New tool announcement: VAC SYS System coming March 1!

[Wooden Skye]

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

I agree this becomes more attractive if you can use with vacuum bag for veneering.

 

[TylerC]

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.

That's a great question. If the power is cut, there will be a delay of a few seconds the pressure is released. This should give you enough time to either grab the material or get out of the way so that it doesn't land on your feet.

 

[festnoob]

In the end its a clamp...a clamp...for 1800 bucks!  [eek] Too rich for my blood.

 

[grbmds]

[member=57769]TylerC[/member] How heavy and/or stable is it? It obviously can be used for sanding, routing, and with the Domino, but could it, for example, be used to hold a piece of wood that you might be using a spokeshave or chisel to carve an edge on?

Or would it be necessary to mount the clamping module on something can be clamped down to a firm surface to hold the base in place?

Is it even possible to mount the clamping module to another board?

 

[Shane Holland]

[member=19734]grbmds[/member], I'm sure Tyler will expand on my answer, but here's the quick answer.

You can attach the clamps to any surface with mounting fasteners.

Alternatively, the clamp can attach itself to any non-pourous surface with its own suction.

These have incredible clamping force and could be used for hand planing, if properly attached to a table/bench.

 

[bigred00]

I'm pretty certain this product will suck.

(Couldn't resist!)

 

[Rick Christopherson]

I'm pretty certain this product will suck.

I agree with you, just curious as to your thoughts...

Consider just one simple example; putting edge banding around a panel. You start with the clamp positioned with the panel vertical in front of the table. After doing the first edge, you just spin the head 90 degrees to the next edge. Especially if you were applying continuous banding, where you would spin the head for each application edge, and then go through them again for trimming.

The when it comes time to sand the panel, you simply rotate the head upward so the panel is horizontal. So you're not reaching all the way across the panel, you can again spin the head to each side. Step on the foot pedal, flip the panel over, and do the other side.

It is also invaluable when sanding cabinet doors, drawers, and shelves. It give you ease of rolling and spinning the workpiece while still holding it securely.

[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]

 

[ccarrolladams]

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

If you will be using any vac clamp in a business with employees, most workers comp insurance policies require the entire system must be approved. Chances are using another pump would void your insurance policy.

For a DIY without employees, consider the risk of injury. Above in the discussion came the question what if the suction fails? You do not want to be using a vac clamp should it lose suction.

 

[Cheese]

Ya Rick, I'm all over this one...been secretly coveting this item for over 4 years. Even enquired about the cost to import this thing from Europe. Not because it's going to make me money, but because it's going to make my life easier, and what's wrong with that? It'll be ordered tomorrow.

 

[copcarcollector]

On the $1800 set, 57000004, how are the two clamp heads connected to the vacuum pump?

Does this set include 2 vac hoses and/or "T" fittings or...? to 'power up' both clamps from the single vacuum pump? Do the 2 clamps daisy chain with each other on the vacuum line, or does each have to be connected directly to the vacuum pump?

 

[Nat X]

How many inches of mercury does the pump pull?

 

[grbmds]

[member=191]Rick Christopherson[/member] Beyond the circular clamp plate with the SE1 is there any need for an additional head, like either the small or larger oblong head in actual use?

 

[bkharman]

[member=191]Rick Christopherson[/member] Beyond the circular clamp plate with the SE1 is there any need for an additional head, like either the small or larger oblong head in actual use?

I am not Rick but...  You can use them for smaller items like drawer fronts and small skinny pieces.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[Shane Holland]

Right, for anything smaller than 8½" x 8½", you would need a smaller cup/pad.  [wink]

 

[Shane Holland]

How many inches of mercury does the pump pull?

Pump pressure is rated at 150 mbar. Capacity is 2.06CFM. 55dBA for noise level.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

On the $1800 set, 57000004, how are the two clamp heads connected to the vacuum pump?

Does this set include 2 vac hoses and/or "T" fittings or...? to 'power up' both clamps from the single vacuum pump? Do the 2 clamps daisy chain with each other on the vacuum line, or does each have to be connected directly to the vacuum pump?

I can't remember exactly what the setup was, but yes, there is a T-fitting and I believe an isolation valve too. It uses the single foot pedal and single feed line from the pump. The T-connection is made at the clamp head.

The quick connect couplers are far nicer than what we normally have in the U.S. (and not compatible). They push together quite easily, and separate like we are accustomed to by pulling back on the ring.

My most recent improvement was to run a section of vacuum line through my boom arm, when I got a hold of a couple extra couplers. This allows me to keep the pump (older systainer style) on my CT vac where I prefer it, and be able to plug in the head anywhere in the shop the boom arm will reach.

[attachimg=1]

I also got a hold of the MFT adapter plate. It makes it much nicer to be able to flip the VacSys off the table when not in use. At the same time, I cut away the top shroud on the foot pedal, and mounted it to a board around the leg of the MFT.

[attachimg=2]

 

[copcarcollector]

Thanks Rick

Ref the mft mounting plate, when it swings under the table, does it lock in the 'stowed' position?

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Thanks Rick

Ref the mft mounting plate, when it swings under the table, does it lock in the 'stowed' position?

Yes, I believe it does when mounted on the correct MFT/3. I took it off my main MFT/3 before even trying it, and re-mounted it to a smaller old-style MFT I have laying around. So mine won't fold up completely, but it still clears the top when I need to.

 

[Birdhunter]

Can it hold pieces strongly enough to allow drilling large Dominos, hand planing, hand sawing, Rotex sanding with 60 grit, and drilling with a large Forstner bit? These are the type of operations I can envision using the suction unit to do.

 

[bigjonh]

I'm hoping this isn't the only new release March 1.
[unsure]