Vacuum Clamping system limits downsides

[Slowlearner]

Ive been really eyeing the vac clamp system but im curious if there are any downsides? Can you use it to cut and route? Or even the domino 500?  Cant say i would use it alot but this one small project was a pain bc i had to jerry rig everything..

 

[tjbnwi]

Where are you located? There is an elevation limitation. Other than that, I haven't found one.

Once you get it you'll wonder why you waited so long.

Tom

 

[Slowlearner]

Im in nyc so im good there. Lol what have you used it for?

 

[grbmds]

I've owned the VacSys since it was available in the US. I have used it for all the things you asked about - routing, the Domino, sanding, and sometimes just for holding a piece to match up another piece. I have even clamped a drawer to it while sanding each side. It's very stable and creates a strong vacuum bond between the heads and the board. You can even use it for pattern routing. It's especially useful when you want to sand all edges or rout all edges. It's just a great tool, although very expensive.

 

[tjbnwi]

Im in nyc so im good there. Lol what have you used it for?

Everything you listed and a few things I probably shouldn't have....

Tom

 

[ScotF]

It is a nice tool that aids holding work. The work has to be flat and not too porous for a strong grip. That is really the only limitation I have come across...using pieces too porous or not flat enough on solid stock to create a good suction to the plate.

 

[junk731]

Vacuum clamping can be extremely helpful in certain situations is something we agree on. The ridiculous price of the Festool solution is a downside. The working height is too high for most normal sized people. The vacuum pump from all indications is low powered and not good for other vacuum projects. You can get into vacuum clamping system for less than the cost of a single Festool clamp. I personally did this back in 2009 when Festool first start talking about their unit in Europe only. If you got deep pockets go for the Festool, if not there are other options.

 

[rst]

The Festool vac system is great.  Granted it is expensive for a hobbist but if you are making multiples of parts to be sanded or machined it is the closest thing to a industrial system out there. I've been vac clamping parts for the last 40+ years.  Started using self made jigs and my Craftsman vac, went from there to using the intake on my air compressor, did that for a long time.  Got serious and bought a surplus HVAC compressor for $15.00, cheap as it was 220V, still using my jigs.  Found out that Virutex had a system and bought two and of course Festool finally decided to bring in their system soon after.  The variety of head shapes available with the Festool is only mirrored by truly industrial options which are believe it or not even more salty price wise.  It is easy to get into vacuum clamping on a budget.  There are cheaper compressor options and there are also small modules available from various woodworking suppliers.  Most people way over think the complexity for vacuum clamping.  It's really no different than sucking on a straw.

 

[tjbnwi]

Vacuum clamping can be extremely helpful in certain situations is something we agree on. The ridiculous price of the Festool solution is a downside. The working height is too high for most normal sized people. The vacuum pump from all indications is low powered and not good for other vacuum projects. You can get into vacuum clamping system for less than the cost of a single Festool clamp. I personally did this back in 2009 when Festool first start talking about their unit in Europe only. If you got deep pockets go for the Festool, if not there are other options.

Masking tape and backer plates with foam seals.

Tom

 

[Cheese]

Here's a great example of a problem solver. The sides of a cabinet needed to have Dominos placed on the edge, from the outside surface, however on the inside of the cabinet, low voltage wiring, barrier terminals, cable clamps, micro switches and Dominos had already been installed. I could spend time building cribbing to support the cabinet from a workbench surface or...just vacuum clamp it.

I wanted to support the piece in the center however because of all the junk on the backside I couldn't, so it's being supported at the 2/3-1/3 position. This is 18 mm ply 25" x 46" so the material offset is heavy. I used just 1 vacuum head.

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[Jesse Cloud]

The system is great for sanding parts through several grits.  With regular clamps you have to apply the clamp, sand the bits that aren't covered by the clamp, then reclamp in a different location (unless you are using clamping elements which let you sand the whole thing in one action).  Then you have to repeat that for each side, each grit on each piece.

WIth the vac clamp you start up the system, put a part on, sand it, then step on the foot pedal to release pressure, swap pieces and keep going.

Sounds like a small thing, but if you have a lot of parts the many small time savings add up to a huge benefit.

BTW, the altitude issue really doesn't come up until you get really up there.  My shop is a little over a mile above sea level and they work well here.

 

[ChuckM]

Guys,

Do ya work for Festool part-time or what? [tongue]

You don't have to convince us anything. Just PM us your cc #, expiry date, and the csc on the back -- we'll take care of the rest. ;D [laughing] [laughing] [laughing] [laughing]

 

[DynaGlide]

Here's a great example of a problem solver. The sides of a cabinet needed to have Dominos placed on the edge, from the outside surface, however on the inside of the cabinet, low voltage wiring, barrier terminals, cable clamps, micro switches and Dominos had already been installed. I could spend time building cribbing to support the cabinet from a workbench surface or...just vacuum clamp it.

I wanted to support the piece in the center however because of all the junk on the backside I couldn't, so it's being supported at the 2/3-1/3 position. This is 18 mm ply 25" x 46" so the material offset is heavy. I used just 1 vacuum head.

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[member=44099]Cheese[/member] I believe if you were to stack two sys1 you could support the other end level with the vacuum head.

 

[Steve1]

Keep in mind that, if you already have an air compressor, a venturi type generator will be much more economical. 

 

[Slowlearner]

I agree w economical but i figured it would be louder. I have a small portable 3 gallon craftsman compressor and that thing is louder than i would.like.

 

[Gregor]

I agree w economical but i figured it would be louder. I have a small portable 3 gallon craftsman compressor and that thing is louder than i would.like.

Reciprocating and rotary valve vacuum pumps are quite different: while the former has a high pressure difference each time the valve opens (which is the primary sound source of this type) the latter dosn't have one... making it more quiet.

See for the difference in mode of operation.

 

[peter halle]

Keep in mind that, if you already have an air compressor, a venturi type generator will be much more economical.

A venturi type will require the air compressor to be running continuously to maintain vacuum.  Air compressors in general are noisy and there might be air supply issues with duty ratings and cfm delivery. 

All things to be investigated prior to buying.

Peter

 

[Slowlearner]

Thx for all  input if i go  w venturi system ill.put a check valve in line to hold while im using  w a ball valve..

 

[Cheese]

Keep in mind that, if you already have an air compressor, a venturi type generator will be much more economical.

It's a cheaper solution but also a much louder solution.  [crying]

The other issue is the potential downside from a safety aspect. If anyone wants to use a venturi generator, I'd STRONGLY suggest using the vacuum chamber that's under the Vac Sys head. This testing was partially targeted at venturi users.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/vac-sys-vacuum-decay-times/msg458918/#msg458918

 

[grbmds]

All the things to investigate before buying are the reason I just went with the Festool VacSys. I was up and running within a few minutes of bringing it home and using it to make my life easier in the shop. I know that some love the process of getting all the parts and constructing the system and, admittedly, it would likely have saved me a lot of money if I did build it myself. However, I have gotten a huge amount of satisfaction from just using it and all the tasks in my shop that made my life easier without thinking about it. I bought mine within 3 days of the VacSys introduction into the US and have never been disappointed or sorry.

I do, however, give you guys who want to build your own a lot of credit for your acquired knowledge and the ability to build your own. I hope you get as much satisfaction from your system as I have from my purchased VacSys.