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   I will be handeling a vacuum system to hold guitar bodies. I have ordered a proto type for my own use and if anyone is interested let me know. I have heard raves about this from Danny Brown at Martin and have decided to carry this item for you finish fanatics.
   I will have more info in a month so if anyone is interested let me know and I will get you some info. The unit is run off and air compressor or vacuum pump. I have seen this at Martin on the production floor and it is a great device for filling and sanding and final finish.
   I saw a guitar on this clamp and the neck broke befor you can pull it off. Amzing I just had to get one myself. I don't know the cost as of yet but it looks to be about $500-600
john hall

John, your not talking about one of these units are ya?





I bought one of these last week and I have to tellya, its worth every single penny I spent! IT is SO COOL!
I'm able to attached a bound body on the back side, the turn it 360* as I scrap the bindings smooth, it just slick as snot!! My wife said " In a month your going to be asking your self why you waited so long to buy that!"
LMI has if for 221.45

The neck tilts fro straight up to 90* down, the top spins 360* and I bet it weights 20 lbs! Very strongly built. 5 stars in my book.



LanceK38556.3133564815

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

No
   This unit uses a vortex. I tried one of LMI's and it let go on me . This is a continuious vaccum. Similar but of a better design
john

john, i was thinking the same question lance asked. i have used a homemade holder for a few years now but it is not articulated and certainly does not exert the death grip you describe.

when will you be able to post photos and an explanation of the vortex you mention?crazymanmichael38556.7556018519

John,
vortex; as in "the swirling vortex of death"? I'm going to make or buy a vac setup in the next year or so. Looking forward to hearing what you have to say.Terry Stowell38556.8140162037

[QUOTE=LanceK]
My wife said " In a month your going to be asking your self why you waited so long to buy that!"
[/QUOTE]

DUDE YOU MARRIED WELL !!!!

John, how did it let go? This thing has the grip of death!LanceK38556.8909375

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

      The cup design I think leaked. The one I am getting is a single piece and I can't wait. You can actually pull the guitar neck off the body. This thing can hold.
       It also has a better locking mechanism when you move and swing the guitar and a beefier frame. This one is a little more production line quality.

John, did you have the unit that is pictured at the bottom in my previous post? Thats the one I just bought. It works great, locks down tight and easily, it tilts forward 90* and spins 360* . I cant wait to scrap bindings using it, scrap, spin, scrap, spin! WhoHoo!

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Yes it was like this. The single O ring wasn't set right and it let the air in. the one I am getting has multiple seals.
   It is due in early Aug and I am waiting like a kid for Santa
john
Danny Brown at Matin turned me on to this.

Did you shut off your vacuum? I understand that with the LMI type you have to keep your pump turned on.

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I am in the process of putting together a vacuum clamping system. I have a pump hooked into a 3 gal surge tank. I also have a vacuum switch that will shut the pump off once I reach 25 inches (or so) of mecury. It turns back on when I drop below 18 inches or so. I was never very good a pluming, (I always manage to get a leak or 2) but once I get those slight leaks chased out, I should be good to go.

I have not bought the pucks yet.

I think the NEL (New England Luthiers) topic next month is about vacuum clamping.

I've always thought that this method of holding a guitar would be great but concerned about the danger of vacuum loss leading to a disaster.
Am I overlooking something?

Would anyone know of anyone else using this device to hold archtop guitars? Wondering if the seal ring is thick enough to "grab the arch".
I sound pretty silly asking, in the previous message, about reliability but the thought of a newly finished guitar bouncing on the floor.......
Nelson

nelson, not silly at all. whilst i have used a shop made horizontal, i.e. above the bench, vacuum clamp for some years without a failure but i have not trusted my self to make an articulated clamp holding the instrument in space for the very same reason, and the limitation on use has also limited its utility.

That is what I like about this new one. The suction ring is very flexible and can hole anything. The seal is alot better and more flexible in it;s aplication. I will post some pix asap
john