Author Topic: VAC SYS DISCONTINUED? (Read 117838 times)

Domino11 · « **Reply #270 on:** February 07, 2022, 05:42 PM »

Quote from: batmanimal on February 07, 2022, 05:34 PM

Thanks for the detailed response @afish

I went through past replies in this very thread and found Reply #106 has a close up of the Vac Sys connected to the Excel pump. Looks straightforward enough! I think I'll save the $280 price difference between the Excel and the Festool pump (which may be backordered into oblivion anyway), and get the Excel one.

This is a great forum. An expensive forum, but a great one, lol.

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That's the way I was looking at it as well.
The Festool pump seems to be 100% non existent.
And the Excel pump has better specs, for a lot less money. So not a terrible thing.

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afish · « **Reply #271 on:** February 07, 2022, 07:10 PM »

I will say the QA fitting that Joe sells on veneersupplies has worked well for me. No leaks so far. I have two in my system before the valves if they leaked I would know since my pump would cycle but its been sitting for days on end without use and hasent gone off once. Im assuming the ports on the festool stuff is 1/4npt if so it should be easy to just buy some reinforced tubing and some barbs. It looks like festool uses barbs to. Just FYI if you dont want a pedal you can use the toggle style vales like I have. They are only 16 bucks or so. Not sure if Fetool uses 1/4 or 3/8 tubing. The festool connectors are pricey. They are about $50 for the QA side not sure about the male coupler, I stopped looking after I saw $50 for the one side.

afish · « **Reply #272 on:** February 07, 2022, 07:27 PM »

I also added some vacuum pod holders on the one end and a dedicated T-handle allen wrench for attaching them with the TSO power dogs. It works great so far and I can attach/remove a pod in 30 seconds. That was important for me since I only have the space for one bench and need to be able to quickly switch between tasks and clear the bench.

edwarmr · « **Reply #273 on:** February 11, 2022, 05:28 PM »

Well, I got the official notice today… Lee Valley took orders they won’t be able to fulfill and so I won’t be getting the Vac Sys 😞 They cancelled my order.

usernumber1 · « **Reply #274 on:** February 11, 2022, 05:55 PM »

Same here! I was told there's going to be a relaunch but no timeline or further details

Domino11 · « **Reply #275 on:** February 11, 2022, 05:56 PM »

Quote from: edwarmr on February 11, 2022, 05:28 PM

Well, I got the official notice today… Lee Valley took orders they won’t be able to fulfill and so I won’t be getting the Vac Sys 😞 They cancelled my order.

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The Vac Sys SE 2 are still available.

You could purchase (2) QTY VacSys SE 2 and add the Veneer pump like I did to make your own complete system.
The only other thing you'd need is either
a) the foot pump extra
OR
b) a Toggle dump valve (Much less cost)

This is what I was going to do before I Stumbled upon the last VacSys SE 1 floating around the USA.

.

JMatthew84 · « **Reply #276 on:** February 11, 2022, 06:11 PM »

Got a cancellation notice from Lee Valley today as well, after being told just yesterday they were expecting more in at the end of February; bummer. What is this "relaunch" they are talking about, anyone know?

batmanimal · « **Reply #277 on:** February 11, 2022, 07:21 PM »

Quote from: JMatthew84 on February 11, 2022, 06:11 PM

Got a cancellation notice from Lee Valley today as well, after being told just yesterday they were expecting more in at the end of February; bummer. What is this "relaunch" they are talking about, anyone know?

Last I checked Beaver still had SE2 units available. I did the exact same thing as Domino11. I had planned to order 2 SE2 units, but managed to snag an SE1 from tool nirvana after another customer who had claimed it let it go. I ordered the Excel 3 pump as well, and canceled my SE1 and pump order from LV (I had a bad feeling since another poster in here noted they kept moving out the ETA date).

2 SE2 units will do the same thing as an SE1+SE2. You may wish to order a round rubber head attachment to truly replicate an SE1 unit, in addition to the foot valve accessory.

JMatthew84 · « **Reply #278 on:** February 11, 2022, 09:20 PM »

Thanks batmanimal, seriously looking into going this route, that pump seems reasonably priced too.

Luis (ridgenj) · « **Reply #279 on:** February 11, 2022, 11:17 PM »

Hi everyone, I ordered mid December my unit from Lee Valley, got also a cancellation for the set but the SE2 should arrive in June 2022.
I am going the Excel 5 route for the pump, the rest in piecemealed from several Festool vendors.
I was looking into previous posts and I am still not sure if the connectors fit properly. BTW, when I was in Munich I saw the pump now in a Systainer.

Cheers
Luis

Cheese · « **Reply #280 on:** February 11, 2022, 11:25 PM »

Quote from: Luis (ridgenj) on February 11, 2022, 11:17 PM

BTW, when I was in Munich I saw the pump now in a Systainer.

FWIW...the vacuum pump has always been is a Systainer for our EU brothers & sisters. It's in the US & Canada where the pump is only offered naked.

batmanimal · « **Reply #281 on:** February 11, 2022, 11:48 PM »

Quote from: Luis (ridgenj) on February 11, 2022, 11:17 PM

Hi everyone, I ordered mid December my unit from Lee Valley, got also a cancellation for the set but the SE2 should arrive in June 2022.
I am going the Excel 5 route for the pump, the rest in piecemealed from several Festool vendors.
I was looking into previous posts and I am still not sure if the connectors fit properly. BTW, when I was in Munich I saw the pump now in a Systainer.

Cheers
Luis

Check out Reply #33 of this thread (looks like the connectors work with the Excel5) https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/vacuum-pump-for-vac-sys/30/

User reported that this is the connector you’d need: https://www.zoro.com/parker-quick-connect-hose-coupling-push-to-connect-lock-14-18-thread-size-rf-254-4mp/i/G4872892/?q=G4872892

I would order from a retailer that has them in stock now. I wouldn’t wait for back order (especially as far off as June) because it may get cancelled again. Both Acme tools and Beaver have them in stock, according to their websites. Mine arrived from Beaver yesterday.

https://beavertools.com/580062-festool-vac-sys-se-2-clamping-module.html

https://www.acmetools.com/vac-sys-se2-clamping-module-580062/4014549075838.html

Domino11 · « **Reply #282 on:** February 12, 2022, 09:58 AM »

.

Having now used the SE1 and SE2 along with the Veneer Excel3 pump for the past week. All I have to say is, WOW.
Originally I was running the Rutlands Dual Vacuum Pads, which do well with Completely sealed wood, but couldn't hold plywood or MDF, ..etc. Even with a monster 60 hp compressor feeding it.

But now that I have switched to the VacSys, it's like night and day difference.

You really don't think you would need something like this, until you have it and use it.
The ease, freedom and simplicity of the device is amazing.

And the hold is so strong, with just about any wood in any condition, any size and shape. It will even hold a vacuum to my MDF table Top (Be it about 18 Hg, instead of 26 Hg which is still plenty enough to also hold wood on the Cups.)

The Excel pump is very quiet at 55 db, you really don't even hear it when you are working along with your project.

Definitely, recommend this setup to anyone on the fence.

From what Festool USA and Canada and U.K. Told me........ there will NOT be another VacSys system at this time.

Yes that could change someday Post Pandemic...... but as of now, all 3 said NO.

.

Vipersmith · « **Reply #283 on:** February 12, 2022, 12:00 PM »

Quote from: JMatthew84 on February 11, 2022, 06:11 PM

Got a cancellation notice from Lee Valley today as well, after being told just yesterday they were expecting more in at the end of February; bummer. What is this "relaunch" they are talking about, anyone know?

Mine as cancelled too - so now I have an accessory kit (they had that one and shipped it) but no Vac Sys - ugh.

My email too mentioned a "re-launch".

Maybe I should "roll the dice" and be patient for a late 2022 (or 2023) re-launch? Perhaps they got approval to put the Vaccuum in a new Systainer3 and are updating everything? I agree that's wishful thinking based on NOTHING.

ugh.

batmanimal · « **Reply #284 on:** February 12, 2022, 12:08 PM »

Quote from: Vipersmith on February 12, 2022, 12:00 PM

Mine as cancelled too - so now I have an accessory kit (they had that one and shipped it) but no Vac Sys - ugh.

My email too mentioned a "re-launch".

Maybe I should "roll the dice" and be patient for a late 2022 (or 2023) re-launch? Perhaps they got approval to put the Vaccuum in a new Systainer3 and are updating everything? I agree that's wishful thinking based on NOTHING.

ugh.

No need to roll the dice! Order from one of the retailers linked a few posts up that have the SE2 in stock now! Once you have that, you can construct a set using the Excel pump.

I would not wait for a relaunch that Festool has not publicly mentioned or confirmed. The person I spoke to at Tool Nirvana said Festool informed them they are absolutely not making the pump anymore. Not sure about the SE1/SE2 units, perhaps they will do another run of those, but that’s pure speculation on my part.

Luis (ridgenj) · « **Reply #285 on:** February 12, 2022, 02:22 PM »

Quote from: Cheese on February 11, 2022, 11:25 PM

Quote from: Luis (ridgenj) on February 11, 2022, 11:17 PM
BTW, when I was in Munich I saw the pump now in a Systainer.

FWIW...the vacuum pump has always been is a Systainer for our EU brothers & sisters. It's in the US & Canada where the pump is only offered naked.

Thank you for the clarification, probably they didn't passed UL certification. Similar for my CMS, got my Router insert in Germany and I can use my OF2200 and it has not yet exploded in the past 7 years.
Cheers

Luis (ridgenj) · « **Reply #286 on:** February 12, 2022, 02:28 PM »

Quote from: batmanimal on February 11, 2022, 11:48 PM

Quote from: Luis (ridgenj) on February 11, 2022, 11:17 PM
Hi everyone, I ordered mid December my unit from Lee Valley, got also a cancellation for the set but the SE2 should arrive in June 2022.
I am going the Excel 5 route for the pump, the rest in piecemealed from several Festool vendors.
I was looking into previous posts and I am still not sure if the connectors fit properly. BTW, when I was in Munich I saw the pump now in a Systainer.

Cheers
Luis

Check out Reply #33 of this thread (looks like the connectors work with the Excel5) https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/vacuum-pump-for-vac-sys/30/

User reported that this is the connector you’d need: https://www.zoro.com/parker-quick-connect-hose-coupling-push-to-connect-lock-14-18-thread-size-rf-254-4mp/i/G4872892/?q=G4872892

I would order from a retailer that has them in stock now. I wouldn’t wait for back order (especially as far off as June) because it may get cancelled again. Both Acme tools and Beaver have them in stock, according to their websites. Mine arrived from Beaver yesterday.

https://beavertools.com/580062-festool-vac-sys-se-2-clamping-module.html

https://www.acmetools.com/vac-sys-se2-clamping-module-580062/4014549075838.html

I really appreciate your guidance and ordered 2xSE 2 Units from ACME. The rest of the Info is also very helpful.

Cheers

Stan Tillinghast · « **Reply #287 on:** February 12, 2022, 03:34 PM »

I must second Luis’ comments: this thread has been invaluable for me, not only in warning about the discontinuation, but especially in guiding readers to alternative sellers and, more recently, alternative options such as the Excel vacuum pumps.

I too received that dreaded e-mail from Lee Valley saying my order for the Vac-Sys System Set had been canceled (I have not heard that about my order for the Festool pump, still showing as backordered to 2/22/22).

I have ordered pieces of the system in anticipation of the unavailability of the System Set: I have an SE-1 clamping module; an extra round head; a foot pedal; and the accessory head set.

Last night after reading the last few posts, I ordered an SE-2 clamping module from Acme Tools.

If I don’t get the pump from Lee Valley—and perhaps even if I do—I plan to talk to Joe at Veneer Supplies about the Excel pumps and needed hoses and connections; perhaps even order a set of Podz.

grobkuschelig · « **Reply #288 on:** February 12, 2022, 03:41 PM »

I ordered a full set with pump and SE1 and SE2 last week, was confirmed on the phone that they had stock, hope that is true.

…but I am in Germany and even here the offers showing stock start to disappear quickly.
I always wanted the system but was always weary for the cost. But I could not risk missing out. It is such a great product.

…Festool Germany even rewrote the text on their YouTube videos, stating that the VAC SYS is not part of their portfolio anymore.

Luis (ridgenj) · « **Reply #289 on:** February 12, 2022, 06:22 PM »

Quote from: Stan Tillinghast on February 12, 2022, 03:34 PM

I must second Luis’ comments: this thread has been invaluable for me, not only in warning about the discontinuation, but especially in guiding readers to alternative sellers and, more recently, alternative options such as the Excel vacuum pumps.

I too received that dreaded e-mail from Lee Valley saying my order for the Vac-Sys System Set had been canceled (I have not heard that about my order for the Festool pump, still showing as backordered to 2/22/22).

I have ordered pieces of the system in anticipation of the unavailability of the System Set: I have an SE-1 clamping module; an extra round head; a foot pedal; and the accessory head set.

Last night after reading the last few posts, I ordered an SE-2 clamping module from Acme Tools.

If I don’t get the pump from Lee Valley—and perhaps even if I do—I plan to talk to Joe at Veneer Supplies about the Excel pumps and needed hoses and connections; perhaps even order a set of Podz.

Stan, if you ever talk to Joe, ask him if he can offer a set to connect Excel pumps to Festool. I guess that we are not the lonely guys going this route. I will also get the Podz from him. I guess that if you are not in front of the line, all "backorders' will not be fulfilled. LV have always been able to get me my orders, e.g. my SMT 1800 when nobody had inventory, voila, it came from Sin City.

Domino11 · « **Reply #290 on:** February 13, 2022, 03:13 PM »

Quote from: Luis (ridgenj) on February 12, 2022, 06:22 PM

Quote from: Stan Tillinghast on February 12, 2022, 03:34 PM

If I don’t get the pump from Lee Valley—and perhaps even if I do—I plan to talk to Joe at Veneer Supplies about the Excel pumps and needed hoses and connections; perhaps even order a set of Podz.

Stan, if you ever talk to Joe, ask him if he can offer a set to connect Excel pumps to Festool.

.

Having done this exact setup, Excel Pump with Vacsys SE1 & SE 2, the ONLY extra part you will need to connect the Excel pump to VacSys System is this (1) HiFlow Male connector, which are readily available at Lowes and Home Depot and AMAZON.
You only need 1 of them to screw into the pump, and then all your VacSys will connect just like the Festool Pump.

Everything else is PLUG-n-PLAY.

HOME DEPOT HI-FLOW FITTINGS

LOWS HI-FLOW FITTINGS

AMAZON HI-FLOW FITTING

Luis (ridgenj) · « **Reply #291 on:** February 13, 2022, 03:43 PM »

Many thanks Domino11, it is really plug and play once you have the help from people like yourself.

For those going this route, unfortunately, the SE2 Units have disappeared from the map. Apparently I got the last one from Acme Tools, was not able to order a second one. Similar situation with the D215,wiped out. Most vendors are offering backorders.

Stan Tillinghast · « **Reply #292 on:** February 13, 2022, 04:50 PM »

Domino11, thanks very much from me as well. This is a new little world for me and getting very specific information is worth it’s weight in gold.

By the way, I ordered an SE2 module from Acme Friday night, they shipped it Saturday.

Michael Kellough · « **Reply #293 on:** February 13, 2022, 06:34 PM »

BIS website shows the SE2 in stock.

No idea if that is accurate.

Domino11 · « **Reply #294 on:** February 13, 2022, 11:51 PM »

Quote from: Michael Kellough on February 13, 2022, 06:34 PM

BIS website shows the SE2 in stock.

No idea if that is accurate.

.

They claimed to have about 100 + SE2 units when I ordered mined 10 days ago.

.

MrToolJunkie · « **Reply #295 on:** February 14, 2022, 12:37 AM »

Quote from: Domino11 on February 13, 2022, 03:13 PM

Quote from: Luis (ridgenj) on February 12, 2022, 06:22 PM
Quote from: Stan Tillinghast on February 12, 2022, 03:34 PM

If I don’t get the pump from Lee Valley—and perhaps even if I do—I plan to talk to Joe at Veneer Supplies about the Excel pumps and needed hoses and connections; perhaps even order a set of Podz.

Stan, if you ever talk to Joe, ask him if he can offer a set to connect Excel pumps to Festool.
.

Having done this exact setup, Excel Pump with Vacsys SE1 & SE 2, the ONLY extra part you will need to connect the Excel pump to VacSys System is this (1) HiFlow Male connector, which are readily available at Lowes and Home Depot and AMAZON.
You only need 1 of them to screw into the pump, and then all your VacSys will connect just like the Festool Pump.

Everything else is PLUG-n-PLAY.

HOME DEPOT HI-FLOW FITTINGS

LOWS HI-FLOW FITTINGS

AMAZON HI-FLOW FITTING

Thanks for posting this. Good to know the parts in case I ever need a new pump.

smorgasbord · « **Reply #296 on:** February 14, 2022, 04:47 AM »

A friend had a complete unit on order with Lee Valley. Just got this email:

Quote

Thank you for your order. Unfortunately, Festool has discontinued ZTU203149 - Vac Sys System Set and we are unable to fill your order. We have cancelled it from your order and you have not been charged. Please keep your eye out for their re-launch.

What's the relaunch? Anyone have a clue?

afish · « **Reply #297 on:** February 14, 2022, 08:08 AM »

No, it looks like Festool is pretty tight lipped about it. I find it interesting how they handled it, using the FOMO to sell the last units of old stock. Now that those are mostly bought up we start to hear about v2.0. If I had to guess I would say it probably has something to do with the pump but thats just a guess since I dont see a lot of room for improvement on the heads. That's not to say I hope there isnt something new or cool coming with different pods since I held off on v.1.0 I was close a few times of grabbing one up, so if they manage to hit a home run with the redesign I probably wouldn't be able to stop myself.

The other option is if they try to go cordless with the system like the grabo. This would not interest me at all but perhaps some would like it.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #298 on:** February 14, 2022, 08:16 AM »

This is all speculation since Lee Valley seems to be the only company referencing a re-launch. However, cordless would be a natural fit. I don't think these pumps use a whole lot of power compared to other tools and I could see a pair of batteries running one for a good while.

If they were to go down that path they'd need to do something about the hoses to make them more quick connect/disconnect and less cumbersome, i.e. not as bulky and hard to store.

The heads are pretty much ideal as is not sure what else could be done there unless it was a cost savings measure i.e. cheapening the product. They could steal ideas from the community and offer various smaller heads and functional units. Like guide rail vacuum clamp, trim holding pads like the CT-Wings. Kourous Carpentry is launching their portable vacpad system for this purpose and it is receiving a lot of attention.

Matt

Cheese · « **Reply #299 on:** February 14, 2022, 09:14 AM »

Quote from: DynaGlide on February 14, 2022, 08:16 AM

However, cordless would be a natural fit. I don't think these pumps use a whole lot of power compared to other tools and I could see a pair of batteries running one for a good while.

Especially if they include vacuum sensing capabilities in the pump to prevent it from running constantly. A few years ago I did a leak down test using the vacuum reserve space under the head along with all Festool vacuum connectors and the vacuum held the piece of laminate vertically for over an hour after the pump was turned off.

Did you get your Prevost connectors yet Matt?