VAC SYS DISCONTINUED?

[Rollin22Petes]

Does anybody know the official word on this, Toolnut says its permanently dicontinued as of December 1, others say its  not orderable, and even others show a ship date of January or Feburary. I was finally going to purchase one and this happens just my luck. Does anyone know of a good alternative ? Thanks, Chris

 

[Packard]

I don't know this company, but they are still offering it.
https://www.woodworkingshop.com/pro...MI_Oiw4aDI9AIV2f_jBx05dAe7EAYYBCABEgKGWvD_BwE

 

[DynaGlide]

I'm pretty surprised by this - was there an announcement? This is their best tool as it is useful to any woodworker regardless of their Festool affiliation.

 

[Packard]

Rockler offers a vacuum clamping system: https://www.rockler.com/rockler-vacuum-clamp-pod-kit.  The vacuum pump is sold separately.

This google search shows others including Lee Valley, Infinity Tools, etc.  Surf:
https://www.google.com/search?q=vacuum+clamping+system&client=firefox-b-1-d&ei=XWGqYZvZEqGbptQPybSEuAs&ved=0ahUKEwjb-6fhoMj0AhWhjYkEHUkaAbcQ4dUDCA0&uact=5&oq=vacuum+clamping+system&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIGCAAQFhAeMgkIABDJAxAWEB4yBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB4yBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB46BwgAEEcQsAM6EQgAEOoCELQCEIoDELcDEOUCOgQIABBDOgUIABCRAjoOCC4QgAQQsQMQxwEQowI6CwguEIAEEMcBEKMCOggILhCABBCxAzoOCC4QgAQQsQMQxwEQ0QM6DQguELEDEMcBEKMCEEM6BwgAELEDEEM6CAgAEIAEELEDOggIABDJAxCRAjoICAAQgAQQyQM6BwgAEIAEEAo6CAghEBYQHRAeOgUIIRCgAToECAAQDToGCAAQDRAeOgkIABDJAxANEB46CAgAEA0QBRAeSgQIQRgASgQIRhgAUMcDWMJGYM9JaAdwAngAgAGFAYgB9BCSAQQyNS4ymAEAoAEBsAEKyAEIwAEB&sclient=gws-wiz

 

[DynaGlide]

Yeah I know you can cobble something together with other company's products. I just like the robustness of the Vac Sys pivoting head.

 

[Rollin22Petes]

Yeah it kinda surprised me also, no announcement that know of. I've seen some of the systems Packard referred too but they just don't offer the versatility of the Vac sys especially the pivoting heads. 

 

[elfick]

I suspect it's just an error as right underneath the discontinued notice is a notice that states: "Pre-Order - Ships on January 24, 2022 - Subject to Change"

It's still listed on the Festool USA site.

I'm sure [member=48572]Shane Holland[/member] can clarify.

 

[DynaGlide]

I suspect it's just an error

Here's hoping. I always tell people if I had to keep only one Festool, it'd be the vac sys. I use it on every project.

 

[elfick]

It may be that Festool is no longer including VAC SYS SE 2 in 203149. I see the VAC SYS SE 2 listed on the Toolnut site but not on the Festool site as being part of that SKU.

 

[Rollin22Petes]

It is a bit confusing hopefully Shane or somebody at Festool can shed some light on the situation. I order a lot of stuff from Highland woodworking as there so close it's only a one day ship, and they have taken the sets,the pumps,and the heads completely off there site.

 

[Shane Holland]

Some dealers may have inventory in stock or in transit, but we are sold out of the VAC-SYS with the exception of one of the head units.

The official word from FUSA is...

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.

 

[Rollin22Petes]

Not what I wanted to hear, but Thanks for the clarification.

 

[ChuckM]

My local Lee Valley still has limited quantities of the system/set available. But their website is still taking US/Canadian orders for delivery expected in Dec. and Jan., apparently drawing from the inventory that's in transit to N.A.

I had been eyeing this sys for a while, but decided that it doesn't match the way I work. 

 

[squall_line]

[eek] [eek]

Another line item in the list of tools I'm glad I purchased this year, but also a bit worried because now it's a orphan/unicorn.

See also: CMS Router Table.

[sad] [sad] [sad]

 

[jonnyrocket]

This is one of those tools that la hard to fully appreciate how great it is until you start using it. I picked up the basic version on the recon site 2 years ago and have been considering getting the second head for it.

 

[fignewton]

Some dealers may have inventory in stock or in transit, but we are sold out of the VAC-SYS with the exception of one of the head units.

The official word from FUSA is...

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.

Holy crapola!  I'd been waiting for them to come back in stock somewhere to order and now this. [mad]  I wanted one and the different head set to go with it. 

 

[DynaGlide]

This is one of those tools that la hard to fully appreciate how great it is until you start using it. I picked up the basic version on the recon site 2 years ago and have been considering getting the second head for it.

I've never found a need for the 2nd head. Now i'm considering one, just in case?

 

[gsdvorak]

Wow- this is surprising.  This has become an invaluable tool in my shop.  I have both heads and, while I don’t use the SE-2 often, it does get used. 

Hope if you are looking that you are able to find before they are no longer available.

Regards,
Gerald

 

[Cheese]

I've never found a need for the 2nd head. Now i'm considering one, just in case?

Better sooner than later Matt...TN had 2 of them in stock, they now only have one left.  [big grin]

 

[ScotF]

Wow...I agree, this tool is invaluable.