Author Topic: VAC SYS DISCONTINUED? (Read 117846 times)

Michael Kellough · « **Reply #90 on:** December 15, 2021, 10:23 PM »

Quote from: squall_line on December 15, 2021, 10:22 PM

Quote from: Michael Kellough on December 15, 2021, 09:12 PM
@squall_line so it looks like the mount will fit both the MFT 1080/600 and the MFT 3 by using different set of holes?
@Michael Kellough, yes, it looks like it should fit both, based on your measurements and the presence of the second set of holes.

I'm not saying I'll pay for your bracket if it doesn't happen to fit, but I'm 95% confident.

Good enough! Thanks.

elfick · « **Reply #91 on:** December 16, 2021, 06:26 PM »

This has really been occupying more of my mind than it should have... I didn't plan on getting one and then I was wondering if I should get one before it was too late just in case I started doing enough work that would benefit from it. In the end I decided I wasn't going to get it, but as I poked around I noticed that the VAC SYS pump sold in the rest of the world is WAY different than the one sold here. Not just 240 vs. 120, but it's apparently built into a classic systainer.

https://www.festool.co.uk/products/workplace-organisation/vacuum-clamping-technology/580072---vac-sys-vp-gb-240v

So I'm thinking the reason we aren't hearing about this being discontinued in other countries is because they are only discontinuing the version sold in the US. Since it is a special complainer as far as their VAC SYS line goes, it wouldn't surprise me to find out it was just more effort than it was worth. I'd think that would mean that accessories would continue to be available, just maybe not easily attainable.

Cheese · « **Reply #92 on:** December 16, 2021, 06:45 PM »

Quote from: elfick on December 16, 2021, 06:26 PM

So I'm thinking the reason we aren't hearing about this being discontinued in other countries is because they are only discontinuing the version sold in the US. Since it is a special complainer as far as their VAC SYS line goes, it wouldn't surprise me to find out it was just more effort than it was worth. I'd think that would mean that accessories would continue to be available, just maybe not easily attainable.

Sorry it’s gone worldwide…see replies #2 & #4. Per Festool, all remaining units are currently being shipped to the States.

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-announcements/festool-main-catalogue-for-2022/msg657060/?topicseen#msg657060

Greg Powers · « **Reply #93 on:** December 16, 2021, 07:16 PM »

There are also less expensive vacuum pumps that you can use. I did not buy the Festool one as a non Festool brand one was less than half what the official Festool one cost. I did need to buy some Festool hose connectors. The non-festool one does not have the vacuum reservoir. The Festool unit uses the tub frame as a reservoir.

TinyShop · « **Reply #94 on:** December 16, 2021, 07:28 PM »

Quote from: Cheese on December 16, 2021, 06:45 PM

Quote from: elfick on December 16, 2021, 06:26 PM
So I'm thinking the reason we aren't hearing about this being discontinued in other countries is because they are only discontinuing the version sold in the US. Since it is a special complainer as far as their VAC SYS line goes, it wouldn't surprise me to find out it was just more effort than it was worth. I'd think that would mean that accessories would continue to be available, just maybe not easily attainable.

Sorry it’s gone worldwide…see replies #2 & #4. Per Festool, all remaining units are currently being shipped to the States.

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-announcements/festool-main-catalogue-for-2022/msg657060/?topicseen#msg657060

The 120V system is going away. Meanwhile, the 240V system, which has never been made available in North America, presumably soldiers on. Think about it: why would the 240V version be headed to our shores? Obviously, it's not. And so, also obviously, FUSA is only referring to the 120V version. That said, the fact that the Vac Sys is absent from the 2022 international catalog spells a similar doom for our friends on the other side of the pond.

elfick · « **Reply #95 on:** December 16, 2021, 07:36 PM »

Quote from: Cheese on December 16, 2021, 06:45 PM

Quote from: elfick on December 16, 2021, 06:26 PM
So I'm thinking the reason we aren't hearing about this being discontinued in other countries is because they are only discontinuing the version sold in the US. Since it is a special complainer as far as their VAC SYS line goes, it wouldn't surprise me to find out it was just more effort than it was worth. I'd think that would mean that accessories would continue to be available, just maybe not easily attainable.

Sorry it’s gone worldwide…see replies #2 & #4. Per Festool, all remaining units are currently being shipped to the States.

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-announcements/festool-main-catalogue-for-2022/msg657060/?topicseen#msg657060

That's a bummer. I may have eventually gotten one, just couldn't justify it at this point. Thanks for pointing me to that thread.

elfick · « **Reply #96 on:** December 16, 2021, 07:37 PM »

Quote from: Greg Powers on December 16, 2021, 07:16 PM

There are also less expensive vacuum pumps that you can use. I did not buy the Festool one as a non Festool brand one was less than half what the official Festool one cost. I did need to buy some Festool hose connectors. The non-festool one does not have the vacuum reservoir. The Festool unit uses the tub frame as a reservoir.

So you still used the Festool heads, just with a different pump? Mind sharing what you used? If it's already in a thread somewhere just point me in the right direction and I'll get to reading. Thanks!

Cheese · « **Reply #97 on:** December 16, 2021, 09:25 PM »

Quote from: TinyShop on December 16, 2021, 07:28 PM

The 120V system is going away.

Meanwhile, the 240V system, which has never been made available in North America, presumably soldiers on. Think about it: why would the 240V version be headed to our shores?

Obviously, it's not. And so, also obviously, FUSA is only referring to the 120V version.

That said, the fact that the Vac Sys is absent from the 2022 international catalog spells a similar doom for our friends on the other side of the pond.

It's difficult to know exactly where to start here. I never meant to suggest that the 240v vacuum pump was being sent to the US. That just doesn't make any sense, why would Festool send over that particular 240v item when they've never sent any other 240v item to the States?
I assumed that was quite obvious...if not, I apologize for leading others astray.

The poster elflick was just concerned/unsure of the current status of the Vac Sys and I was only trying to help him out with the facts.

Consider these statements...and spin it in any direction that you feel comfortable with.

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/vac-sys-discontinued/60/

See reply #11
The official word from FUSA is...
Due to continued supply chain pressure, Festool is permanently phasing out our Vac-Sys Clamping Systems. All major Vac-Sys components have permanently ceased production and final inventory is in transit to North America.

See reply #77
If the statement is accurate, then it is not just North America. The Vac- Sys is not produced in North America.

I have no inside info ........... but the part in bold seems pretty definitive.

@DerickC

Seth

And finally, there's the missing Vac Sys items in the latest, just released Festool corporate tool catalog for 2022.

PaulMarcel · « **Reply #98 on:** December 16, 2021, 09:36 PM »

Just to add to the confusion... my 120V Sys-Vac pump is in a classic Systainer

hmm...

Cheese · « **Reply #99 on:** December 17, 2021, 08:23 AM »

Quote from: PaulMarcel on December 16, 2021, 09:36 PM

Just to add to the confusion... my 120V Sys-Vac pump is in a classic Systainer hmm...

Did you purchase your pump from the UK? I don't remember the Systainer based pumps being offered in the US.

cider · « **Reply #100 on:** December 17, 2021, 11:06 AM »

Quote from: elfick on December 16, 2021, 07:37 PM

So you still used the Festool heads, just with a different pump? Mind sharing what you used? If it's already in a thread somewhere just point me in the right direction and I'll get to reading. Thanks!

Different poster, but I had this in my bookmarks, cause I thought it was cool.

Ryan Murphy · « **Reply #101 on:** December 17, 2021, 11:51 AM »

Just to clear up some confusion, we wrote this quick blog on the information we received direct from Festool. Please feel free to reach out to us either on here or at 877-777-4717 with any questions. We do still have the full kit #203149 available on our website for our incoming inventory, while supplies last.

Festool Announces Phase-Out of Vac-Sys Clamping System

Hope you all have a very Happy Holiday Season with your family and friends and thank you to all of our loyal customers for your continued support, as a family owned small business it really means a the world to us!

elfick · « **Reply #102 on:** December 17, 2021, 12:51 PM »

Quote from: Ryan Murphy on December 17, 2021, 11:51 AM

Just to clear up some confusion, we wrote this quick blog on the information we received direct from Festool. Please feel free to reach out to us either on here or at 877-777-4717 with any questions. We do still have the full kit #203149 available on our website for our incoming inventory, while supplies last.

Festool Announces Phase-Out of Vac-Sys Clamping System

Hope you all have a very Happy Holiday Season with your family and friends and thank you to all of our loyal customers for your continued support, as a family owned small business it really means a the world to us!

Agh! Fine! I can't take it anymore! I placed an order. Since my birthday is in February I'm calling it a birthday present to myself.

Cheese · « **Reply #103 on:** December 17, 2021, 01:06 PM »

Quote from: elfick on December 17, 2021, 12:51 PM

Agh! Fine! I can't take it anymore! I placed an order. Since my birthday is in February I'm calling it a birthday present to myself.

Now that's the spirit we like to see...

usernumber1 · « **Reply #104 on:** December 17, 2021, 01:50 PM »

guys can we stop with the peer pressure this is too much i can't take it much longer

squall_line · « **Reply #105 on:** December 17, 2021, 02:10 PM »

Quote from: Cheese on December 17, 2021, 01:06 PM

Quote from: elfick on December 17, 2021, 12:51 PM
Agh! Fine! I can't take it anymore! I placed an order. Since my birthday is in February I'm calling it a birthday present to myself.

Now that's the spirit we like to see...

Just found out today what our end-of-year bonuses will be at work. I'm no longer feeling quite as guilty about my recent acquisitions. I think this is also the last year we get them, so I'll need to find a different excuse going forward. Or start making my tools "earn their keep"...

Greg Powers · « **Reply #106 on:** December 17, 2021, 05:45 PM »

Quote from: elfick on December 16, 2021, 07:37 PM

Quote from: Greg Powers on December 16, 2021, 07:16 PM
There are also less expensive vacuum pumps that you can use. I did not buy the Festool one as a non Festool brand one was less than half what the official Festool one cost. I did need to buy some Festool hose connectors. The non-festool one does not have the vacuum reservoir. The Festool unit uses the tub frame as a reservoir.
So you still used the Festool heads, just with a different pump? Mind sharing what you used? If it's already in a thread somewhere just point me in the right direction and I'll get to reading. Thanks!

There is a photo attached below showing the non-Festool vacuum pump. I switched out one of the standard quick connects for a Festool compatible quick connect. I purchased this from https://www.veneersupplies.com/. I think it was the Excel 3™ kit.

PaulMarcel · « **Reply #107 on:** December 17, 2021, 07:36 PM »

Quote from: Cheese on December 17, 2021, 08:23 AM

Quote from: PaulMarcel on December 16, 2021, 09:36 PM
Just to add to the confusion... my 120V Sys-Vac pump is in a classic Systainer hmm...

Did you purchase your pump from the UK? I don't remember the Systainer based pumps being offered in the US.

I bought mine off a local who was seeded with one of the first units sent to the US before they were made available. I think regulations made the Systainer version of the pump difficult for sale here, but am not certain. The older Systainer pump fits in my shop much better than the new one.

Peter Halle · « **Reply #108 on:** December 17, 2021, 07:45 PM »

Quote from: PaulMarcel on December 17, 2021, 07:36 PM

Quote from: Cheese on December 17, 2021, 08:23 AM
Quote from: PaulMarcel on December 16, 2021, 09:36 PM
Just to add to the confusion... my 120V Sys-Vac pump is in a classic Systainer hmm...

Did you purchase your pump from the UK? I don't remember the Systainer based pumps being offered in the US.

I bought mine off a local who was seeded with one of the first units sent to the US before they were made available. I think regulations made the Systainer version of the pump difficult for sale here, but am not certain. The older Systainer pump fits in my shop much better than the new one.

I saw your post and wondered. I suspect that if you look at your tool / Systainer etc. you might not find a label with UL type certifications. The Systainer style did not come over due to inability to get the certification.

You my old friend have a unicorn model.

Peter

Cheese · « **Reply #109 on:** December 17, 2021, 10:01 PM »

Quote from: Peter Halle on December 17, 2021, 07:45 PM

You my old friend have a unicorn model.

Peter

That was also my thought...I don't believe any vacuum pumps were commercially sold here that were inside Systainers...because of UL issues. However, that doesn't mean those items didn't make it into the states because they may have been in the Alpha...Beta...or prototype stage.

A unicorn indeed.

The benefits of being an early adopter.

SleepDoc · « **Reply #110 on:** December 18, 2021, 06:46 AM »

Has anyone found a set in stock anywhere online? I see places that say can preorder but if it is discontinued I assume the order would never be fulfilled?

Chainring · « **Reply #111 on:** December 18, 2021, 09:29 AM »

Quote from: SleepDoc on December 18, 2021, 06:46 AM

Has anyone found a set in stock anywhere online? I see places that say can preorder but if it is discontinued I assume the order would never be fulfilled?

US Tool & Fastener is taking pre orders for only what they'll be receiving. I was told by them, if you can pre order, you're in line for stock that will be arriving from the very last shipment.

MrToolJunkie · « **Reply #112 on:** December 18, 2021, 10:11 AM »

Check Tool Nirvana too.

squall_line · « **Reply #113 on:** December 18, 2021, 10:32 AM »

This is another situation where "no discounts allowed" rule will leave some of the individual parts (pump, SE1, SE2) in stock in some retailers because people are looking only for the Set.

The Set discount is pretty substantial over individual pricing, so I definitely wouldn't advocate buying it all piece-by-piece, but I also wouldn't be surprised if there were retailers with stock of the constituent parts with build dates going back 3, 4, or 5 years.

Cheese · « **Reply #114 on:** December 18, 2021, 10:59 AM »

Quote from: squall_line on December 18, 2021, 10:32 AM

The Set discount is pretty substantial over individual pricing, so I definitely wouldn't advocate buying it all piece-by-piece, but I also wouldn't be surprised if there were retailers with stock of the constituent parts with build dates going back 3, 4, or 5 years.

I just received the SE2 yesterday...build date...

squall_line · « **Reply #115 on:** December 18, 2021, 01:27 PM »

The Set I got from Recon all had 2021 build dates as well.

The Acme Tools near me has a Festool area, but tools seem to go there to gather dust, rather than make dust. About the only thing I see them sell through is dust collectors. It's pretty sad, really.

Cheese · « **Reply #116 on:** December 19, 2021, 09:55 AM »

Quote from: elfick on December 16, 2021, 07:37 PM

So you still used the Festool heads, just with a different pump? Mind sharing what you used? If it's already in a thread somewhere just point me in the right direction and I'll get to reading. Thanks!

I use a Gast vacuum pump that I pulled off of my Milwaukee core drill rig.

I just changed out the standard NPT fittings that came with it for some Festool items.

rst · « **Reply #117 on:** December 19, 2021, 10:08 AM »

I also do not use Festools pump. I started making vac jigs 45 years ago using a Craftsman vac, the intake on my air compressor and for 30 years surplus HVAC pump I got for $15.00 because it was 220v. I recently bought a 120v pump off Amazon as I do not yet have 220 in my shop. Presently using 100 feet of 10 ga to power and Honda 2200 when drawing too many amps for the cord. It is real easy to over think what source of vacuum is necessary. If I was vac bagging I would need a pressure switch too cycle the pump but as yet haven't used that process.

JimH2 · « **Reply #118 on:** December 19, 2021, 12:28 PM »

Was on holiday last week and just read this and of course order placed for system and accessory set. Relieved the there are ones in the wild with recent manufacture dates. Was close on a refurb at one point and now glad I waited. Hopefully US Tool & Fastener can deliver.

Coen · « **Reply #119 on:** December 19, 2021, 01:47 PM »

Anyone know why exactly the 'pump in Systainer' couldn't get UL certification?