Author Topic: Vac-sys (Read 15454 times)

DynaGlide · « **Reply #30 on:** January 04, 2021, 01:51 PM »

Quote from: Stan Tillinghast on January 04, 2021, 11:57 AM

Well, I for one would definitely want to buy a pair of simonh’s pods, so hope they will become available again.
DynaGlide, thanks for the video at the link. One thing I did notice that would bother me is: you were using only one VAC-SYS head, so the panel you were routing moved at each end of the process. I think I would need to have both heads up to prevent that, or have some support at the ends. Has anyone else dealt with that?
Also Dyna-Glide: where did you source the hexagonal rod for your LR-32 side stop extensions?

@Stan Tillinghast It's from McMaster Carr. 89845K77 I bought the 2ft length.

The other tricky part is finding a tape that will fit it. .this is the one I used https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I8RKN68/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The video makes it look like the panel is moving but it really isn't in relation to the vac sys head. Not an issue for this operation unless you're planning on doing much longer panels. These were the sides to ~25" tall base cabinets.

I left the option to add a second vac sys head to my cart but have yet to find a need for it. Maybe if I was working on doors or something.

Stan Tillinghast · « **Reply #31 on:** January 04, 2021, 03:25 PM »

Many thanks, Dyna-Glide!

jarbroen · « **Reply #32 on:** April 21, 2021, 11:58 PM »

Quote from: PaulMarcel on January 03, 2021, 02:42 AM

I agree with @RJNeal : you need to have it easily available or it will sit there. I stowed mine under the MFT, but it still required a decent amount of setup. After FestoolSedge's Live on the Vac-SYS, I made a similar side mount for the table and custom cart to hold the SE-1 head on that mount, the foot pedal, and accessory SYS. Now it takes seconds to setup. I know I'd use it a lot less if it wasn't for making its setup short and easy. If you want to learn how to make custom heads for it, watch Sedge's Live on it: basically, ply with a bead of silicone, but it helps immensely if you have a lot of similar parts that aren't easily serviced with the accessory heads.

Do you have any pictures of the cart you made to hold the SE1, pedal and systainer?
I checked your blog, but didn’t see it there - just your older vacuum system.
I have been noodling on the exact idea you described. Something that stows under the MFT and allows quick access/setup of the Vac-Sys.
Otherwise, I forget to use the darn thing because it takes 5 minutes to pull out of the Systainers and hook everything up. Which kinda defeats the time saving advantage for smaller projects.
There are some really neat Vac-Sys carts pictured in this thread, but I don’t want to dedicate a space for that.

RJNeal · « **Reply #33 on:** April 22, 2021, 08:15 AM »

Here’s are a couple of pictures.

jarbroen · « **Reply #34 on:** April 22, 2021, 09:41 AM »

RJNeal - your Vac-Sys cart is most excellent! If I had the space to dedicate to a separate cart I would build something precisely like that.
I was hoping @PaulMarcel would share pictures of his setup. He mentioned that it slides under an MFT, which is what I'm planning to build.

elfick · « **Reply #35 on:** April 22, 2021, 11:11 AM »

Quote from: DynaGlide on January 03, 2021, 09:11 AM

Big fan of the Vac Sys. .I made a cart dedicated to it.

I even use vacuum clamp pods to speed up LR32 work

@DynaGlide Where did you get the t-track rails that you use to hang your tape measures?

DynaGlide · « **Reply #36 on:** April 22, 2021, 11:16 AM »

@elfick They were made by Calavera Tool. No longer made, now he makes aprons instead.

https://www.woodworkersjournal.com/calavera-tool-works-reimagining-work-gear/

It makes for a nice handle on my cart. I found it at a lumber store when I was in Asheville a few years back and snatched it up since I already had one and wanted another but they were OOS everywhere I looked. I have the one with the 5# bags mounted to my MFT table. I keep Dominos in those.

PaulMarcel · « **Reply #37 on:** April 22, 2021, 02:03 PM »

My cart certainly isn't as fancy as the other posts in this thread but works well for me.

The board that mounts to the side of the MFT just leans back on the cart for storage. The pocket behind that board is where the foot pedal stows. I put a holder on that board for a weight plate; it isn't necessary but does keep it from moving when I bump it. The Systainer is the accessory kit with the different heads. The pump is sitting under the MFT on that shelf: you can see it in the first photo on the left in the back.

jarbroen · « **Reply #38 on:** April 22, 2021, 03:36 PM »

Awesome, thanks for posting Paul!

Simple is exactly what I was going for. I like the slanted rest for the head and spot to stow the foot pedal. And it's skinny enough that you can have another roll board next to it under the MFT.
I think I'll copy that, but make it taller so the Vac-Sys Systainers can be stored under the heads.
Do the exposed heads collecting dust cause you any vacuum issues? I know the pump motor has a filter - just wasn't sure how sensitive the lines/heads are to dust and junk.
Even though I have plenty of dust extractors I still seem to make a pile of sawdust fairly often... lol

p.s. What do you use the 2" holes on the bottom of the SE holder for?

PaulMarcel · « **Reply #39 on:** April 22, 2021, 04:01 PM »

Quote from: jarbroen on April 22, 2021, 03:36 PM

Do the exposed heads collecting dust cause you any vacuum issues? I know the pump motor has a filter - just wasn't sure how sensitive the lines/heads are to dust and junk.

Not that I've noticed, but with it slanted and with the green pin in the middle pushed up by a spring, not a lot that settles would get in there. More likely to get dust there from using it tbh.

Quote from: jarbroen on April 22, 2021, 03:36 PM

p.s. What do you use the 2" holes on the bottom of the SE holder for?

Last couple projects needed both the big round head and the narrower rail head. I drilled those holes to make stowing the other head easier as usually the cart gets pushed back under the MFT (and previously the accessory kit was stored on the wall sysport):

jarbroen · « **Reply #40 on:** April 22, 2021, 05:05 PM »

Handy!
Thanks for taking the time to reply!

Now I’m excited to build myself some Sys-Vac storage!

presidentsdad · « **Reply #41 on:** November 26, 2021, 04:13 PM »

Hey all,
Good info in this thread. Question: I'm thinking of getting the Vac Sys...does everyone just go ahead and buy the "set" (aka pump, SE1 and SE2) or will just the pump and SE1 be good enough for most things? I'd mainly be using it to speed up sanding of parts and for speeding up Domino work. Thanks for the info....

squall_line · « **Reply #42 on:** November 26, 2021, 04:30 PM »

Quote from: presidentsdad on November 26, 2021, 04:13 PM

Hey all,
Good info in this thread. Question: I'm thinking of getting the Vac Sys...does everyone just go ahead and buy the "set" (aka pump, SE1 and SE2) or will just the pump and SE1 be good enough for most things? I'd mainly be using it to speed up sanding of parts and for speeding up Domino work. Thanks for the info....

As always with these things, "it depends"...

It depends a lot on what type of work you typically do: is it larger pieces that would need two clamps (doors, etc), or smaller work that would only require a single clamp?

The second clamp, besides offering more holding power for heavier items, theoretically also helps prevent rotation.

The difference in price between the "System" and the "Set" is $385, the SE2 alone is $425, so the Set savings is only $40, which is one of the smaller "set" price differentials in Festool's lineup (the MFT/3 set vs. basic is one of the more egregious in this regard).

My understanding is that the pedal that comes with the SE1/System, when paired with the SE2, runs both pads simultaneously, so when you're using two pads you're always unlocking both at the same time, rather than being able to control them independently. If you want independent control of two pads, I believe you need a second pump and pedal.

The SE2 comes with the oblong pad and the System/SE1 comes with the round pad, so the Set is also a way to get a second pad shape if you want, but it's also something to keep in mind if you think you'd want two of the same pad. The round pad is only sold separately, there is a Pad Set that includes three different oblong pads.

The Vac-Sys is one of the few items not listed on the 2022 price increase list (other than the accessories).

SRSemenza · « **Reply #43 on:** November 26, 2021, 10:01 PM »

Yes, the foot peddle operates both heads at the same time.

I think it is well worth having the double head set up. Even though one will easily hold large long pieces, sometimes you want the second for support. You can also support pieces by having them run onto a work surface but then you have the old problem of the bench top in the way of long router bits and such. Plus it is nice to have two pieces at a time when working through a bunch of small ones.

I just started using the Vac-Sys recently. It is one of those things that you don't necessarily see the full potential until you have it. It is obvious that it holds flat pieces. But ........

It is great that there are no obstructions so that you can run a router all the way around with nothing in the way.

It is great to just turn a knob and spin a piece to the opposite edge when using the Domino.

It is great to be able to flip from horizontal to vertical in one quick motion.

I found that you can stick a drawer box on it (even a really big drawer) vertically so that the drawer side is in the horizontal plane to install side mount slides. Do one side, then rotate it to do the other.

It also becomes a work space / surface/ bench extension. You can do work on the Vac-Sys even if your main bench is fully occupied with other stuff.

One thing .................. be sure to set it up so that it is always available with out having to get it out. It needs to be handy and ready to use. Otherwise it will just sit in a storage spot.

Seth

presidentsdad · « **Reply #44 on:** November 27, 2021, 12:12 AM »

Thanks Squall and SRS. It sounds obvious that two is better than one in most cases, but what I'm really wondering is that, in folks experience, does everyone find that one clamp head (the system) is good to start getting most things done and two clamp heads (the set) would eventually be better to have? Trying to see if I can get the system first, start using it, get used to it and then next year add the SE2 to make the set? Do most folks do that or just dive right into the deep end and get the set??

greg mann · « **Reply #45 on:** November 27, 2021, 07:59 AM »

I think starting with one set makes sense and is easier on the wallet as well. If you go full bore I would suspect you might feel the need to often use both heads when only one would truly be enough. By starting with one and using it for the type of work you do I think you will soon determine when and how often the 2nd one would be helpful.

Cheese · « **Reply #46 on:** November 27, 2021, 09:51 AM »

Like greg mentioned, I started with a single head just to get my feet wet and that approach worked well.

Here's an example of what a single head is capable of holding. These cabinet sides are about 4' long and 26" wide. Because of the LED wiring and the slide hardware, I couldn't mount the vacuum head in the middle of the panel but had to cantilever it off to one side. This is how the cabinet side was held so that I could Domino the edges, it was approx a 1/3 to 2/3 split. There was no vacuum cup movement or deflection, everything was rock solid.

presidentsdad · « **Reply #47 on:** November 27, 2021, 10:29 AM »

Thanks Greg and Cheese! That is the info I was looking for!

Truth be told, I'll likely end up with both, but it's nice to know that I can start with just one.

presidentsdad · « **Reply #48 on:** December 15, 2021, 04:37 PM »

Another question for the group. The three pack of system heads has a dupe of what comes with the SE2 (275x100), a narrower version (200x60) and a really narrow version (277x32). I can see the 200x60 being useful for rails/stiles, is the really narrow one (277x32) useful? Is there a need for the duplicate one from the SE2 (275x100) if you already have one from the SE2?? Trying to see if I need to just get the pack or a couple of the individual items.

squall_line · « **Reply #49 on:** December 15, 2021, 04:58 PM »

Quote from: presidentsdad on December 15, 2021, 04:37 PM

Another question for the group. The three pack of system heads has a dupe of what comes with the SE2 (275x100), a narrower version (200x60) and a really narrow version (277x32). I can see the 200x60 being useful for rails/stiles, is the really narrow one (277x32) useful? Is there a need for the duplicate one from the SE2 (275x100) if you already have one from the SE2?? Trying to see if I need to just get the pack or a couple of the individual items.

My thought is that if you have two heads, it can't hurt to have a duplicate of the large oblong or the large round pad. The super narrow pad seems like it would come in handy for 1x2 material depending on what you tend to work on.

I'm in a similar quandary other than the fact that I already have a second large oblong pad, so getting the three-pack would mean trying to sell off one of the large oblongs, but at least I'd have the cool classic systainer to hold them all?

simnick · « **Reply #50 on:** December 15, 2021, 05:45 PM »

The 277x32 was great for me to use last weekend sanding tapered table legs. Even the 200x60 was too large. Also narrow face frames, and other trim type pieces might work on the 277x32. I only had the round and the 277x32, and could do a remarkable amount with those, although I did pick up the rest when discontinuation was announced.

Quote from: presidentsdad on December 15, 2021, 04:37 PM

Another question for the group. The three pack of system heads has a dupe of what comes with the SE2 (275x100), a narrower version (200x60) and a really narrow version (277x32). I can see the 200x60 being useful for rails/stiles, is the really narrow one (277x32) useful? Is there a need for the duplicate one from the SE2 (275x100) if you already have one from the SE2?? Trying to see if I need to just get the pack or a couple of the individual items.

pettyconstruction · « **Reply #51 on:** December 15, 2021, 06:14 PM »

So a update.
I had emailed Us Tool about the order I placed,asking if it was futile .
I just got a reply sayin that they have a order coming over,and they have 14 available units,so my order will be fulfilled .

Good news.
If you want one, give then a call.
Thanks,
Charlie

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Chainring · « **Reply #52 on:** December 15, 2021, 08:27 PM »

On the subject of the VAC SYS and all the fun stuff to purchase separately, I've put together a list of all the different parts and accessories.

The big VAC SYS setup
Clamping module VAC SYS System Set: 203149 (Contains following three)
Suction-Based Clamping Pump VAC-PMP: 201064
Clamping module VAC SYS SE 1: 201065
Clamping module VAC SYS SE 2: 580062

The smaller VAC-SYS setup
Clamping module VAC SYS System: 203148 (Contains following two)
Suction-Based Clamping Pump VAC-PMP: 201064
Clamping module VAC SYS SE 1: 201065

The VAC SYS accessory kit with three heads
Vac-Sys Vacuum Pad Set: 495294 (Contains following three)
Vacuum Cup VT 200 x 60, Small: 580064
Vacuum Cup VT 277 x 32, Narrow: 580065
Vacuum Pad VT 275 x 100: 580066

Separate parts and pieces from the systems
Vacuum Cup VAC SYS VT 275 x 100: 580066 (Comes with VAC SYS SE 2)
Vacuum Cup VAC SYS VT D 215: 580067 (Comes with VAC SYS SE 1)
Vacuum Hose D 16 x 5m VAC SYS: 495293
Foot Valve VAC SYS FV: 580063

MFT Bracket
Adapter VAC SYS AD MFT 3: 494977

If you purchased the big VAC SYS kit with two heads, you'd only need two of the heads from the accessory kit to have all of them.

Vacuum Cup VT 200 x 60, Small: 580064
Vacuum Cup VT 277 x 32, Narrow: 580065

simnick · « **Reply #53 on:** December 15, 2021, 09:53 PM »

Any recommendations for vacuum hose? I want to hook up some other vacuum accessories up to my VAC-SYS (including trying veneering), I already have the v-type couplers needed.
Can I just use pneumatic air hose?

squall_line · « **Reply #54 on:** December 15, 2021, 10:25 PM »

Quote from: simnick on December 15, 2021, 09:53 PM

Any recommendations for vacuum hose? I want to hook up some other vacuum accessories up to my VAC-SYS (including trying veneering), I already have the v-type couplers needed.
Can I just use pneumatic air hose?

@simnick, try these threads:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/vacuum-pump-for-vac-sys/

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/sys-vac-question/msg539496/#msg539496

Cheese · « **Reply #55 on:** December 16, 2021, 01:46 AM »

Quote from: simnick on December 15, 2021, 09:53 PM

Any recommendations for vacuum hose? I want to hook up some other vacuum accessories up to my VAC-SYS (including trying veneering), I already have the v-type couplers needed.
Can I just use pneumatic air hose?

You really want to use actual vacuum hose that’s designed for the task. It has a thicker/stiffer wall that prevents it from collapsing.