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Author Topic: Festool VAC SYS Set? [dilemma]  (Read 4939 times)

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Offline webpp

  • Posts: 65
Festool VAC SYS Set? [dilemma]
« on: October 13, 2017, 10:16 AM »
Hello all,

I have a question regarding the Festool VAC SYS system.

I’m about to pull the trigger on it, but I would like to know if I should just get the PMP pump and the SE1 element or get the complete set which includes the SE2.

What type of work makes getting the SE2 element important?
At what length does melamine/wood start to curve when it's only clamped with the SE1?
Can you break down a 4x8 plywood sheet if you ever wanted to do it using only the SE1? (Obviously, it has to be carefully done using a track and making sure you won't cut over the SE1, ouff just thinking about this is painful)

Keep in mind that I have a couple of closet projects to complete, so basically I will be working with panel sizes of 7’ x 1.5’ panels and the LR32 system. I also have an upcoming large computer desk project.

Your honest opinion is greatly appreciated, thanks
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Offline Festool USA

  • Festool USA Employee
    FOG Administrator
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  • Posts: 8423
    • Festool USA
Re: Festool VAC SYS Set? [dilemma]
« Reply #1 on: October 13, 2017, 05:08 PM »
Thanks for your questions about the VAC SYS.

Having a second VAC SYS pump is ideal for heavier or larger projects including doors, table tops, longer railings, and other larger slab projects.

It's difficult to give an accurate answer about the length at which your material will start to bend with the SE 1 without knowing the thickness and type of wood.

While the area of your material will a factor in whether you need a second pump (SE 2) or not, the weight is also the bigger factor. Depending on which pod you use, each pump will hold up to 198 lbs. at 0 degrees or 121 lbs. at 90 degrees. Therefore, if you plan to work with material heavier than this, you'll certainly want to use the SE 2.

As to the 4x8 plywood, while we haven't tested that specific application, your material is likely to bow with only one pump, especially if you're using 1/4" plywood. In that case, you'll want a second pump.

Do any FOG members have interesting VAC SYS applications you'd be willing to share?

(Tyler)
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Offline tjbnwi

  • Posts: 6799
  • No longer in Cedar Tucky Indiana
Re: Festool VAC SYS Set? [dilemma]
« Reply #2 on: October 13, 2017, 05:21 PM »
Quote from: webpp on October 13, 2017, 10:16 AM
Hello all,

I have a question regarding the Festool VAC SYS system.

I’m about to pull the trigger on it, but I would like to know if I should just get the PMP pump and the SE1 element or get the complete set which includes the SE2.

What type of work makes getting the SE2 element important?
At what length does melamine/wood start to curve when it's only clamped with the SE1?
Can you break down a 4x8 plywood sheet if you ever wanted to do it using only the SE1? (Obviously, it has to be carefully done using a track and making sure you won't cut over the SE1, ouff just thinking about this is painful)

Keep in mind that I have a couple of closet projects to complete, so basically I will be working with panel sizes of 7’ x 1.5’ panels and the LR32 system. I also have an upcoming large computer desk project.

Your honest opinion is greatly appreciated, thanks

I have the complete set.

Working on multiple panels;



You can control the curve with how you set up your system. In the video you'll notice the MFT helps support the pieces. There is 1/2" between the panel and the MFT top. I can place 1/2" foam on the MFT to cut over.

Using the LR-32 be careful not to violate the seal area if your doing a thru plunge.

On days I need the VAC SYS, I'll turn it on in the morning not shut it off until the day is done.

My MFT set up;

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/vac-sys-on-mft-3/msg504481/#msg504481

rock's setup;

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/sys-vac-question/

Tom
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Offline rst

  • Posts: 3048
Re: Festool VAC SYS Set? [dilemma]
« Reply #3 on: October 13, 2017, 07:32 PM »
Contrary to the Festool answer, you only need one pump.  I have two sys stations and also have two Virutex stations that I used before the Festool sys' were for sale.  I can run all four units off one pump.  Worse case scenario, it will take a little longer to grab...has not happened to me .
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Offline tjbnwi

  • Posts: 6799
  • No longer in Cedar Tucky Indiana
Re: Festool VAC SYS Set? [dilemma]
« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2017, 08:06 PM »
Quote from: rst on October 13, 2017, 07:32 PM
Contrary to the Festool answer, you only need one pump.  I have two sys stations and also have two Virutex stations that I used before the Festool sys' were for sale.  I can run all four units off one pump.  Worse case scenario, it will take a little longer to grab...has not happened to me .

I believe Tyler miss typed/spoke. I think (I really hope) he was referring to the second head set.

Tom
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Offline webpp

  • Posts: 65
Re: Festool VAC SYS Set? [dilemma]
« Reply #5 on: October 14, 2017, 12:49 AM »
Quote from: tjbnwi on October 13, 2017, 08:06 PM
Quote from: rst on October 13, 2017, 07:32 PM
Contrary to the Festool answer, you only need one pump.  I have two sys stations and also have two Virutex stations that I used before the Festool sys' were for sale.  I can run all four units off one pump.  Worse case scenario, it will take a little longer to grab...has not happened to me .

I believe Tyler miss typed/spoke. I think (I really hope) he was referring to the second head set.

Tom

Yes, he was. I understood him. He means one PMP pump and 2 suction clamp cups SE1 and SE2.

Tom, a quick question for you.

If I buy the complete set that is SE1 & SE2, can I operate only the SE1 alone when I don't need a second head set for the task at hand?
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Offline tjbnwi

  • Posts: 6799
  • No longer in Cedar Tucky Indiana
Re: Festool VAC SYS Set? [dilemma]
« Reply #6 on: October 14, 2017, 08:46 AM »
Quote from: webpp on October 14, 2017, 12:49 AM
Quote from: tjbnwi on October 13, 2017, 08:06 PM
Quote from: rst on October 13, 2017, 07:32 PM
Contrary to the Festool answer, you only need one pump.  I have two sys stations and also have two Virutex stations that I used before the Festool sys' were for sale.  I can run all four units off one pump.  Worse case scenario, it will take a little longer to grab...has not happened to me .

I believe Tyler miss typed/spoke. I think (I really hope) he was referring to the second head set.

Tom

Yes, he was. I understood him. He means one PMP pump and 2 suction clamp cups SE1 and SE2.

Tom, a quick question for you.

If I buy the complete set that is SE1 & SE2, can I operate only the SE1 alone when I don't need a second head set for the task at hand?

Yes. A leader with a valve is included in the SE-2. You install it on the foot pedal. Shut the valve off if the SE-2 is not set up or you can leave the valve on if the SE-2 is setup but not being used.

Tom
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Offline Festool USA

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    • Festool USA
Re: Festool VAC SYS Set? [dilemma]
« Reply #7 on: October 14, 2017, 12:10 PM »
@tjbnwi @rst @webpp - Yes, I meant the second clamping module, not a second pump.

Barely seeing straight with a stomach bug. I'm just glad I made some degree of sense.

(Tyler)
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Offline Tom Gensmer

  • Posts: 882
  • Residential Remodeler in Minnesota
Re: Festool VAC SYS Set? [dilemma]
« Reply #8 on: October 14, 2017, 12:14 PM »
If you have out feed support at the same height as your clamping head then you should be able to get away with a single head for most applications.

However, if you are solely supporting larger stock with your vacuum clamps, then I've found having the second clamping head to be VERY handy.
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Offline Laminator

  • Posts: 391
Re: Festool VAC SYS Set? [dilemma]
« Reply #9 on: October 14, 2017, 07:40 PM »
Ditto what Tom said. 
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Offline webpp

  • Posts: 65
Re: Festool VAC SYS Set? [dilemma]
« Reply #10 on: October 31, 2017, 04:25 PM »
Well... I went ahead and bought the complete set (VAC-PMP and the SE1 & SE2).

I haven't got the chance to use them extensively, I just turned on the PMP and hooked-up the SE1 and clamped a small MDF sheet to see if everything is running smoothly.

Looking forward to using it in the following month on a closet project I have to do.

In the meantime, if any of you have any questions regarding the VAC SYS, I can try to help.



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Offline MansKave

  • Posts: 6
Re: Festool VAC SYS Set? [dilemma]
« Reply #11 on: July 21, 2023, 02:08 AM »
I actually have two pumps/two Se1 clamps - I'm going to get rid of one of the pumps but does anyone know the parts list to connect SE1 to SE1? assuming its just a connector valve?
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