Vac Sys Pump used for Vacuum bag press system

[sanjay]

I don't want to flog a dead horse, and have seen lots of threads already on this forum about using a vacuum bag with the Vac SYS pump.  Some of the links and fittings and links are broken so looking for an update if anyone has managed to get this to work.

I plan to buy a 4x6' bag from either Vacupress or Veneersupplies.  I have  seen a link to this fitting too:

Milton Industries 1/4 NPT:https://www.amazon.com/ColorFit-Meg...f=sr_1_1?crid=2DXFP2CZC0SPT&keywords=ColorFit+by+Milton+HIGHFLOWPRO+Coupler+%26+Plug+Kit+-+%28V-Style%2C+Purple%29+-+1%2F4%22+NPT%2C&qid=1654608342&sprefix=colorfit+by+milton+highflowpro+coupler+%26+plug+kit+-+v-style%2C+purple+-+1%2F4+npt%2C%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-1

1) Does anyone know if this fitting works to connect to the Vac Sys.  I will buy some hose and a hose clip to attach this fitting to a hose.

2) The Vac- SYS is a continuous pump.  Should I/ Do I need to build an inline system to cycle the pump using the veneer supplies vacuum controller??

3) Another option is to buy the festool extra vac sys hose part but its rather expensive for a piece of hose (surprise!).  is there a cheaper way of building this part? (see Q 1)

Thanks in advance!

 

[rmwarren]

[member=75841]sanjay[/member] the "hi flow" fittings typically fit the Vacsys quick connector. I have some I haven't used, just be aware that they may not be designed to be used for vacuum. Not sure if this is an issue or not.

I'll be interested to see how this works out, I'm planning something similar. I was aiming to put a shutoff valve inline myself with the hope that I don't need to let the pump run continuously.

RMW

 

[woodwise]

In regards to question 2:

The vac-sys pump is rated for continuous duty so you may not need to use a regulator/controller to cycle it. That said, all pumps that I know of have a service life and for an application like this, I don't know that it makes sense to run the pump continuously.
If you are doing a one off project then it may not be worth your time to develop a way to regulate the vacuum and turn the pump off.  However, If you vacuum bag more often, this approach would extend the life of the pump.

As you probably know, it is suggested to add a larger reservoir and a check valve to further reduce cycling of the pump. Vacuum is also much more sensitive to the type of connectors used. Many connectors designed for pressure may work fine, or at least good enough for many users. Even if they do work OK, they can also introduce intermittent problems and over time, or in demanding applications will not be the best choice.

Good luck!

 

[afish]

I cant help with the fittings but Im sure the festool pump will work.  I use the veneer supplies bag and I like it.  4x6 is pretty good size bag and its going to take a bit on the first pull to get all the air out with the smaller festool pump.  I take my CT and place it over the nipple on the bag and it removes 90% of the air in seconds not minutes.  Then just put the vac pump on and draw out the last bit of air. As far as run time it will depend on the glue you are using.  I sometimes use epoxy and leave it over night.  Some of the veneer glues wont require that long of clamping.  I would not leave it without the pump running though.  You will always have some vacuum escaping somewhere.  Its been awhile but I would say my pump kicks on every 30min or so.  Just FYI joe at veneer supplies sells everything you need to make your festool pump cycle.  I think I spent around $100 bucks in parts to convert my compressor over to a cycling vacuum pump.  That included items like a vacuum gauge and filter which you probably wont need since the festool pump already has it onboard.  Really all you need is a vacuum switch which you can get from Joe and a contactor which is like 15 bucks plus some misc. brass fittings.  He has instructions on his site. 

 

[Cheese]

That Milton fitting looks like the Husky High Flow fitting which I use on a Milwaukee (GAST) vacuum pump with the Festool QD. The Husky and Festool combination works well, however the Milwaukee vacuum pump runs continuously so keep that in mind. I have not leak tested the combination for use in intermittent operation.

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[Bob D.]

These are the ones I've used on the job. Probably overkill and too rich for a home shop, but they do work well. We normally used the SS versions.

Parker has a similar line, they are not compatible IIRC.
https://products.swagelok.com/en/valves/quick-connects/instrumentation-quick-connects/c/242?clp=true

Their quick connect catalog is here:https://www.swagelok.com/downloads/webcatalogs/en/ms-01-138.pdf

 

[afish]

The problem with the typical air QA is you wont know if you have any leaks with a pump that runs non stop but if you are trying to get to a point were your pump isnt kicking on every couple minutes then they can be a big issue.  If you dig around on veneer supplies web site Joe claims to have tested almost all of them and they all leaked until he found the one he sells which I think is some type of injection molding cooling line QA.  I tried locating them and the cheapest I found was slightly more than what he charges so I just order them from him.  I can confirm they are very good I leave my pump on 24/7 so if there was a leak I would know since my pump would be cycling which it doesn't unless I'm actually using it for clamping or bagging.

 

[sanjay]

The problem with the typical air QA is you wont know if you have any leaks with a pump that runs non stop but if you are trying to get to a point were your pump isnt kicking on every couple minutes then they can be a big issue.  If you dig around on veneer supplies web site Joe claims to have tested almost all of them and they all leaked until he found the one he sells which I think is some type of injection molding cooling line QA.  I tried locating them and the cheapest I found was slightly more than what he charges so I just order them from him.  I can confirm they are very good I leave my pump on 24/7 so if there was a leak I would know since my pump would be cycling which it doesn't unless I'm actually using it for clamping or bagging.

Thanks everyone for their help!  For this setup did you use the festool vacuum?  do you mind sharing which QA you bought from him that work with the Vac sys?

 

[rmwarren]

McMaster sells quality fittings, at least a step above the box store variety.

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RMW

 

[afish]

The problem with the typical air QA is you wont know if you have any leaks with a pump that runs non stop but if you are trying to get to a point were your pump isnt kicking on every couple minutes then they can be a big issue.  If you dig around on veneer supplies web site Joe claims to have tested almost all of them and they all leaked until he found the one he sells which I think is some type of injection molding cooling line QA.  I tried locating them and the cheapest I found was slightly more than what he charges so I just order them from him.  I can confirm they are very good I leave my pump on 24/7 so if there was a leak I would know since my pump would be cycling which it doesn't unless I'm actually using it for clamping or bagging.

Thanks everyone for their help!  For this setup did you use the festool vacuum?  do you mind sharing which QA you bought from him that work with the Vac sys?

No, but the fittings are typically 1/4" npt or barb once you have a fitting that plugs into the festool pump you can do just about anything.