I wanted a Barth Vakuusyst 3.15 but it cost $2,400 and it wouldn't fit where I wanted to use it. This link has a picture and a video (the pic on the right) of the Barth system https://rangate.com/products/barth-vakuusyst-315
I decided to make my own version out of alum and steel tube, scaffolding clamps from stage rigging, hdpe plastic, gasket material, check valves, poly tubing and a vacuum pump.
My take-away: If they were the same price I'd prefer the Barth system. My system is slightly more configurable but slightly less rigid than the Barth system. I like their kip lever clamps more than the rigging clamps I have but the kip lever clamps are 4 time more expensive). The Barth vacuum cups are better than mine and I could duplicate them for around $200 each. Barth charges $500 each for them.
I spent $120 on a used vacuum pump and $400 on other material. I'll be able to outfit two workbenches with the clamping system which share a vacuum pump and some fitting.
The pic below shows the basic vacuum "pod" that has a steel sleeve attached to the bottom. The steel sleeve slides on the aluminum post. Several shapes and different size pods were made for different applications. The silver ball in the center of the HPE is the check valve.
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The pic below shows the vacuum pump on the left and the foot pedal on the right. The foot pedal allows me to start/stop the vacuum to the pods. I have the vacuum line under the mat so I don't trip on it. I'd like a better configuration but I haven't figure it out yet.
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The pics below show a piece of walnut in some of the possible configurations.
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The below pic shows a piece of HDPE with gasket material on both sides. The vacuum secures both the pod to the bench and the work piece to the pod. To be honest, this configuration would cover most of my needs.
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the setup below is most like the Barth system.
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Cheers,
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