How do I use the Grabo with a Nexus Baseplate?
To generate vacuum, place your Grabo on top of the Nexus Baseplate and activate it as usual. Once the SYS-GRP vacuum pods (or another connected device) form a seal on your workpiece, you’ll see the pressure gauge on the Grabo rise—confirming that vacuum has transferred through the Nexus.
Does the Grabo need to stay on while I work?
In most cases, yes. The Grabo may cycle on and off during use, depending on both:
- The material you’re holding (e.g., porous MDF vs. sealed laminate), and
- The surface the Grabo itself is attached to.
Do I need to push down on the pods to get them to hold?
A light downward press on each pod helps seat the gaskets and ensure full contact—especially on textured or uneven materials. This also prevents the pods from lifting the rail or track slightly, which could throw off squareness along a cut. A gentle push ensures full engagement without affecting alignment.
Why does my Grabo stay on continuously instead of cycling off?
That’s normal and usually tied to the surface material, not the Nexus system. Even on non-porous materials like tile, small imperfections or seams can prevent the Grabo from reaching its auto-shutoff threshold. Vacuum cycling behavior varies between units and conditions—it’s not a sign of failure.
Is there something special I need to do to make SYS-GRP pods work with a Grabo?
No special setup is required. The Nexus Baseplate is a passive interface—the Grabo handles vacuum generation and control automatically. Adding pods introduces multiple small sealing points, so slight vacuum loss and cycling are expected. Perfectly sealing every junction would require costly, high-tolerance machining, which goes against a core SYS-GRP goal: accessible, real-world vacuum workholding at a practical price.
Which Grabo model works best for SYS-GRP pods?
Both the DeWalt Grabo and the Grabo Pro-Lifter 20 perform similarly for pod use. For most workshop applications, they’re excellent portable vacuum sources. However, for continuous shop setups—especially when running multiple pods or holding larger panels—step up to a dedicated vacuum source with more capacity. Grabos excel in mobile/field work; a bench-mounted or shop-grade pump provides greater sustained vacuum for long sessions.
Customer question: “Is there something special I need to do to get SYS-GRP working with a Grabo? I have to push down on all three pods and leave the Grabo on while I cut.”
Answer: The Grabo will often keep running while pods are attached. On non-porous or sealed surfaces (like pre-finished plywood), it may sometimes build enough pressure to shut off, but in most cases cycling is expected. Adding pods introduces several potential points for minor vacuum loss. We balance seal performance with practical, affordable design—perfect seals everywhere would drive costs up significantly. A light press to seat the pods is normal, and it helps maintain contact without lifting the track.
Customer question: “Even on tile, my Grabo never turns the pump off—what’s wrong?”
Answer: Likely nothing is wrong. Auto-shutoff depends on reaching a pressure threshold. Small surface variations, grout lines, or micro-leak paths can keep the pump running. This behavior varies by unit and conditions and usually isn’t a failure indicator.
Quick Setup Recap
- Slide the Grabo on the Nexus Baseplate.
- Attach your SYS-GRP pods (or other vacuum device).
- Position your workpiece on the pods or pods on your workpiece.
- Activate the Grabo to pull vacuum.
- Watch the Grabo gauge to confirm a seal.
- Proceed with your operation—occasional cycling is expected.
Note: For pod applications on porous materials (not melamine or pre-finished plywood), both DeWalt Grabo and Grabo Pro-Lifter will typically continue running. They’re unbeatable for mobile and pod use; for fixed shop setups, consider a higher-capacity vacuum source.