tend to not use it as much because the time to set it up isn’t always worth the effort.  Knowing that, I’d spend the money elsewhere.

[member=27782]Scorpion[/member] You bring up a valid point. I realized early on if I didn't dedicate a spot for it I wouldn't use it. So I built a mobile cart to house all the components and I think that was the missing link. All the hoses, different heads, pump etc can move around my tight workshop space when I need the vac sys for a task.

 

[rst]

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[joemodern]

Nice job on the cart DynaGlide and well thought out! I can see one of those it my future for sure.