Vac Sys

[Birdhunter]

I installed my Vac Sys on the MFT base today. I thought $250 was extremely expensive for some sheet metal and a few screw components. But, the MFT base works well once I got it installed. The Vac Sys head does tuck neatly underneath the MFT when stowed. The instructions are not too helpful, but that's typical of Festool.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the Vac Sys and expect to use it a lot more than I anticipated

 

[linnlp12]

I originally purchased the plate and returned it.  I mistakenly thought it could also hold the head on the side of the table in addition to top.  I will build the side mount attachment from the Conturo manual.

 

[rljatl]

[member=15289]Birdhunter[/member] 
Would love to see some pictures of your setup.

 

[Birdhunter]

Here's my set up.

 

[Birdhunter]

Folded under

 

[copcarcollector]

[member=15289]Birdhunter[/member]  Thanks for the images, I have yet to use my MFT clamp. Question though, how are these large knobs on the bottom side used? Do you remove them, flip the VAC clamp on to the tabletop, then re secure with the knobs from below through the MFT holes?

[attachimg=1]

 

[Birdhunter]

With the vacuum head flipped up and resting on top of the MFT, the large knobs go through an MFT hole and screw from under the MFT into the metal base plate. The large knobs have a piece that fits into the MFT holes. Getting the base plate moved left-right so that the threads on the large knobs line up with the threaded holes in the base plate is necessary. With the large knobs screwed into the base plate from under the MFT, the base plate is firmly held down. The large knobs have to be removed to stow the vacuum head under the MFT. I screwed the large knobs back into the base plate just to avoid losing them.

P.S. Once I had the base plate positioned so that the large knobs threads lined up with the base plate threaded holes, I marked my MFT where the base plate went so it would be easy to put back on if I ever removed it.

 

[copcarcollector]

[member=15289]Birdhunter[/member]  Thanks, I kind of figured that was what was going on. Do you find it 100% necessary to secure the base plate to the MFT this way, have you tried it without securing the knobs from underneath? I figured the clamp head base was pretty heavy and should be stable during use, but again have not tried it yet on my end....

 

[rljatl]

Thanks for the pics.  That is slick the way it folds under the MFT and out of the way.

 

[Birdhunter]

I have been working with some heavy pieces and didn't want to chance having the head flip over. There is probably some nifty way to use a clamp instead of the large knobs to hold the base plate down.

 

[Birdhunter]

I'm still thinking about buying a short MFT profile and building a dedicated station for the Vac Sys. I would want the height to be at least 4" lower than with the unit on the MFT.

 

[miclee15]

How is the process to stowing it away?  I like the design, but it would have to be similar or faster then unlocking to quick clamps and moving to my bucket w/a lid stand.

 

[grbmds]

I have mounted mine on the side track of the MFT. When not in use I just rotate the head 90 degrees. It I'd mounted so that this puts the unit completely below the MFT surface. It puts the mounting head at a good height for me when in use. Might not work for people taller than 5' 8". Depends on how much taller (or shorter!). I love it and use it a lot, especially for sanding and Domino work. It is one of my favorite tools but would agree that it's too high when on top of the MFT or an workbench.

 

[Birdhunter]

Once I got the base plate and Vac Sys correctly positioned, it is easy to flip it under the MFT. There are two sliding knobs that lock into the base plate once it is flipped under the MFT. These two sliding knobs lock the base plate into the flipped under position.

I just don't have a convenient place to store the Vac Sys, pump, and foot pedal other than under the MFT or I would have not spent the $250 for the base plate.

If I build a dedicated station for the Vac Sys, it will be on rollers.

 

[tjbnwi]

How I mounted mine.

Tom

 

[linnlp12]

This is what I plan to build with pump away from work area.  Do you have any concerns with dust impacting the longevity of the vacuum pump by mounting it under the table?

 

[tjbnwi]

This is what I plan to build with pump away from work area.  Do you have any concerns with dust impacting the longevity of the vacuum pump by mounting it under the table?

No, the intake is filtered. Dust collection is very good with the tools I use while working with the Vac Sys.

Tom

 

[Birdhunter]

That "side mount" is a great idea.

When we lived in NJ I had an entire basement as a work area and didn't need to squeeze everything into a tight area as I do now.

I'd probably steal your aiea if I had more room.

 

[tjbnwi]

That "side mount" is a great idea.

When we lived in NJ I had an entire basement as a work area and didn't need to squeeze everything into a tight area as I do now.

I'd probably steal your aiea if I had more room.

You wont be stealing my idea, I got the side mount system from the Festool Conturo manual/book.

Tom