Vac Sys - First use on a project

[dwillis]

I realize that the Vac Sys was discontinued at the end of 2021, but in seeing it in use on YouTube I decided to attempt to buy one. As many people have commented on FOG it wasn't easy (or cheap) to find all the bits and pieces. After placing a number of orders with different distributors, cancelled orders, and false leads I finally assembled a complete system.

Today I finally got to put the Vac Sys to use, building an out feed table from my table saw. Part of the design is storage under the table for a variety of Systainers using both the drawers for Systainer 1 and 2's, and the rails for Systainer 3's. There are 15 vertical panels that have holes drilled for 5mm mounting screws, drilled using the LR-32 system. But holding the panels while drilling all those holes was going to be difficult, but not with the Vac Sys. I'm impressed with the Vac Sys and how it simplifies my work, especially repetitive steps like drilling shelf pin holes and cutting holes for Dominoes to secure the panels.

View attachment 1View attachment 2

 

[Birdhunter]

I bought mine when Festool put on a show at Highland Woodworking. Never dissatisfied with the tool.  I mostly use it for sanding. Better then rotating the wood in a vise.

 

[DynaGlide]

I love the Vac Sys. I've shared this a number of times, but I'll throw it out there again:

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/ask-festool/vac-sys-65183/msg628695/#msg628695

I'm jealous of what appears to be a sizable and pleasant workshop you have.

 

[LDBecker]

I have had one for a while, and use it mostly for sanding and edge routing. I haven't made a base for the two heads yet - I usually just clamp a non-porous piece of ply onto the MFT and suction the two heads to it. I really need to make a vertical base. How are you attaching the heads to the wood piece? It looks like they're screwed on? I looked at the Festool metal bases and they were ridiculously expensive and probably not even available anymore.
Glad you managed to get a set - I picked up another thin head recently - was glad to find it.

 

[dwillis]

LDBecker- I built vertical bases (I have two heads) out of 18 mm Baltic birch plywood and attached the head to the plywood with countersunk machine screws and plastic knobs on each corner. Then the base and head are attached to the side of the MFT with T-bolts and plastic knobs. To ensure good suction the plywood has several coats of polyurethane. I read on FOG that by using the suction clamping of the head to the base provides additional volume for the vacuum.

I agree about the Festool metal bases, a scrap piece of plywood and some hardware was a lot less expensive. Like you I'm glad I found a second base unit, helps for larger pieces.

View attachment 1

 

[dwillis]

I love the Vac Sys. I've shared this a number of times, but I'll throw it out there again:

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/ask-festool/vac-sys-65183/msg628695/#msg628695

I'm jealous of what appears to be a sizable and pleasant workshop you have.

DynaGlide- Thank you for your kind comment on my workshop. I retired several years ago and have been building the workshop, with a smaller house attached. 8)