Vac-Sys 2nd head

[live4ever]

Thinking about picking up a second head and wondering whether it makes more sense to get a SE1 or SE2 + additional foot pedal.

If I get another SE1, do I need some other additional hose/fitting that allows the two clamps to share the pump?

The main reason I want to get a second clamp is for large panels and doors, but I also would benefit from having two independent setups as at the moment I have a shop in two locations and it would be handy not to have to transport the setup. 

 

[GarryMartin]

I'm not sure I understand the question.

The SE1 is a combined pump and clamping module kit. The SE2 is an additional clamping module.

Are you asking if you get a second SE1, how you could use the clamping module from the second kit on its own with the pump of the first SE1 if you wanted to? If so, then you'd need some additional connectors similar to those that ship as standard with the SE2.

See the below video for some guidance.
=347

 

[Acer]

I went with the two SE1's and bought the fittings so that I could operate them off one foot pedal. The cost here worked out to be about the same as buying the SE2 and the separate foot pedal. There wasn't much in it. I'm using an Excel 5 so have the ability to have two outlets off the manifold, each with it's own ball valve. Easy to run the two vacuum heads totally separately which is great with two of us on a project.

 

[live4ever]

I'm not sure I understand the question.

The SE1 is a combined pump and clamping module kit. The SE2 is an additional clamping module.

Are you asking if you get a second SE1, how you could use the clamping module from the second kit on its own with the pump of the first SE1 if you wanted to? If so, then you'd need some additional connectors similar to those that ship as standard with the SE2.

See the below video for some guidance.
=347

Hi Garry,

Sorry - I think I wasn't very clear on my question.

In the US the SE1 refers to just the clamp with the round pad and foot valve, and the SE2 refers to the other clamp with oblong pad and fittings to connect it to the first foot valve.  The SE1 + pump are the "system" and the SE1+SE2+pump are the "system set."  Or something like that... [scratch chin]

[member=59057]Acer[/member]
Thanks - I'm also going to be running off the Excel 5 at least some of the time and leaning towards a second SE1.  Are the part numbers for the extra fitting readily available via dealers or did you have to order through Festool?

 

[Cheese]

It's probably a horse apiece. If you're going to run 2 systems in 2 different locations you'll probably want 2 foot valves. You'll then still need to order some hose and quick couplings along with a tee to marry the two heads together.

However, the quick couplings from Festool are $50 each. The hose from Festool is also pretty spendy. So you'll probably be a few bucks ahead if you order the SE 2 kit with all the hose/fittings/quick couplings and then order an extra foot valve for $104.

 

[live4ever]

It's probably a horse apiece. If you're going to run 2 systems in 2 different locations you'll probably want 2 foot valves. You'll then still need to order some hose and quick couplings along with a tee to marry the two heads together.

However, the quick couplings from Festool are $50 each. The hose from Festool is also pretty spendy. So you'll probably be a few bucks ahead if you order the SE 2 kit with all the hose/fittings/quick couplings and then order an extra foot valve for $104.

Yeah I think you're right [member=44099]Cheese[/member].  It might be easier to order a SE2 and extra foot valve.  Different ways to go and probably similar in price.  We'll see if I get lucky on a recon clamp and let that decide my fate.  [tongue]

 

[Acer]

I bought non Festool fittings so the two SE1's could run off the one pedal. The quality was good but they are heavier than the Festool ones. (Some discussion on connectors here) Also getting a barb into the Festool double wall tubing required a hair dryer, which was a bit of a pain. The tubing that comes with the Excel 5 is easier to work with than the Festool tubing. If you go down the track of two SE1's you will need a bit of extra vacuum tubing to get the job done. The Festool female fittings are really nice and already fitted on the SE2, no extra tubing needed.

I'm very happy with the outcome but the difference in cost was not great.

Another thing to consider is that if you go with the two SE1's you end up with 2 of the large vacuum cups. If you add the SE2 you end up with one large round cup and one oblong vacuum cup. Either way you will likely end up purchasing a few of the other vacuum cups.

 

[Cheese]

Ya as Acer has mentioned, the most reliable/consistent results probably lean towards using the Festool OEM fittings/tubing.
Having worked in the semiconductor industry for many years, there is a difference between quick disconnects targeted for vacuum use and those targeted for pressurized applications. With that in mind, I decided to just go with the Festool QD’s and vacuum hose and be done with further potential issues that may pop up later.

I adapted a Milwaukee vacuum pump from a Milwaukee diamond drilling rig for use with the Vac-SYS, so my situation is similar to yours.

I’m happy with the results. Those fittings just do not leak.

 

[MansKave]

Hey Garry

Do you happen to know the parts list for converting/using a second SE1 head essentially as a SE2 head? (One festool pump and pedal, and two clamp heads)

I'm not sure I understand the question.

The SE1 is a combined pump and clamping module kit. The SE2 is an additional clamping module.

Are you asking if you get a second SE1, how you could use the clamping module from the second kit on its own with the pump of the first SE1 if you wanted to? If so, then you'd need some additional connectors similar to those that ship as standard with the SE2.

See the below video for some guidance.
=347

 

[GarryMartin]

Do you happen to know the parts list for converting/using a second SE1 head essentially as a SE2 head? (One festool pump and pedal, and two clamp heads)

Sorry [member=80287]MansKave[/member] I do not.

 

[tsmi243]

There's a long thread about it somewhere, the upshot being that the threaded bits a BSP, and the quick disconnects are the "hi flow" versions of standard US air fittings, which you can get at Lowes. 

If you're willing to suffer the indignities of barb fittings and hose clamps, then it doesn't really matter what parts you use.

 

[jlt23]

This thread lists some parts which may help. High flow fittings would be the euro style which Prevost makes.
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/sys-vac-question/60/