VAC SYS Question

[jhall]

I am trying to decide on a vac system set to buy.  I have read most of the responses on the subject. I can get one clamp and the different heads or two clamps and wait on the heads.  I have a small shop and plan to make doors, cabinets, book shelves and cutting boards. I have both dominos and some sanders.  Just wondering if any owners have a thought. 

 

[bigshaw929]

I only have the one head with diffract cups. The only time I wish I had a second head is on large pieces which I don’t do often. I think it comes down to the pieces you are going to work with. If you are doing a lot of full size doors go for the two head system.

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[Birdhunter]

I saw a Festool demo where a full sized door was supported by a two head system. Solid.

 

[nclemmons]

I’d get the head assortment and defer on the second base.  Far more useful on a variety of projects. 

 

[dltflt]

I agree that you should get the head assortment over the second base.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Agree on one head and bases. Very useful and holds work securely. Dream for routing and Dominos.

 

[jhall]

Thank for the input.  I am going to head down next week and check it out.  Sounds like the one clamp with heads makes the most sense.  If I ever decide to add the second one I can later.  Sounds like I maybe overthinking it.

 

[jeh]

I have not looked at recent pricing of buying a 2nd head after the first, but I believe it was quite a bit more costly when I was looking at it. Also, a few years ago the sets were more money and they were reduced significantly. It may be the first tool they have lowered the price on. I have not bought one yet, but am doing so in the next few weeks.

 

[Cheese]

1 base + vacuum cup assortment...what'll happen is you'll use the single base on every item except for the doors and then when the door project comes around, you'll just go and flat out purchase the 2nd base because you'll have had so much experience and so many great results from using the single base.

Besides, the single base with the D215 vacuum cup will support 198# horizontally and 121# vertically.

 

[Jeff Zanin]

I have the two bases and the set of heads, for all but one or two projects one base has been enough but the variety of heads is very handy.

 

[jarbroen]

I too scratched my head on which set to get.  They have so many different parts and the Festool site is a bit murky at first glance.
I saw a post by another member talking about the Vac Sys and it started me down that expensive road...
Just so happens I'm building a set of kitchen cabinets and the Vac Sys is saving me a bunch of time.  And then I found the  Sedge video and that demo put me over the fence on buying.

Anyway, I ended up getting the 203149.  I wanted just the 203148 with a single clamp, but the only place I could find a Vac-Sys somewhat locally only had the 2 clamp setup.  I was going to wait on the extra head, but it's nice to have it now instead of worrying about availability when I need it.
You get two of the clamping heads with the 203149 kit - including the oblong that comes with the head kit. 
You will save about $40 if you but a complete kit vs buying the SE2 clamp later. 
If you plan on bigger stuff like doors and taller bookcases then it's worth considering the 2 clamp kit.
Kinda rambling at this point, but it's one of those really helpful/unique Festool systems that doesn't get as much attention as something like the Domino.

 

[jhall]

Thanks for your input.  That is what I am thinking. On one hand it only cost 40 if I get the second head kit.

 

[jhall]

Update
I ended up getting the sys vac 2. I fibbed I can make due with the 2 different heads and still use it for the bigger project I have planned.  I am sure in the near future I well get head kit.  Has anyone had any luck subbing the round head for one that comes with sys 2.