Vacuum Clamping

[Oso Rojo]

Since Shane brought it up and I ask my Festool rep for one every time I see him, I figure some do it yourself talk is appropriate there.

Is anyone here using vacuum clamping around here? I use it on my lathe and I'm looking to start doing some things on the flat surface. I using a Gast pump and leave it running full time. Does anyone use a tank between their pump and the work surface?

I'm seem some setups with them, but I'm not quite sure where to get one. Is this the same as the air tanks Harbor Freight carries?

 

[rst]

I use vacuum clamping to make store and refrigeration fixtures.  I make my patterns from 3/8" acrylic and use closed cell urethane weather seal.  I originally used my shop vac, switched to the intake of my air compressor and currently use a refrigeration vac pump that I purchase from a surplus yard for $25.00.  I often run my setup for 6-8 hours and do not turn off the pump, I simply use a ball valve to release the pressure when changing pieces.

 

[peter halle]

You can make vac systems simple or complicated.  here are some old videos I did back in 2009 after seeing the Vac-Sys for the first time:

Vacuum Clamping and the MFT/3

How Strong are they?

Ides for an installer or finish carpenter

Peter

 

[Oso Rojo]

I'm thinking about adding one of these http://www.harborfreight.com/5-gallon-portable-air-tank-65594.html
It my system to increase the speed of setting the clamp and cut down the run time on the pump. I have a large Gast pump, I think is a 1/2" horse, so I'd like to cycle it. To do this I'll need a pressure/vacuum controller to cycle the motor and a pressure relief valve.

I found this site, http://www.veneersupplies.com/categories/Vacuum__Press__Items/Vacuum__Press__Parts/
who carries a lot of the hardware needed.

My only concern is crushing the tank.

 

[jimbouk]

Has anyone in the uk made anything like this or have details of where to get the parts. I dont fancy shelling out for the festool one!

 

[shed9]

Has anyone in the uk made anything like this or have details of where to get the parts. I dont fancy shelling out for the festool one!

Plenty of DIY plans online and you will get most stuff on Ebay; certainly get hold of a vacuum pump, tubing, valves and most fittings there. You will also find a good range at places RS, Farnell, etc.