Peter Halle said:
Vacuum pumps are designer to run continuously and they are incredibly quiet. Most pancake compressors are neither and the venturi needs a constant source of air flowing thru it. I have a venturi setup and a vacuum pump setup. The venturi will never be used again. I am not trying to promote any of my videos on youtube but if you search for plhalle you might get an idea or two and really hear how quiet the pumps are.
You can pick up a cheap vacuum pump (rebuilt) from Joewoodworker.com for less than $110 plus shipping.
Just 2 cents from experience.
Peter
Okay, $100 is more than a penny but not outrageous. After doing more research and watching (and listening to) more clips it may be that the sound of the a small vacuum pump is less annoying than the hiss of the venturi, let alone the compressor.
As far as the multi-position units go Virutex has a unit that is very similar to the Schmalz that is only $250. Doesn't have the quick connect for different heads.
[attachimg=1]
Virutex Vacuum Clamp Unit
I can make a plywood version with the same basic design as the Schmalz and the Virutex, tilt and twist, for a lot less. There is another thread in this forum by bijeshj that shows a very nice system that uses pipe and cross clamps but the plywood option will be cheaper even than that one.
So here's how it shakes out, venturi vs. pump.
Couldn't find a source for the configurable square pads that didn't have a venturi in it. It could be that different vendors, Virutex, Schmalz, V-Clamp, are all sourcing this from the same Asian plastics molder. Who knows. Anyway, if I go with the pump the only realistic option is to use HDPE panels and gasket tape.
Venturi - $140
I put the compressor in a different room.
I found that Lee Valley carries the V-Clamp stuff. To set up two V-Clamp pads with the little switch will cost me $140 plus shipping. Has the configurable pad which is way better than peel and stick tape.
Vacuum Pump - $210
From Joe Woodworker Veneer Supply. Rebuilt pump, foot pedal, two HDPE clamping pads which use the peel and stick gasket tape.
Plus I could go on to do some small vacuum press stuff later on.
Which is the best option?
One thing for sure, I used to be very disappointed that Festool wasn't making the VAC-SYS available in the US. As is stands now, after researching this, there is about zero chance I would buy it even if it were.
The video is a little dark at the beginning because of the extreme sun and heat in Texas today. Let me know if there are things I did not cover well. I plan on shooting a followup review after I have used it some more.
