VAC sys

[richard.selwyn]

I know it is NAINA so forgive me, but I was using the Vacs Sys yesterday and had the client leaning over me ( just routing a simple circle out of MDF for his wife - but try doing that if you gave no means to clamp the stock.)
The point I wanted to make was that it is probably the Festool investment after the saws (ATF 55, TS55 and TS 75) that has had the biggest effect on the way I work. Yes it was ( for me) a huge investment, but it has paid for itself many times in the amount of time I save.
But what prompted me to post was the reaction from the client ( a retired engineer) who thought it was actually reasonably priced. [wink]
Most amusing was when I showed him how powerful the thing is. The pump will hold a second piece of MDF firmly onto a first clamped piece (I never knew MDF was porous) and you struggle to remove it without releasing the pump.
Richard

 

[Guy Ashley]

[scared] [scared] [scared]

Oh Man!!

You have done it now!! Poor old Shane is about to get another barrage of hate mail on behalf of our frustrated friends across the pond!!

Go on rub it a bit more!! Post some pictures!! HA HA! [tongue] [tongue]

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Go on rub it a bit more!! Post some pictures!! HA HA! [tongue] [tongue]

[ban] [poke]

 

[junk731]

Richard I have to say all the previous talk about the Vac-Sys prompted me to assemble my own from pieces available from Lee Valley. Not as fancy as the Festool version but like you I use it constantly when I'm working and for around $200.00 the price was right.

John

 

[bjackson3]

Richard I have to say all the previous talk about the Vac-Sys prompted me to assemble my own from pieces available from Lee Valley. Not as fancy as the Festool version but like you I use it constantly when I'm working and for around $200.00 the price was right.

John

Could you please post up some pics and give some directions on how you made it.  I would love one of these things.

 

[junk731]

Could you please post up some pics and give some directions on how you made it.  I would love one of these things.
[/quote]

Here's my original post. Take a look at it first and let me know if you need more info.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/vac-sys-my-version/msg122161/#msg122161

John

 

[ScotF]

John -- thanks for the post and the link to your solution -- very cool!

For those wanting one similar to what Festool offers in the US, you can contact Schamlz

http://us.schmalz.com/

It makes similar clamps, pads and vacuum pumps to the Vac Sys (sans the Systainer and color).  They are pricey units, though.

Scot

 

[junk731]

I went to a Schmalz branch close to a couple of my suppliers, a venturi vacuum clamp that could pivot 90 degrees was just over $600.00 CDN. It was extremely well made and you could get some different pads that quick change. You could also get a vacuum only unit for around the same price but need a vacuum pump which ranged in price from $500.00 to $900.00 for their unit. Personally after using the Lee Valley venturi pad I won't upgrade until I get into some vacuum veneering. The compressor doesn't cycle that much and when in use the noise level is low.

John

 

[fshanno]

I know it is NAINA so forgive me, but I was using the Vacs Sys yesterday and had the client leaning over me ( just routing a simple circle out of MDF for his wife - but try doing that if you gave no means to clamp the stock.)
The point I wanted to make was that it is probably the Festool investment after the saws (ATF 55, TS55 and TS 75) that has had the biggest effect on the way I work. Yes it was ( for me) a huge investment, but it has paid for itself many times in the amount of time I save.
But what prompted me to post was the reaction from the client ( a retired engineer) who thought it was actually reasonably priced. [wink]
Most amusing was when I showed him how powerful the thing is. The pump will hold a second piece of MDF firmly onto a first clamped piece (I never knew MDF was porous) and you struggle to remove it without releasing the pump.
Richard

Would it hold a base cabinet deck or side for edge banding using peel and stick such as FastEdge?  You have to apply a lot of pressure to set that kind of banding, I really lean into it.

Can you buy just the clamp fixture and use your own pump?

 

[richard.selwyn]

I have two clamp units and with the biggest circular clamping pads the answer is yes.  Two pads will hold a door no problem ( provided the surface is smooth. Pretty much whatever you stick to the pad will stick strong enough to be very hard if not impossible to remove without activating the pedal release (another really practical feature) The fact the the units with stick themselves to a smooth surface as they have vacuum bases is a plus. Mine are currently on the MFT - full of holes - so the a mounted on a sheet of melamine I have clamped to the table. It is one of my many temporary, 'quick and dirty' solutions which seem to end up pretty permanent.
I should point out that although this sounds like a plug for Festool I am only associated to the company in as much as most of my earnings have been coverted into Festools [wink] [wink]

However you sort out your vacuum clamping (and Festool should really bring it to the US IMHO ) I cannot recommend vacuum clamping highly enough. So many jig sawing, routing and sanding tasks are facilitated.

Today I have been building 8’ x 4’ torsion boxes and using another of my favourite gadgets - a pressurised gluepot. Mine is an overpriced Lamello., but I think it is something you could make yourself and if doing huge glue ups is a real time saver.
Regards
Richard.