VAC SYS DISCONTINUED?

[Michael Kellough]

Does the steel VAS SYS mounting plate that attaches to the frame of the MFT3 also fit the older MFT 1080?

Anyone know?

 

[Coen]

Didn't Festool make things in series? So they build up stock, then make stock of another machine, etc.? That would explain older manufacturing dates and things going out of stock.

The CTL'S definitely didn't have old manufacturing dates. But yeah, things like RAS, LS 130; they don't sell that much.

 

[Coen]

Does the steel VAS SYS mounting plate that attaches to the frame of the MFT3 also fit the older MFT 1080?

Anyone know?

It doesn't use the V-grove, right? I don't think the location of the side T-slot changed with the MFT/3? Not sure though.

 

[squall_line]

Does the steel VAS SYS mounting plate that attaches to the frame of the MFT3 also fit the older MFT 1080?

Anyone know?

It doesn't use the V-grove, right? I don't think the location of the side T-slot changed with the MFT/3? Not sure though.

Correct, it uses the T-slot.

Even if it didn't use the T-slot, you could use the plate by itself and clamp it to the table assuming the holes in the 1080 are spaced the same as on the MFT-3, and leave the hinged piece swinging in the breeze.  The T-slot attachment is used to allow the whole thing to swivel out of the way and remain attached to the table, stowed underneath.  I was tempted to mount mine to my MW1000 to make it super portable, but I'm worried about the working height being too tall.  Also, even though it would be nice and compact, it seems like an awfully expensive way to make a portable Vac-Sys.

Didn't Festool make things in series? So they build up stock, then make stock of another machine, etc.? That would explain older manufacturing dates and things going out of stock.

The CTL'S definitely didn't have old manufacturing dates. But yeah, things like RAS, LS 130; they don't sell that much.

The Vac Sys set that I got from Recon last month has a build date of 06/2021 on the SE1 module.  The SE2 is buried and the pump is still in the box waiting for space to be cleared in the garage [embarassed],  but I'd be surprised if they didn't have similar dates if they were sold as a set.

 

[presidentsdad]

Just got one from existing stock and all of the manufacture dates were in 2021.  Odd thing though, the SE2 unit looks like it had a screw missed during assembly and the valve that controls the module sucking down to the surface won't work.  I have a call into support to see if I can just drive a thread forming screw into that spot.

 

[Tom Lykins]

Wow, that's unfortunate.  Was just about to pull the trigger on one...  Anyone know of any alternative vacuum workholding systems out there?  I have seen a few DIY, but nothing as slick as the VAC-SYS.

 

[DynaGlide]

Those of you with the 2nd Vac Head: How often are you using it, and for what? I've yet to come across a situation where I really needed it.

Matt

 

[Stan Tillinghast]

My Vac Sys System is supposed to arrive today at Lee Valley, per a customer service e-mail I just received. For current orders, the web page for that product is showing an estimated expected arrival January 30. So you may still be able to order one there.

 

[denovo]

Those of you with the 2nd Vac Head: How often are you using it, and for what? I've yet to come across a situation where I really needed it.

Matt

I use both heads all the time.  They are essential for large closet or pantry panels but I also use two for smaller panels.  Just as long as the panels are somewhat centered on the head you can release the vacuum with the foot pedal and replace one panel without the second panel falling off.  Therefore I can process two small panels at the same time!

 

[Stan Tillinghast]

Good to know that! I ordered a second head just in case, you know.... [big grin]

 

[fritter63]

Here is another source for a vacuum clamp that I have. I use this for holding acoustic guitar bodies while working on them. Not sure if it would be as good as the VAC-SYS.
https://www.lmii.com/clamps-vises/2595-vacuum-work-holder-wpanavise-mount.html

 

[grbmds]

Sure would be nice if Festool addressed this question directly rather than letting everyone speculate.

 

[DynaGlide]

It was addressed in Reply #10 [member=19734]grbmds[/member] .

This is just a North America thing, yes? So for those of us already with a Vac Sys theoretically we could import components of the system (anything but the pump basically) moving forward.

 

[squall_line]

I dunno, Matt, "permanently phasing out our Vac-Sys Clamping Systems. All major Vac-Sys components have permanently ceased production" sounds like it's more than just a North America exit.

 

[DynaGlide]

I dunno, Matt, "permanently phasing out our Vac-Sys Clamping Systems. All major Vac-Sys components have permanently ceased production" sounds like it's more than just a North America exit.

That's a message from Festool USA. I see no indication from abroad that they're discontinuing it.

 

[Cheese]

Unfortunately, I'm reading that this item is toast...worldwide.

"Due to continued supply chain pressure, Festool is permanently phasing out our Vac-Sys Clamping Systems. All major Vac-Sys components have permanently ceased production and final inventory is in transit to North America."

 

[semenza]

I dunno, Matt, "permanently phasing out our Vac-Sys Clamping Systems. All major Vac-Sys components have permanently ceased production" sounds like it's more than just a North America exit.

That's a message from Festool USA. I see no indication from abroad that they're discontinuing it.

If the statement is accurate, then it is not just North America. The Vac- Sys is not produced in North America.

I have no inside info ........... but the part in bold seems pretty definitive.

[member=71429]DerickC[/member]

Seth

 

[DynaGlide]

Welp that's a real shame then.

Do I bite the bullet and get the 2nd head now even though I have no current use for it?

 

[semenza]

Welp that's a real shame then.

Do I bite the bullet and get the 2nd head now even though I have no current use for it?

    YES!

Seth

 

[sancho57]

Welp that's a real shame then.

Do I bite the bullet and get the 2nd head now even though I have no current use for it?

Better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it especially if it’s being discontinued. Other wise you’ll be posting in the classifieds like so many others WTB

Also as a suggestion didn’t read the entire thread
Get the kit w the different sized heads to you’ll need them

I have both heads and the kit, I don’t frequently use the 2nd head but it sure comes in handy when I need it.
The kit with the different side heads i use  almost every project