Vacuum Pump for VAC-SYS

[cperren]

[member=53094]jdm5[/member]  For an extra $45, you can add additional connections for a vacuum bag, podz, etc.  I'm impress with this pump and how quiet it is. plus how powerful it is..  Everything seems to be working well.  Remember that the Festool clamping module uses European connections ... 

I've also added an on/off switch --> [URL]http://www.amazon.com/Master-Electrician-6-Feet-Extension-Outlets/dp/B000W65LO2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00[/url]

 

[YOGO100]

Hi Chris,

Do you happen to know what the specs are for the vacuum valve that comes with the additional connections. I ended up not getting the extended kit with the excel, but want to add the Vac Sys to it. I'm assuming that if I get one of the vacuum valves, I can then attach the Parker RF-254-4MP. Given that I'm on the west coast, I'd like to find a local supplier for the vacuum valve rather than have one valve sent from the east coast.

Thanks,

Yoav

 

[cperren]

Unfortunately I don't know the specification for the valves .. Plus I could not find any part numbers on them ... Sorry..   

 

[YOGO100]

Thanks for checking. I bought some simple 1/4" NPT valves and they work great.

 

[FastEasySmartTOOL]

Could someone with the Excel 5 + VAC-SYS-head combo comment on how the system handles itself in the event of power loss? I’m inclined to think that unlike Festool’s pump, this setup drops suction quicker since the Excel pump doesn’t have the so called “metal tub frame” to store the pressure.

Has anyone tried unpluging their Excel 5 pump with a workpiece clamped in? Does it hold for a few extra seconds?

This is the only concern stopping me from jumping onboard with an Excel 5 order.

 

[Cheese]

Could someone with the Excel 5 + VAC-SYS-head combo comment on how the system handles itself in the event of power loss? I’m inclined to think that unlike Festool’s pump, this setup drops suction quicker since the Excel pump doesn’t have the so called “metal tub frame” to store the pressure.

Just use the internal vacuum cavity that's on the underside of the SE 1 or SE 2 clamping module. You'll just need to mount it on a piece of metal, plastic, formica or phenolic to maintain the vacuum level.

See this post for details.http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/vac-sys-vacuum-decay-times/msg458918/#msg458918

 

[YOGO100]

Hey Kriss,

I haven't measured the exact time, but having used this set up for a couple of weeks I can say that the vacuum certainly holds long enough to respond to any issue that may arise if the pump stops working. In other words, if you are working on something and the power goes out, you will have plenty of time to put away any tools before the piece is released. Hope this helps.

Yoav

 

[cperren]

I have this setup too and totally agree Yoav answer...

 

[FastEasySmartTOOL]

Thanks for the help, everyone. You've given me confidence in the pairing. I've sent Joe my order!

 

[epicxt]

Thanks for the help, everyone. You've given me confidence in the pairing. I've sent Joe my order!

Excellent! We'll be looking forward to an entertaining, informative video review in the next several weeks!

 

[rljatl]

Thanks for the help, everyone. You've given me confidence in the pairing. I've sent Joe my order!

Hi [member=43117]Kriss[/member],
Yes, please do a video on the Excel 5 + VAC-SYS-head combo.  I am interested in going this route too, if the money saved is significant and the tool still works properly.

Please mention what fittings you used to integrate the Excel pump with the VAC-SYS fittings.  I am unclear on what additional items I would need to buy.

Thanks! 

 

[GPowers]

Hi [member=43117]Kriss[/member],
Yes, please do a video on the Excel 5 + VAC-SYS-head combo.  I am interested in going this route too, if the money saved is significant and the tool still works properly.

Please mention what fittings you used to integrate the Excel pump with the VAC-SYS fittings.  I am unclear on what additional items I would need to buy.

Thanks!

[member=18283]RobBob[/member] I saved $400

 

[rljatl]

Thanks.  That is worthwhile.  I could buy another tool for that.  [big grin]

Hi [member=43117]Kriss[/member],
Yes, please do a video on the Excel 5 + VAC-SYS-head combo.  I am interested in going this route too, if the money saved is significant and the tool still works properly.

Please mention what fittings you used to integrate the Excel pump with the VAC-SYS fittings.  I am unclear on what additional items I would need to buy.

Thanks!

[member=18283]RobBob[/member] I saved $400

 

[FastEasySmartTOOL]

Hi [member=43117]Kriss[/member],
Yes, please do a video on the Excel 5 + VAC-SYS-head combo.  I am interested in going this route too, if the money saved is significant and the tool still works properly.

Please mention what fittings you used to integrate the Excel pump with the VAC-SYS fittings.  I am unclear on what additional items I would need to buy.

Thanks!

I should clarify that I actually ordered the Excel 1 pump. The lower noise level of that unit was particularly appealing. I'm fairly confident it's still got enough CFM to pull in a good vacuum and work just as well with the VAC-SYS. I'll be sure to report my findings

 

[jdm5]

Reviving this thread - finally hooked up the Excel 5 pump with the VAC-SYS - it works great!  You need one Parker RF-254-4MP (I got mine from Zoro, pick your favorite vendor).

I had purchased the complete kit (pump + two head units), and now can separate the two head units and they work perfectly independently.  The only other purchase required for that use case (having the SE2 head unit) is the foot pedal - Festool 580063 but it's $100.  If you buy the SE1 kit you won't have this problem as it includes the foot pedal (I should have just bought two SE1's in hindsite).

Anyone have any ideas on an alternative foot pedal / pressure release?  Could use a ball valve but I like the foot pedal release idea.

 

[live4ever]

Bumping this up as I'm looking to pair either an Excel 1 or 5 with the clamping module.  [member=43117]Kriss[/member] - any update on how the smaller and quieter Excel 1 worked out?

 

[nickao]

I have both, I even have the original excel 5.

The excel 1is s not  be good near as good as the Excel 5 for clamping anything or vac bagging larger items sat larger than 4 foot by 4 foot.

The excel 5 newest model is so small and quiet I could not believe the difference in sound verse the older Excel 5 and any of of my other numerous pumps. 

Just get that Excel 5 you wont be sorry. I find these are great for vac pressing using a bag and love mine, as far as clamping work down to router material etc for me the vac sys and the like are  great in theory, but turned out to be nothing more than a fun toy and more trouble than it was worth.

I have boxes of almost every type vac hold down you can think of from many major brand as well as DIY, all the stuff sits on shelves now.

 

[live4ever]

I have both, I even have the original excel 5.

The excel 1is s not  be good near as good as the Excel 5 for clamping anything or vac bagging larger items sat larger than 4 foot by 4 foot.

The excel 5 newest model is so small and quiet I could not believe the difference in sound verse the older Excel 5 and any of of my other numerous pumps. 

Just get that Excel 5 you wont be sorry.

Thanks...
Does the Excel 5 run continuously while vac clamping or does it cycle on and off as needed?  I know it's a "continuous running" pump but wasn't sure if that means it CAN or it DOES.  I believe the Festool pump comes on as necessary?
I ask only because even as it's pretty quiet, I'd like to know if I'm going to be listening to that 63db constantly while clamping or only intermittently.

 

[nickao]

I have both, I even have the original excel 5.

The excel 1is s not  be good near as good as the Excel 5 for clamping anything or vac bagging larger items sat larger than 4 foot by 4 foot.

The excel 5 newest model is so small and quiet I could not believe the difference in sound verse the older Excel 5 and any of of my other numerous pumps. 

Just get that Excel 5 you wont be sorry.

Thanks...
Does the Excel 5 run continuously while vac clamping or does it cycle on and off as needed?  I know it's a "continuous running" pump but wasn't sure if that means it CAN or it DOES.  I believe the Festool pump comes on as necessary?
I ask only because even as it's pretty quiet, I'd like to know if I'm going to be listening to that 63db constantly while clamping or only intermittently.

NO its not cycling, this is just a pump, you would have to make it a cycling system and really if you want that why get this pump?. I actually prefer non cycling. It's simpler, there is nothing other than the pump to worry about and it will last pretty much forever for a hobbyist, mine has proven this using it for work 24/7. It's plug and play, if I was to get a pin hole in the bag it's not a huge deal because it draws faster than the bag can leak and again it's so very quiet it being on doesn't bother me at all.

I never used a pump this powerful, this small in size, that was quiet enough to  not require hearing protection. I can watch tv or talk to someone or just do paperwork in the shop without having hearing protection on just because the pump is running. It really is amazing how quiet it is. I thought it was a joke when I opened up the box and turned it on for the first time. The Excel 5 looked like a toy, but it's proven it's definitely not.

 

[FastEasySmartTOOL]

Bumping this up as I'm looking to pair either an Excel 1 or 5 with the clamping module.  [member=43117]Kriss[/member] - any update on how the smaller and quieter Excel 1 worked out?

My thoughts: the excel 1 was louder than I expected (louder than the Festool pump), but I have no complaints regarding its suction capacity. My setup has the pump inside a closet and I run a hose out to the VAC-SYS - so the noise becomes a non-issue.

I haven't seen an excel 5 to compare. I'm happy with my excel 1 so ultimately I'm pretty sure you can't go wrong with either pump!