Lets make it clear that this is not Lumberjocks which was loosely tagged as a “dedicated woodworking” forum. This is Craftisian where needlework and duck speak may be frowned upon by many, but are viable contributions nevertheless… so don't blame me if the categorisation may be lost on an illegitimateillegible illiterate duck.
While this could be slotted as a review (already partially done) or hints, I am following up my MFT mounted Vacuum Clamp Pods which was primarily centered on the mounting process to a workbench with a timber base.
Consequently, let’s just concentrate on the fact that you may have the pump and an existing air clamp, whether bought or shop made.
It may be in need of some handy/beneficial accoutrements. In the mounting project I covered attachment of the base using clamps or TSO loc-dogs,
however, here are three more handy additions covered by this post.
Unlike my Fe$tool VACSYS foot pedal,
there was no effective way to break the seal other than turning off the compressor and wait for the vacuum to “unsuck”. Alternatively I could break one/any of the Nitto connections to release the vacuum and thereby the job,
however, this was far too inconvenient as I had to reach and separate the coupling… and unlike connecting, there is no quick release (that I know of).
When I bought this Pneumatic Foot Pedal,
(more in it’s specs further down) my intention was to place it between the the pump and the pods, however all this would have done is redirected/blocked the pressure and I would still need to wait to remove the job.
I then thought of adding it to the end of the chain with the following configuration,
A. Input port.
B. Output port.
C. Output port (plugged).
whereby turning it “off” (pedal up) so the air passed through port B, and with an open end, the pressure was released permitting easy removal of the job.
Turning it "on" directs the airflow through port C which is plugged so the vacuum is maintained, while turning it “off”, directs the air to the open ended port B. This setup eliminated the need for another Nitto coupler as the air just vented out into the atmosphere (port B).
The foot pedal also gave a great anchor for the remote
to also be operated by foot.
Depending on the work sequence, the pump could be left on, a new piece put on the pod and the pedal pressed to block the flow sealing the vacuum and activating the clamp.
Though mentioned as an afterthought in my previous project, this is an ideal place to remind anyone with similar intention, to include an inline filter
to keep dust and debris out of the pump. As I will be primarily using these air clamps for sanding, I decided to stock up as I have no idea of their in-use life.
I have attached mine with Nitto fittings
for quick attachment and placement versatility.
Unfortunately the Nitto fitting configurations on my pump and Grabo were different (air flow direction), hence the two different setups,
Finally I use a power cube to remotely control my vacuum pump.
The cube itself is located at the end of the pump’s lead and placed wherever it is convenient at the time and out of obstruction (thereby usually out of reach). The remote is mounted on top of my “new” foot pedal,
Two of these accoutrements have been plagiarised form Geoff’s Joinery video in making your own air clamp. Not being mechanical/technical minded, I followed his links and blindly bought what popped up, however, I will make the following suggestions.
1. For the inline fuel filters, Google1/4" inline fuel filter, and you may find some better suited. I have not put mine through their paces so I have no idea of their shelf life.
2. ThePneumatic Foot Pedal turned out to be a 2 Position, 5 Way Foot Pedal. Wile even I can evaluate the 2 position, I have no idea what the 5 way refers to. Rather than blindly follow the 3 mice and an ignorant duck without a cane, may I suggest you GooglePneumatic Foot Pedal.
Thanks for reading and for those hard of hearing, visually impaired and without internet access, I made this video to keep myself amused
and you confused.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
Well I checked you list and after checking it twice I have come to the decision I think your post sucks! From my point of view as a Vac head anyway.
Now I guess you wonder why I have give it a Bob Dwyer thumbs down. Well from a purely scientific answer from Barry Jones no doubt would have to be, ... wait for it...
where is the review of the heart of the system The Vac pump?
Awesome LBD!! First of all the new evening wear dress, and matching recycled "Beatle" boots are stunning! I asked for the pump and pods for Xmas...we'll see if I get them. If I don't I'm still going to build this anyway, however the SWMBO filled up my dance card today after delivering the first installment of the furniture ordered by her for the new 4 seasons porch.....so it may be a few weeks down the aisle.
I have been waiting for something like this to walk me through the process of switching from very cumbersome surface-taping process for securing work to cut with Shaper Origin to vacuum holding.
This solution you have come up with looks really convenient.
I like that the foot switch has a cover to prevent sawdust on the floor from being pulled into the line. Yes, your filter will protect the pump (based on its position in the line), but you’ve got no filter before the Rockler pad. Is that not a concern? Genuinely curious.
Also I am concerned about the change in height. So maybe relying on the neoprene (?) bumpers on the top might introduce error if I the pieces do not always return to the same height between pump activations.
DT, the neoprene is quite thin... don't quote me but seems closer to 2.5mm than 3.0mm. However, I could see your concern about depression. While It is somewhat compact, if clamped for long durations.... I probably would toggle pods as micro differences could be a factor with your Shaper. The neoprenes are replaceable if they get fatigued... only time will tell... for my use, it would not be an issue. The filter is designed to keep the sawdust out of the pump. I don't see a need before the pods, however, with use I may find that need and with the way I connect the pods (with Nitto couplers between them rather than one tube from one to the other), filters could be inserted... or even just cut a tube and insert a replaceable filter.
Unfortunately the yellow hood is there to intimidate spiders, as it wouldn't prevent sucking up of idle sawdust. Though good pickup and I did take on board the comment as I neglected the fact that the pedal activation generated a suck rather than a blow, so I put another filter on the end, 2bsure, 2bsure. Not quite enough room to fit the filter inside the sheath.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
To intimidate spiders or invite them? It is perhaps questionable whether they see colors the same as we do (maybe yellow is a warm and inviting color to them)
Too bad there isn't a "shoo 'roo" for spiders 😜
I have heard that it's possible to pull a vacuum through MDF. I'll have to double-check but I think that's what Shaper Origin folks are talking about on the Shaper Tools forum for vacuum holding. I've been skeptical on that fact because I want to evaluate just how much holding power you can achieve by trying to vacuum through a flat porous material that is guaranteed to stay rigid for years (unlike neoprene which you reminded me also has the nuisance factor of degrading to the elements even when left to its down devices.
MDF works... I believe there are different gracdes (density) in MDF... Pick the right one and you just need to seal the sides and bottom... probably shave it (depending on thickness) till you get the optimum holding power.
My vacuums have problems holding MDF thinner than 12mm.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
Check out Geoff's video... With the Shaper you could probably make some sort of form (even out of 20mm MDF, and use maybe a 6mm sheet to provide a large flat top surface without any bumpers and using maybe shellac/CA (not gluten free) to seal all the "non-sucking" surfaces/perimeters.
Probably many options available...that's why often I just bite the bullet and buy whats on offer rather than reinvent zer0-G. PS. I should probably paint that foot pedal pink... I've had my pink beatle boots since 1980, and no spider has ever nested in them.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
.png)
