sys vac clamp set

[Papajoe]

setup information for the 2 clamp system.
1. how far apart can the 2 heads be place on 2 mft setup? standard hose length is the restriction?
2. can both heads be ordered with the round vacuum head?
3. what are the required maintenance items, by timeline?
4. why are dealers against this system? woodcraft went so far as saying "don't buy one, its a waste of money" ; "the 1 or 2 we sold in 6 years", customers don't use, or like"?
thanks for any feedback.

 

[afish]

First I will say I dont own the sys vac but I will be building a similar shop made one in the near future.  I already took an old air compressor that I no longer used and converted it to a vacuum pump for the project.  However, #4 comment surprises me since I dont think I have seen one post here that echoes that sentiment.  Personally I want it for holding pieces while working with the conturo and mfk700 I dont see a need for tandem clamps for my work flow but Im sure some have their reasons.

 

[Cheese]

1. Standard hose length is the restriction unless you use a longer hose.  [smile]

2. Not that I'm aware of, but talk with your dealer and maybe something can be worked out. It never hurts to ask.

3. None that I'm aware of. I just wipe down the suction heads completely when I swap them out.

4. You just got a cranky Woodcraft sales associate.  [smile]  Next time ask if there is a Festool expert that you can talk with, that'll probably be a better experience.

 

[JFelchlin]

My Woodcraft dealer didn’t have one on hand when I wanted to see one either.
The system is still apparently pretty high priced - Even with the price reduction -
Ergo very few sales.

I eventually bought the complete system (2 vacuum module heads - Full set of vacuum cups).
I’m a long time Hobbyist - So Yes - As a Hobbyist -
It was an expensive “cost versus benefit” purchase.

For me though... It’s been a “game changer” - $$ well spent.
The system is an absolutely fabulous work piece holder for:
Using the Domino - Routing - Hand Planing - Sanding.
The Vac Sys makes for fast, efficient positioning setups -
And for quick positioning changes for the next task(s).
It lets me focus and spend my time on the actual woodworking -
Instead of the laborious/mundane tasks of positioning/clamping the work pieces.

 

[sancho57]

[member=10907]Papajoe[/member]

Talk to a different dealer. That Woodcraft guy prolly has not been trained in the use of FT and doesnt use them himself.

Maybe give Don or Allan a call at Anderson Ply. (they are the most FT knowledgable guys I know) also  Tool Nut , Beaver they'll help ya out better than that guy a woodcraft.

Lots of you tube videos on it to.

Bought and own the kit. It definately a game changer. If you route , sand, Use a  domino have a conturo/ edge band , repair, finish youll find it useful.

If you do get one, buy the kit.  Its your best value.

As a rule of thumb when FT offers a kit, get the kit.

 

[MikeGE]

I am a hobbyist, and my only regret in buying my VAC SYS was not buying it earlier.  I've used it on every project so far and don't want to go back to not having it.
My experience with two Woodcraft stores in northern Virginia was not good when it came to Festool.  The sales staff in each store appeared to be vaguely aware that they came in a gray box and had some green lettering, but other than that they were useless.  The guys at one store would talk your ears off about turning pen blanks on a lathe (which I couldn't care less about), but couldn't answer my basic questions about the Domino.
I don't know how the brick and mortar vendors work with the returns, but if the Woodcraft store doesn't sell many VAC SYS units, they likely don't want to be stuck with one if a customer brings it back.

 

[Rick Herrick]

I got to use my new Vac-Sys with my Domino for the first time today.  I am still smiling.  No more dang clamps...

 

[mschmidt10k]

I use my vac sys system for pretty much every project I work on - like someone else also posted, it's one of those tools that you kinda kick yourself for not buying earlier.

I have the two heads mounted on a single MFT/3 which makes routing/edgebanding/sanding 8' panels a breeze.

 

[HowardH]

My Woodcraft dealer didn’t have one on hand when I wanted to see one either.
The system is still apparently pretty high priced - Even with the price reduction -
Ergo very few sales.

I eventually bought the complete system (2 vacuum module heads - Full set of vacuum cups).
I’m a long time Hobbyist - So Yes - As a Hobbyist -
It was an expensive “cost versus benefit” purchase.

For me though... It’s been a “game changer” - $$ well spent.
The system is an absolutely fabulous work piece holder for:
Using the Domino - Routing - Hand Planing - Sanding.
The Vac Sys makes for fast, efficient positioning setups -
And for quick positioning changes for the next task(s).
It lets me focus and spend my time on the actual woodworking -
Instead of the laborious/mundane tasks of positioning/clamping the work pieces.

I have the set as well.  I haven't been able to use it much at the moment but the possibilities are significant. That dealer who said it's a waste of money has his head up his 6.  I've got a bunch of cutting/cheese boards I'm making for gifts over the next few weeks and the system is going to be invaluable.  My plan is also to use the vacuum pump with a bag so I can start doing veneers/inlay clamping.  It's amazing just how much suction that pump can impart.  The workpiece simply doesn't move.