Vacuum hold down unit

[Bellevue Woodshop]

Vacuum pod unit

Vacuum is a great way to secure work pieces, on the cnc, or on your workbench as well.
Inspired by Festools vac-sys, I decided to build a similar system for my workbench, for a loooot less money then the expensive commercial one.
I wanted it to be a simple construction, with a single operating lever for both direction of movement.
As you can see in the build video, I already have an old steel unit, that works great, but I loved the challenge to try to replicate it.
I also made plans for it so that anyone can build it.
the pods can be custom made in any shape and size to fit personal preference or product.

Its built from plywood, A piece of tubing, some pneumatic connectors, and a switching lever for the vacuum on/off.
The vacuum pump is a compressor salvaged from an old fridge.

If you want to see how to make a homemade vacuum pump from a fridge, take a look a Sam`s Workshop Diary`s new thread here on HTN, you can find it here: http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/h...uum-pump-71121

Personally, I just ripped the compressor out, and connected the hose to the inlet. (a little less work)

Here is a video of the vacuum pod build:

Best regards
Roy