VacSys System Strange question

[Domino11]

As we've all read the Vacsys has been discontinued.
But, I can get my hands on the  Festool 580062 Vac Sys SE 2 Clamping Module

My question (pardon my ignorance) If I purchase 2 of the Festool 580062 Vac Sys SE 2 Clamping Modules  and Source a quality Pump..... will this work  ?
Meaning can the SE 2 work Without a  SE1  ?

Thanks guys.

 

[chrisrosenb]

Yes. You will also need a foot pedal or another way to release the vacuum & fittings to make connections.

 

[afish]

correct, vacuum is vacuum you will need some tubing and or fitting more than likely as well and those festool fittings are really pricey. I use a small pneumatic switch instead of a pedal since I dont like extra clutter at my feet. 

 

[DynaGlide]

I would rig it using Festo fittings if I were going that route.

 

[jt073]

My original thread herehttps://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/my-vac-sys-setup/msg548750/#msg548750
And subsequent posts herehttps://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/my-vac-sys-setup/msg560390/#msg560390

may be of interest.

Cheers

 

[afish]

I would rig it using Festo fittings if I were going that route.

Agreed, and just fyi vacuum clamping can be done very cheaply if you want.  The biggest benefit of the Vac sys is the tilt and swivel head. However, I have never really needed that.  Its a nice feature but unless you are doing it professionally its a bit of overkill.  I am tight on space and have to be very careful about what I buy from here on out.  I dont have the luxury of having the space for a dedicated vac sys bench so the pods would be in the way when not used.  I would be putting on and taking off the heads all the time.  So, I went a different route and made the pods that simply plug into to the MFT holes and a simple pneumatic valve thats about $16. My pods where made from scrap and can be setup and removed in about 30 seconds.

I have about $100 bucks in misc. fittings, tubing, and valves, another $100 in parts to convert an old compressor to vacuum pump and probably another $100 in wasted money developing to where I am now.

 

[Domino11]

All great replies.

Thanks guys.  Very much.

 

[LDBecker]

I have both VacSys modules, the extra pods, and even a few additional pods for clamping things in both modules that need the same size of vacuum pod. I almost always need to use both modules for projects. 

I've also build my own system for my CNC that uses a stronger pump (6cfm, where Festool's is 2.06cfm) and either my own fixtures or the Rockler pads (https://www.rockler.com/rockler-vacuum-clamp-pod-kit). I like that the Festool system has a valve in the center of the pod. The Rockler system has a ball valve in the center - not as effective if you loose vacuum pressure for some reason (oh, like cutting a little too deeply and scoring the seal - not that I've done that...).

I'm glad I have both, but I had wished that the Festool pump was stronger. It is certainly adequate for the two modules, though.