Configuration options, what comes in the box, and surface compatibility
Getting Started
What is AnchorPod?
AnchorPod is a precision vacuum workholding pod that anchors flat parts quickly and repeatably so you can stage, sand, finish, or machine without clamps getting in the way.
What comes in the box?
Configuration | Best for | Includes (high level) | Notes |
AnchorPod Core | Custom setups | Standalone AnchorPod (20 mm or 3/4 in) | Bring your own gasket material and vacuum source, or pair with Edition pods |
AnchorPod Foundation | First-time setup | AnchorPod + gaskets/spacers + tubing + hex/T-handle + Systainer insert | Everything needed to get started in one kit |
FORG3D Edition — Magnus | High hold + full kit | AnchorPod + Magnus pod + Argos + AnchorDogs + BenchPups + S 76 fitout + gasket/tubing/fittings | Most complete bundle; includes dogs + driver + fitout |
FORG3D Edition — Maximus | Multi-pod stability | 2× AnchorPods + 2× Maximus pods + Argos + AnchorDogs + S 76 fitout + gasket/tubing/fittings | Two-pod base for better distribution on larger work |
Standalone AnchorPod (20 mm or 3/4 in variant) for custom setups. Use with your own gasket material and vacuum source, or pair with AnchorPod Edition pods.
Everything to get started:
- (1) AnchorPod (20 mm or 3/4 in)
- (2) Gaskets + spacers
- 1500 mm vacuum tubing
- T-handle or 4 mm hex installation tool
- PE foam insert (fits Systainer³ S 76)
- (1) SYS-GRP AnchorPod — 20 mm
- (1) AnchorPod Edition Magnus Pod
- (1) SYS-GRP Argos — bench driver (stores in a 20 mm dog hole)
- (4) SYS-GRP AnchorDogs — 20 mm dogs
- (2) SYS-GRP BenchPups — low-profile 20 mm dogs
- (1) Systainer³ S 76 with precision fitout
- (4) Pod balancing spacers, EPDM foam gasket + balancing elements, PU tubing + fittings
- (2) SYS-GRP AnchorPods — 20 mm
- (2) AnchorPod Edition Maximus Pods
- (1) SYS-GRP Argos
- (2) SYS-GRP AnchorDogs — 20 mm
- (1) Systainer³ S 76 with precision fitout
- (2) Pod balancing spacers, EPDM foam gasket + balancing elements, PU tubing + fittings
What tools do I need?
A 4 mm hex tool or our Argos bench driver seats the additive upper against the dog hole to promote a reliable vacuum seal. You'll also need a compatible vacuum source and hose.
See SYS-GRP AnchorPod — Installation, Performance & Vacuum for installation details.
Where can I use it?
Any stable, flat surface with true 20 mm or 3/4 in dog holes in good condition.
Note: Worn, oversized, or damaged holes can compromise the seal; verify fit before use.
Compatibility
Surface Compatibility
Surface | Expected performance | What to do |
Smooth, flat, low-porosity tops | Best performance | Use as normal |
Rigid benches and work plates | Best performance | Triangulate multi-pod layouts for larger parts |
MFT tops and similar precision surfaces | Best performance | Use dogs for indexing/anti-rotation as needed |
Highly porous surfaces (unfinished plywood, particleboard) | Reduced / inconsistent holding | Seal the surface or use a spoilboard |
Soft, uneven, warped, or damaged surfaces | Reduced or impeded holding | Flatten or switch surfaces, or add a spoilboard and more pods |
Key principle: The better the seal between gasket and surface, the stronger the hold.
Bench Systems
Compatible with:
- Festool MFT tables
- 20 mm grid benches and work surfaces
- European-standard dog-hole systems
Works alongside:
- 20 mm bench dogs (use for indexing, anti-rotation, or edge references)
- MFT accessories and clamps
Compatible with:
- North American woodworking benches
- 3/4 in dog-hole systems
- Traditional bench dog setups
Works alongside:
- 3/4 in bench dogs
- Standard woodworking holdfast and clamps
Integration with Bench Dogs
Do I need bench dogs for AnchorPod to work?
No. AnchorPod provides vacuum down-force on its own.
When to use dogs with AnchorPod:
- Anti-rotation: Prevent workpiece from spinning during operations
- Edge reference: Use dogs as mechanical stops for alignment
- Indexing: Combine vacuum hold with repeatable positioning
Best practice: AnchorPod provides the clamping force; dogs provide positioning and anti-rotation.
Perforated Tops and Plywood
Challenge: Adjacent holes allow air leakage, reducing vacuum effectiveness.
Solutions:
- Use a spoilboard: Place a non-perforated plate or MDF board under the gasket
- Seal adjacent holes: Temporarily plug nearby holes to prevent leakage
- Strategic placement: Position AnchorPod where hole density is lowest
Performance depends on:
- Surface finish (sealed/painted plywood works better than raw)
- Porosity (hardwood plywood seals better than softwood)
- Flatness (warped plywood prevents good contact)
Recommendations:
- Seal plywood with finish or paint before use
- Use AnchorPod Edition pods for better contact
- Add a spoilboard for critical work
Next Steps
→ Ready to install? See SYS-GRP AnchorPod — Installation, Performance & Vacuum
→ Questions? See SYS-GRP AnchorPod — Overview & FAQ
→ Need support? See SYS-GRP AnchorPod — Safety, Maintenance & Support
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