New tool announcement: VAC SYS System coming March 1!

[TylerC]

I’m excited to announce Festool's newest North American release:

The VAC SYS vacuum-based suction clamping system, which will be available on March 1, 2016 in the United States and Canada.

The VAC SYS System will dramatically improve your efficiency and comfort while working with any number of tools, including sanders, the Domino and the Conturo Edge Banding System. The VAC SYS allows you to quickly clamp your material in any number of positions without risk of marring. It will save you time, maximize comfort and allow you to do more in less time.

The system is available in two ways:
- VAC SYS System (57000003) - Includes the vacuum pump, clamping module, round vacuum pod and foot value
- VAC SYS System SET (5700004) - Includes everything listed above with an additional clamping system with an oblong pod

Additionally, you can purchase the VAC SYS Accessory Set will include three vacuum pods (oblong, small and narrow).

All pieces will also be available separately.

(In case you’re curious about the 8-digit product numbers: Yes, those are correct. We’re transitioning from six- to eight-digit product numbers.)


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[Brandon]

Certainly no bargain but good stuff. I've been seeing those on the German Festool videos for years. I might be getting one

 

[copcarcollector]

Please confirm, the Vac-Sys Clamping Unit SE 1 comes with only one clamping head (one size, round)

Text on a dealers site says "4 different head sizes and shapes, can be changed without tools", but does not really specify which head, or heads, comes with the purchase. And the festool supplied image shows them all

 

[TylerC]

Please confirm, the Vac-Sys Clamping Unit SE 1 comes with only one clamping head (one size, round)

Text on a dealers site says "4 different head sizes and shapes, can be changed without tools", but does not really specify which head, or heads, comes with the purchase. And the festool supplied image shows them all

Yes, the SE 1 comes with only one vacuum cup (the round one). The SE 2 has the oblong cup. There are a total of four different cups, which are available separately or as part of the accessory set (http://festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories//vac-sys-accessory-set-495294 ).

 

[Cheese]

[member=57769]TylerC[/member]
Does the SE 1 include the foot valve or is that extra?

 

[copcarcollector]

[member=57769]TylerC[/member]
THANKS. I did not see there was an SE2, I was just so excited!! [eek]

 

[TylerC]

[member=57769]TylerC[/member]
Does the SE 1 include the foot valve or is that extra?

Yes, the foot valve is included in SE 1.

SE 1 includes the following:
- Clamping module
- Round cup
- Foot valve

SE 2 includes the following:
- Clamping module
- Oblong cup

 

[Birdhunter]

I've watched the videos, but have trouble understanding how people would actually use the tool.

 

[prodriquez@msn.com]

Does anyone know if I can use my own vac pump?

 

[jimbo51]

This is a major announcement and there is already confusion on what is and is not included with the system and the set. It appears that the Festool website does not contain consistent information on what is contained in the set.

I am also impressed by how much the MFT mount costs. A couple of pieces of bent metal for $250.

A full set up of 2 clamping modules with MFT mounts will cost $2300!

This looks very interesting, but I will be hard pressed to justify adding this to my toy box. I mean tool box.

 

[Staniam]

I was hoping for the CTL Sys for NA, personally.

 

[GPowers]

I was hoping for the CTL Sys for NA, personally.

Plus one on this

 

[nclemmons]

Tyler -

Appreciate the final announcement of the Sys Vac.  Finally!

It would be helpful to see things in a table format - basic system, full system, and options.  Festool makes great tools but your website still is confusing on what's what and we frequently see commentary on FOG about what is and is not included in a product, and it gets even more confusing when you are offering options and add-ons in set and non-set version.  Videos are nice.  Photos are nice, but a simple table showing what's in, what's optional and the cost would certainly help in making the decision easier.

Also, can you tell us if the pump comes in a Systainer or will fit in a Systainer?  It appears to have a couple of black 'ears' in the photos on top, but not clear what those are for.  (EDIT - just saw they are for wrapping the cord!)

Appreciate your help on all things related to the website and FOG and making it as easy to understand what you are selling as it is to fall in love with the products after they are used!

Thank you -

 

[TylerC]

[member=167]neilc[/member] I completely agree with you. Our site doesn't do a good job of showing how items go together and what's included in basic/plus/set packages. I've been working to change that. We're starting a complete website redesign, and that will be part of that overhaul.

That said, the product pages for the VAC SYS System and VAC SYS Set show what's included in both:

The VAC SYS System contains the following:

• VAC PMP Vacuum Pump
  
• VAC SYS SE 1 Clamping Module with round vacuum pod and foot valve

The VAC SYS System SET contains the following:

• VAC PMP Vacuum Pump
• VAC SYS SE 1 (including round vacuum pod and foot valve)
  
• Clamping Module SE 2 (including oblong vacuum pod)

The pump does not come in a Systainer. It will fit in a Systainer, but there is not proper protection/padding in a Systainer for me to officially recommend that you carry a pump in a Systainer.

 

[TylerC]

This is a major announcement and there is already confusion on what is and is not included with the system and the set. It appears that the Festool website does not contain consistent information on what is contained in the set.

I am also impressed by how much the MFT mount costs. A couple of pieces of bent metal for $250.

A full set up of 2 clamping modules with MFT mounts will cost $2300!

This looks very interesting, but I will be hard pressed to justify adding this to my toy box. I mean tool box.

The VAC SYS System contains the following:
- VAC PMP Vacuum Pump
- VAC SYS SE 1 Clamping Module (with round vacuum pod and foot valve)

The VAC SYS System SET contains the following:
- VAC PMP Vacuum Pump
- VAC SYS SE 1 (including round vacuum pod and foot valve)
- Clamping Module SE 2 (including oblong vacuum pod)

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

To get it here, all they needed to do was not make it inside a systainer. 

Darn fireproof enclosure technicalities.

 

[TylerC]

I've watched the videos, but have trouble understanding how people would actually use the tool.

Do you have any specific questions that I can help with?

The VAC SYS is really a tool to complement your other tools -- not a standalone item. It allows you to quickly and easily clamp and move your material so that you can work on it in nearly any imaginable position. You know longer have to bother with a million clamps that constantly need to be manually moved and readjusted. It's a huge time saver.

Honestly, I was skeptical when I first saw it. The more that I work with it and saw the wide varieties of applications, I began to realize how incredibly valuable it is.

 

[Birdhunter]

I'm sure there will be discussions and videos. I'll stay tuned.

 

[jimbo51]

What happens when the power to the pump is cut?

Does the workpiece immediately become free or is there some delay to allow the operator a bit of time to react? A sudden release of the workpiece could be exciting if the operator was a bit off balance.

I can certainly see where it would be very handy when using the Domino to have the wood sort of floating in the air and accessible without having to worry about bumping into clamps.

 

[dltflt]

Would the vacuum pump be able to be used with vacuum bag?