Picking up just the vac sys clamp element and accesories for the US?

[rookie08]

So, my sis is getting remarried and they are going to honeymoon in Vienna.  I'm considering asking if she can pick up the Festool vac sys clamping element, the attachment assortment and the foot pedal for me without, the vacuum pump itself since it is 220V.  Anyone know if I can source a local (read, US rated) vacuum pump and it will work with the clamping elements?

(If this needs to go in the Ask Festool forum, please feel free to change)

Thanks!

James

 

[mouppe]

I looked into doing this and it is possible. You will have to find the right valve to fit but it shouldn't be difficult.

 

[agehall]

I think the valves are standard european ones. I'm not at home right now, so I can't check though.

However, remember that the clamps come in SYS-4 containers, so they do take up quite a bit of space.

 

[PaulMarcel]

When you figure this out, especially the valve, please post back.  I've wanted the clamp element for awhile and have a VacuPress vac to use with it.

 

[James Metcalf]

Built one in 09 Go to Talk Festool under Fred West( NAINA VAC SYS Vacuum Clamping System )11/12/09 Joe woodworker has plans I used. Be sure and get the part where you swing it under table.

 

[rookie08]

Hi James,

Your vacuum looks sweet!  [thumbs up] Really like the way you got it into the systainer.  You mention you would use smaller pipes next time.  Is that why it needs to be taken out of the systainer when you use it, or is it a heat buildup thing, or am I just reading it wrong. 

I've looked at Joe's site (turns out he lives in Bel Air, MD about 45 minutes north of me) and got a bit overwhelmed with all the options.

So it looks like it's been just over a couple of years since the post and the build?  Are you still happy with it?  Anything you suggest in addition to getting the under MFT clamp? If you did it again anything you would do differently?

Thanks!!!

James

 

[James Metcalf]

I would use smaller pipe because It would make the build much more simple. It was like putting a ship in a bottle. No problem with heat . I used Domino for vent holes , but you could drill and file for vents. It has been good for  vaccum bagging also. It runs with a little less noise than extractor. I never take it out to run it. Built it to be removed if I needed to service. Pictures just to show it can be removed. No real need for putting it in a systainer. Just did it to see if I could. It has been a very handy item. Time for bed. 5 AM will come early