Virutex Vacuum Vise Clamp System

It is easy to see the utility of a vacuum clamping system - a system that holds your workpiece rigidly and allows you to get at the edges of your work to route, apply edge banding, do some flush trimming, and any number of other operations - all without vise marks.

We were very pleased when a customer introduced us to the Virutex Vacuum Clamp System. This is a system that requires an air compressor - and of course many shops have this. (It requires only a standard air line to operate ). You'll get good clamping support for a range of wood pieces depending upon the seal you choose. The system is ideal for drilling, carving, or painting panels without leaving vice marks; sanding or laminating edges in furniture making, and don’t even get us started on lutherie.

The fanciest version of the Virutex clamping system, the SVN460, is a multi-axis, multifunctional clamping system that offers tilting and swivelling support to your workpiece, allowing you to machine the edges and surface of the part without changing the grip. It includes a quick-release mechanism for quick changes and an integrated air distributor (with four auxiliary sockets) for connecting additional vacuum pads, as well as a C clamp for quick clamping of the SVN460 system to the workbench and a set of three different rubber seals (perimeters) to accommodate different workpiece sizes and shapes.

If you do not want the full system, you can also buy just the SVN250 Vacuum Pad and affix it to your bench. It comes with the set of three different-sized rubber seals, and tubing.

Another alternative to the full system is the SVN470 Auxiliary Fastening System, which consists of an SVN250 Vacuum Pad (with the set of seals) fitted on a base that tilts (but does not rotate) and a C clamp to clamp the system to your workbench.

And finally, the Duo-Sided Vacuum Pad doesn’t require mounting at all - it secures the workpiece on top and simultaneously attached to a bench on the bottom. No need to screw a base down. Great for vertical, horizontal, or tilted work positions, allowing for easier, flexible clamping.

Once connected to an air compressor, a venturi in each unit will create a vacuum. To quickly turn off the vacuum to change the workpiece, you can cover the small hole in the unit side with your finger. With larger workpiece (for which reaching the hole might require a third hand) or for long term setup, you will want a shutoff value in the compressor line.

Of the systems, only the main SVN460 includes a quick connector to your compressor, a shutoff valve and a manifold to connect it to multiple vacuum pads. The Duo only comes with a 6mm hose and a R ¼ pipe connection. If you just get one of the Duos or 250 units, you can connect it to a ¼” NPT connection or a ¼” push connection. We are therefore offering our own Accessory Valve Kit to make the systems other than the SVN470 more optimally functional. It has a compressor quick connection at one end and a ¼” NPT to 6mm push connection at the other, with a shutoff value in the middle. Note: The system is for non-porous workpieces. Packed in a cardboard box. Made in Spain.