Vacuum Clamping system limits downsides

[junk731]

Some my find this interesting with regards to vacuum clamping.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/vac-sys-my-version/msg122188/#msg122188

 

[rst]

kcufstoidi, if you go to Virutex's website...http://virutex.com/vacuumclamp.aspx,  you'll see that this is Virutex's basic unit.  I had bought two of the Vacuum Clamp -Model SVN-470 units and mounted them onto bar stool swivels before I bought the Festool version because the differing heads are more versatile for the projects I build.  Wanna buy two Virutex units anyone?

 

[junk731]

RST the Virutex units weren't around when I did my little project and even my LV setup is typically too high on a MFT to work comfortably. I only use the Carvers clamp now when I want to do something on 90 degrees.

The vacuum pads are produced by an Australian company and I find placing the pads directly on the MFT surface works much better for me. The bottom lines is when I put this together, for less money than the Virutex head alone I bought 2 pads, the LV Carvers clamp and then later a vacuum pump. If I truly needed more and wanted to spend a stupid amount of money I would purchase something from Barth.
https://www.martin-usa.com/products/vakuucar-vakuucar-xl/

 

[tjbnwi]

Seeing as the height of the working surface has come up a few times, a few links to threads on the subject.

Sedge uses his variant of the mount in the first link.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/vac-sys-on-mft-3/msg460739/#msg460739

RST took it a further using 80/20.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festo...cuum-clamping-system-set/msg503550/#msg503550

Tom

 

[grbmds]

Mounted mine on the side of my MFT with a piece of plywood and some t-nuts. That puts it down lower and, if mounted at the correct height will keep head below the MFT work surface if not in use and in the right position. It works well that way and keeps it out and handy when it's used. I believe the plans for mounting  this way are in the Conturo User Manual. This manual can be found online by searching for "Conturo User Manual".

 

[rst]

I used 8020 to create adjustable shelve to mount my modules at table top height.
View attachment 1  View attachment 2

 

[LDBecker]

I use the VacSys 1 and 2 to hold long boards when handplaning the edges - I was really disappointed when I tried it with them mounted on the MFT/3 (even with the braces installed), but when I mount the vacuum heads on a solid surface, like my table saw, it's just fine.