Ok, so there are a lot of questions about the Planex and AutoClean. Rather than have 4 or more threads going with questions scattered everywhere, this will make it easier for me to find the questions and for you to find the answers.

If you have additional questions, please post them here.

Festool Planex Drywall Sander, 571579, $1000 USD, $1155 CAN
Festool CT 36 AutoClean (AC) Dust Extractor, 584014, $750 USD, $866 CAN

PLANEX QUESTIONS

What are the advantages of the Planex over the Porter Cable drywall sander?

Here are some of them, there may be others.

- Variable suction, controlled on the handle, allows the Planex to support itself using the suction from the vac reducing fatigue
- Modular design so it can be short for hallways, medium for normal use, long for high ceilings
- A robust, sealed 2-speed gear box instead of their cable drive which is more likely to fail over time
- A locking mechanism that keeps the hose from falling off
- Sealed switches and dials that can can't be infiltrated by dust, resulting in failure
- Switches and dials that are large and all within reach while operating the machine, right at your fingertips
- MUCH, MUCH less expensive abrasives lowering total cost of ownership
- A three year warranty versus their one year
- A removable brush around the pad that can let you get right against adjacent surfaces
- A rubber handle, theirs is plastic and gets quite slippery when you have dust on your hands
- And... even better dust extraction

Is there a package deal for the CT AutoClean?

Participating dealers can offer a CT AC package deals with discount savings on CT AC when purchased with any tool, including the Planex. See dealer for details.

When will the Planex be available?

We are accepting orders from dealers now with an official introduction date of March 1st for the Planex and CT AC. Check with your preferred dealer for availability. I would encourage you to let your dealer know that you want one in advance to ensure they order enough.

Does the variable suction dial on the Planex require the CT AC to function?

The vacuum control does not require the CT AutoClean, but other models of CT Dust Extractors cannot keep up with the quantities of dust produced by the PLANEX. Hence, the need for an automatic filter cleaning mechanism (AutoClean). The control on the Planex basically  restricts air flow from the CT AC as needed. At the right setting, the PLANEX will virtually hold itself to the wall or ceiling, supporting its own weight.

CT AUTOCLEAN QUESTIONS

Can you use the standard (non-AutoClean) CTs with the Planex?

Yes, of course it's possible. The Planex needs a 36mm hose which is not included with the standard CT models. Also, we have found drywall dust to be (apparently) smaller than 5 microns allowing some dust to pass through the filter bag and into the "tub" and to the main filter. What this means is that you may not get the full bag capacity because of a reduction in suction. Also, your HEPA filter will likely get clogged with fine dust over time depending on the quantity of dust produced. The AutoClean (High Performance HF-CT 496172) filter will fit into a standard CT but without the automated cleaning functionality, I guess you would need to periodically stop, pull the filter, clean it through agitation and put it back in. A standard 36mm hose will not have the ability to use the locking mechanism that keeps the hose from wiggling loose. You can buy the AutoClean hose separately, which is lighter and more flexible than the standard 36mm hose (496972).

Can I use the CT AutoClean for purposes other than with the Planex?

Yes, of course you can. It's a dust extractor. There is a dial on the front of the unit that control the frequency of AutoCleaning and has a setting for no AutoClean. So, it would function just like a regular CT. The standard filter is not HEPA and I currently don't have information on what level of filtration it does provide. You could install a HEPA filter into the unit, but it has not been tested for and should not be used for RRP. You can use filter bags in the CT AC.

What happens to the dust in the CT AutoClean?

The CT AutoClean is designed to be used with a plastic liner. It drapes over the bucket/tub and be easily disposed of. Again, the AutoClean can use standard filter bags but it's not recommended for drywall applications.

Will the CT AutoClean hose work with all tools?

The CT AutoClean comes with a 36mm black, very flexible, lightweight hose with a flange used to lock it onto the Planex. It will not work with any tool requiring a 27mm hose, such as sanders. It will work on all tools that can use a 36mm hose, with the exception of the HL 850 which requires the hose to go on the inside of the dust port. The AutoClean hose will not go on the inside of the port because of the flange.

What is the difference between the HEPA filter and High Performance filter?

The HEPA filter will capture particles down to 0.3 microns in size whereas the high performance filter does not offer that level of filtration. The high performance filter is tested to captured 99.9% of particles down to 1 micron in size. When comparing the two there are some distinguishing features. The HEPA Filter has very tight pleats, a brown seal on its sides, has "HEPA" written on it and is very rigid. The high performance filter has much larger and more open pleats and is very flexible to the point that it can be bent into a circle. In the photo below, the HEPA is on the left.



WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

I have created a website that has basic information about the Planex and CT AC. Check it out here: Festool Planex Drywall Sander. The site may be updated with additional information in the future but for now it covers most of the basics.

Festool PLANEX Drywall Sander

Festool CT AutoClean (AC) Drywall Dust Extractor

Thanks Shane.  I look forward to reading about other people's questions and using the Planex this summer.   

Shane, you mention abrasives.  Which abrasives in which grits are used with the Planex?

495929, Brilliant, P80, box of 25
495930, Brilliant, P100, box of 25     
495931, Brilliant, P120, box of 25     
495932, Brilliant, P240, box of 25     
495066, Brilliant, P150, box of 25    
495067, Brilliant, P180, box of 25    
495068, Brilliant, P220, box of 25    
495174, Saphir, P24, box of 25     
495175, Saphir, P36, box of 25

pretty good price. I was expecting much higher. So 1675$ for the kit (assuming the 10% discount on the CT). I think this is one of the festool tools that I would appreciate the peace of mind of having the 30 day money back, since it will be kind of hard to see it in action at the local hardware store.

You remember how long it took us to get Granat.

U.L. sandpaper testing.

They're rubbing me the wrong way too.   

Just don't get sore about it.

Updates:

The high-performance filter in the CT AC is tested to the European "M" standard which is 99.9% of particles down to 1 micron.

Canadian pricing added.

Festool Planex Drywall Sander, 571579, $1000 USD, $1155 CAN
Festool CT 36 AutoClean (AC) Dust Extractor, 584014, $750 USD, $866 CAN

Roland,

Thanks for the questions. Let me see if I can answer them for you adequately.

1) For occasional use of the Planex, your current CT models should be up to the task. The caveat is that you will probably find that you need to periodically tap the filter out to keep it free of the most fine of the drywall dust. Drywall dust ranges in size down to 1 micron, below the filtration leave of the filter bag which is 5 micron. So, drywall dust can pass right through the filter bag and into the HEPA filter. This is not going to be as much of a problem with wood dust, which is larger in size. As much as I'd like to sell you on the Planex, which is a phenomenal solution, you may be better off considering an ETS/DTS/RTS sander for small patch jobs. Much smaller and lighter but still great at capturing that drywall dust. There are several threads here that talk about members using these sanders for drywall with great success. Just something to consider.

2) I'm no familiar enough with the Oneida products to give advice on how they would react with drywall dust. If you're talking about for wood dust, I'd suggest a forum search as there are some reviews/commentary on members experience with that product.

3) Yes, you should see the same great dust extraction for non-drywall applications with the CT AC as you would with our other CT models. The filtration level on the CT AC, with its supplied filter, would be 1 micron at 99.9% versus HEPA which is 0.3 micron at 99.997%. The AutoClean functionality should keep the filter free of debris and dust even with wood dust. However, it would be somewhat counterproductive to run it without a bag in my opinion, from a disposal perspective. You could use the same filter bags for the CT 36 with CT AC and run it with a bag if you chose and saw the benefit. Running without the bag would probably mean you would need to replace the high-performance filter in the CT AC more frequently than without.

Hope that helps. If you still have questions, let me know.

Shane

I believe the Planex will clog the HEPA filters because of the volume of fine drywall dust it takes in compared with the other Festool sanders.

Roland,

To answer number two regarding the Ultimate Dust Deputy I may be helpful in a round about way.
I'm presently working on a remodel where I've had to cut concrete with my Hilti Diamond saw and drill out 1 1/2" holes in sandstone and vac out the holes.
I didn't want to spend $900 plus on a Hilti vac especially designed to vacuum concrete dust because it has a stirrer that stirs the contents every 15 seconds to eliminate caking.
I have several ct's and my older ct33 is relegated to demo work, (I didn't want to beat up my ct36's with demo work) I knew that if I used that one directly I would have bag blowout almost every time, especially due to the weight of the rock dust. So I ordered the Ultimate Dust Deputy and I couldn't be happier. When using the Ultimate DD I consider when it fills to 2/3's as full as I don't want any bypass filling my ct33 - at 2/3's full the Ultimate DD caught about 70 lbs of rock dust! With a miniscule amount going into the CT. I'm so thrilled with the Ultimate DD that I ordered another one for the sanding room of my workshop. I have no doubt that one would have similar results with drywall dust, with the benefit of a Hepa Filter to boot.

cheers,
Roger

Checked out the PLanex and AutoClean 36 at my brick and mortar dealer today.  No drywall to try it on, but it seems very nice.  It had a good feel.  The sectional breakdown of the "tubes" looked  good too.


Will the CT Planex "caddy" that mounts to the top of the CT be available?  That wasn't on display and I forgot to ask.

Is the Planex delivered in a the Maxi Sys. for NA?


Seth

Sorry I missed seeing this, Roger. Yes, it's the blast gate and will work with any of our CTs.

Yes, it can be used for knocking down popcorn or texture on a ceiling. I would recommend 80 or 100 grit. The Planex has two dust extraction options which are selected with a switch on the head: inside the pad or outside the pad. You will want to select outside the pad for this application. Generally, you will select inside the pad for other applications, like drywall sanding. Using extraction on the outside of the pad is best suited when you're creating larger debris rather than fine dust.

You would not use the AutoClean feature with a bag installed. It won't work. The filter bag gets sucked up against the filter essentially. So, there's nowhere for the dust to go if the AutoClean actuates, it would fall on the bag and go right back into the fitler, just like you said.


Wood dust is generally larger than 5 microns. Wood SMOKE can be smaller than 5 microns. There's no particular advantage for wood applications. However, there is the possibility of using the CT AutoClean for drywall sanding and woodworking. Whereas, I wouldn't recommend the non-AutoClean units for drywall sanding if you're doing a lot of it.


The CT AutoClean is not designed or tested for RRP applications and should not be used for those tasks. If you're just wanting to use a HEPA filter and it's not for RRP, then you can do so. It's the same filter as the other CT 26/36/48 units that would fit in the CT AutoClean. I would not recommend using the AutoClean functionality with a HEPA filter but rather swap filters.


I don't have any scientific data to support it, but I don't believe suction would be reduced. I can't say definitively because I haven't used one since we don't have them yet. They are expected later in the month.

Shane

Quick follow up... I'm not in the office today but a colleague just confirmed that we received some of the blast gates and had a look at them. As long as you don't close it, there's no drop in CFM as I suspected.

Glad to help.

Brian, sorry for the delay getting back to you on this. See my responses below, let me know if you still have any questions. Thanks.


It does not include the interface pad (#496140, $40 USD/$46.20 CDN), which is optional and sold separately. I also don't believe that it comes with any sample abrasives, but I'd have to check to confirm or maybe one of our dealers on the forum can check for us.


To clarify, you can use a standard hose but it will not have a positive locking mechanism with the Planex and could pull loose with a lot of movement. The Planex-specific hose is #496972, $150 USD/$173.30 CDN.


For general drywall sanding, I would say that 150 grit would be a good start. The Planex can remove drywall compound pretty rapidly, so go with a grit that's a step or two higher that would you might think you'd use. If you have stuff that's pretty rough, also add 100 grit.


Only the tool is covered by the 30 day guarantee. Accessories, like the interface pad, and consumables would not be covered and are not returnable unless your dealer offers a return policy beyond Festool's 30 day guarantee.

'Same here, Chip.


Tom

Hello and welcome to the forum. Here are the answers to your questions.


No. A valve opens and closes to quickly create differential pressure. There is no "blast of air" or something blowing air through the filter.


Closing the blast gate while the AutoClean cycles will give the filter a more robust cleaning. You can actually see the sides of the tub get bow under the pressure it's so strong. Also, like you stated, it prevents spilling during transport.


In the first post in this thread you can see a HEPA filter and the High-Performance filter than comes standard on the CT AC side by side. The HEPA filter is very rigid and has far more pleats which would trap the fine drywall dust. The High-Performence filter is still 1 micron, versus 0.3 micron on the HEPA filter. So, we're not talking about a dramatic difference in filtration levels.


I'm no engineer and don't have a degree in fluid dynamics, so I can't give a technical explanation. I suspect it has something to do with a vortex that's created. The flow of air is from the inlet where the hose attaches straight up into the filter. So, the majority of the tub is unaffected by that suction. What particles do hit the filter are released during the AutoClean cycle.


Festool does not recommend using our CT dust extractors for hazardous materials, including concrete dust as stated in the manual. You should always use proper safety equipment including a respirator when working with such materials. There is a risk of particles not trapped by the filter being reintroduced into the environment.

I'm not trying to debate these points, but I've personally used both units and have extensive feedback from professional crews who have used both.

Those abrasives costs are slightly misrepresented in my opinion because it doesn't include the Radius 360 Power Pad @ $12/ea which are required in addition to the abrasives discs and have to be replaced regularly. The Planex doesn't require a backing pad like that. Plus, consider the longevity of the abrasives, which are not all created equally, especially with a brand I've never heard of.

I have read and heard from PC users that the units break down regularly because of that drive cable failing. The fact that you know about the part(s) needed to replace it tells me that you've experienced at least one failure. From what I've been told, it costs more than that but probably included labor. If you don't have the replacement part in the field and know how to replace it, you're down for however long it takes to repair it. Time is money. I don't have any scientific data to share, but I can't imagine what it would take to break the metal gears in the Planex's gearbox.

The speed dial was out of reach in my opinion and was on the underside of the handle where it was impossible to see without flipping the sander over. I found the dial to be rather small and stiff to turn. Just my perspective.

Should you lose the brush section, which will safe in your Planex Systainer , it should not significantly affect dust extraction since, unlike the PC, dust is extracted from the center rather than the outside of the pad in most applications.

I don't doubt there are guys that have used the PC unit who found it to be satisfactory but they had no point of reference with which they could compare it. I think most everyone here should realize what Festool represents and the type of products we produce.

I suspect those groves near corners have a lot to do with that doughnut shaped pad. In my experience, it causes the outside of the abrasive disc to make contact a lot more contact than the center of the disc due to cupping. Anyway, thanks for sharing your insight and keeping the conversation balanced.

It's the same motor in all of our dust extractors now, so 137 CFM.



The AutoClean is essentially the same as the CT 36, except it has the high-performance filter (1 micron filtration) and the AutoClean functionality. Putting a HEPA filter in it, it would work just like a CT 36 (Non-AutoClean) model.


The CT AutoClean and CT 26/36 all share the same accessories. The HEPA filter for the CT 36 will fit in the CT AutoClean.


I would recommend not using the AutoClean functionality with a HEPA filter. There's no reason the filter wouldn't perform to specifications, so yes "clean air". There are no intentions to ever certify the CT AutoClean for RRP. "Clean air" is a product of the filter. If you put a HEPA filter in the CT AutoClean, it would be the same as having a CT 36 essentially, but without a certificate for RRP.


Again, all accessories are shared between the CT AutoClean and CT 36. The results would be the same.


You cannot use the AutoClean functionality with a bag installed, it won't work. A plastic liner is used in AutoClean mode. A bag can be used when AutoClean is not enabled. The long life bag does not have self-cleaning properties like the self-cleaning bag.


Yes, all accessories are shared between the CT AC and CT 26/36. Same part number.


Same part numbers, same accessories.

Let me know if you have more questions.

OK, I just received my new Planex and 36AC.
It mentions being able to strip wall paper and paint.  Are there special accessories for these processes or just a different abrasive?

Put in my order for the CT AutoClean (without the planex I'll have to expand to that later).
My sales rep didn't seem to know.Does the extractor by itself come with a hose like the ther CT's?
If so, what is the length and diameter/connections?

These things will start shipping from Festool April 15th as far as anyone knows right?  (unless you were one of those lucky few that already have the unit)

I am new to Festool products, just geared up with several things, waiting on the CT AC before I start working, don't want to mess with anything on a shop vac.

Thanks in advance-
Christopher
San Diego

Thanks Shane for the good news in that they are already shipping, will check with my dealer again see if there was an update on ETA.

I ordered it last week and dealer and I were under impression that it wasn't available by Festool in US till April 15th...will double check with them (it could be specific to the dealer) for an update on ETA.  A day or two earlier arrival might make the difference between getting to use it before my St. Martin trip or not (Yes, I will be thinking of my Festool on my beach trip...that is the kind of awesome impression these tools leave on a person---don't tell the wife!)

The 11' ish long 36mm hose shipping with the CT AC is definitely a benefit for me over the 27mm and in another thread I can see that I can mod that setup to work so I can easily switch between the 36 and 27...not sure if the 11 will be to long for things like hooking up kapex where I understand a shorter hose might work better...I will sort that out by trial and error and you guys have those Y connectors I can always branch a shorter line from source away from boom for that, thanks for the good news.

Is this hose with the CE AC an anti-static type with standard fittings (or is this a planex specific hose) ? i.e. is this the hose that is specific to the planex (or does the Planex also ship with its own hose specific to its functionality---I was under impression it has a different connector though for most every tool it will connect fine)?

PS. Festool is the Ferrari of tools (as many already know).  Both on product performance and service.  Shane, you as always contribute to that service performance...hands down, nobody else provides this thorough, fast response in the industry.

Kind thoughts-
Christopher

Hi Shane,

In the videos posted and some pictures I see 4 green dials on the vacuum. In a few other pictures I have seen 3 dials. What is the 4th dial? The 3rd dial I'm assuming is auto clean but what is the 4th and will it be on the vacuum? I don't want to buy something and assume it has it, I have done that too many times because of specifications that were incorrectly listed or incorrect pictures posted. It only causes problems and I just want to clear that up.

Since the auto clean vacuum does not have a HEPA filter, does it exhaust more air than say the regular CT 36? I don't have experience with a CT 36, but my MIDI doesn't blow much air at all really. Im concerned about blowing dust around. I'm asking because I own the porter cable vacuum & drywall sander an the PC vacuum exhausts a lot air so it tends to blow around dust that hasn't been sucked up.

Also, will there be a CT 48 AC auto clean in the near future?

Thank you for your time.

TJ

Excellent. Thank you for the fast reply. Maybe someone could chime in on the exhaust. Anyone have any experience with it yet?

No 4th button, no big deal. I do wish Festool provided more European products here in the US. I feel the US seems to get short changed on some products, but I may be wrong.

I tried ordering the package from a few dealers but was told it was backordered. I will try some more dealers and see if I get the same response. Thank you again.

San Diego dealer says 36AC is on hold and back ordered with Festool. I ordered weeks ago...they say Festool doesnt have any. Is tbis possibly correct?

As of right now, yes, I believe there is a back order situation on the CT AutoClean due to higher than expected demand. I know there are multiple shipments inbound from Germany, including one that should have been here at the end of last week or beginning of this week.

Shane/Festool/Tom -

Thanks, got my 36 AC delivered today.
I'm having a blast.
(With my blast gates)

Kind thoughts-
Christopher

OK, here's my impression of the planex after using it on a high end level 5 smooth finish job.

On the walls- Stock pad, using Brilliant 150 paper.  Vac at max along with the ac interval at max.  Motor speed was at 2 1/2- 3.  Suctioning number 3-4 and inside pad extraction.  Flew through the walls and made them slicky smooth.  Really.  Four rooms in 30 mins. 

Ceilings was a completely different story.  The wall configuration made some deep swirls and was somewhat hard to control.  So, I switched it up to this:  Used the soft pad backer with the sponge insert.  Used 180 Brilliant and left the vaccum as is.  The settings on the planex was motor 2, suctioning was 4, and inside pad extraction.  Still left some swirl marks, but was taken care of in the final touch up. 

Really worked the shoulders though.  Almost like running a bazooka for the day.  But again, flew through the ceilings, approx. 1250 sq ft in 30 mins.  Just things to watch for is when bringing the planex away from the work, make sure you still have the head on the work.  If you bring it off too soon, you'll just be flouring the room with the uncollected dust.  Noise wasn't bad at all.  Also, you have to time it where the auto clean function fires off, don't be sanding.  The suctioning stops and the head slightly lifts off, putting a cant on the pad and digging in.  As I use it more, I'll fine tune it to where I can start saving my shoulders.

this is quite exciting, as my wife and I want to remove all the popcorn off of our ceilings. There is a lot! and I've been dreading doing the water/drywall knife method that will take me all summer.

I already have a CT26, so that's 1/2 the battle. Next to convince my dear wife that this is the only solution bwahahahahahaha

Has anyone tried it? I'm not sure. But, that's not it's intended purpose. So I would probably recommend against using it for that.

Here's a technique to save your shoulders when sanding ceilings.  Instead of having the whole planex parallel to your body, try having it perpendicular to your chest.  The Planex head would be over your head, but I tell you, my shoulders could take that much more than sanding across my chest.  Sure your head is going to be on full tilt, but I could hold it all day and not tire out.  Course, when you get into corners and edges, you'll have to do the best you can, but man that saved my shoulders a ton!

Hey Budu,

I bought a 27mm connector hose from Bob Marino...its a 27mm AS hose (about 1.5 ft long) with a 27mm connector on each end.  Works great.

Are you guys using Brilliant 150 for final sandings? I exclusively use Brilliant 220 with my RO150. Thanks Eric

 Hey Eric,

I use 150 to 180 for my rough sand and 220 for my final sand on drywall. It will give you a smooth finish.

Awsome tool! Enjoy

Johncarlo

I just did the math. 51 sheets of drywall. How many 150s and 220s would i go through? Festool Products takes 29 hours to ship stuff to me and I dont want any down time. Thanks Eric

I am wondering how does one know when to stop sanding? my purpose will be to remove the popcorn from the ceiling of our home, and if that works I will add it to the services that I provide, (crown, baseboard etc)
would it be easy to sand through the drywall paper? and how do you know that you've sanded enough, so that you don't have to get up on a ladder with a light to examine every square foot to see if all the popcorn etc is gone?
We have heard from friends that they are getting estimates anywhere from 4 to 7k to have a crew come in to remove the popcorn ceilings. This involves the water/scraper method and it's associated mess.
How big is that sanding pad? it looks like it's about 9" or so?
How do you avoid damaging adjascent walls/crown when you remove the guard? I wouldn't want to have to go back and touch up paint due to damage from the sander.
I've looked at the utube videos, they seem nice, but I would like to see a video by someone that is an end user, sort of "real life" conditions.

Thanks!

So does the support strap harness come with the Planex?

Adding another $150 for the Planex hose and CT36 AC, then the extras like the caddy that holds the planex $40 dollar pad etc. Whew. Why don't they just do a complete package Planex/CT36AC and all the extra accessories ?

I own the Planex and CT AutoClean and can not imagine living without either. The Planex has allowed me to take on larger drywall projects that I had been subbing out, mostly because I didn't want to do the sanding. Now I can wipe out a room in no time. After just a few jobs the tool has paid for itself and I can actually way away when finished without looking like a ghost.

Now for the question. I purchased the AutoClean to replace my older CTmini and I am pretty happy I did. The only problem I am having is switching from sanding drywall using the liner bag to using my other tools and using the self cleaning bag. When you open the top of the AutoClean the entire undercarriage is completely caked with drywall dust. I have tried many different ways to clean the inside of the vacuum but truth be told it is very difficult and time consuming. the last couple of times I just took the whole thing outside to an open area and used my compressor. I am hoping someone has a better way to clean the inside of the vacuum so that you can switch from the liner bag to the self-cleaning bag quickly.

Thanks,

Scott

Could you just ignore it, put the other bag in, and go?


Tom

I don't see any reason you couldn't reach that ceiling. I would certainly want the harness though.


Tom

I guess it depends on how tall you are but it reached mine fine and I'm slightly under 6'.


Tom

That sure sounds like a job that would be better for Cristal, or atleast a paper that is heavier then Brilliant, as many of those popcorn ceilings have some form of paint on them.

Since I also sand painted walls that are to be skim coated.  Do you have any idea when the Cristal will come to North America?  As I use the Planex for general contracting, not just drywall, I find it very limited without the Cristal paper. (I didn't find out the Cristal was available until after the expiry of the 30 day period, otherwise I would have returned it).

I'm actually trying to decide if I should sell the Planex as I find it's use too limiting without a proper supply of paper.

I know this is for Planex but i dont want to open up another thread for my quick question. We had an addition put on our house and 3 rooms need to be drywalled. I cant justify the planex for those three rooms, I have an ETS125 and plan to pick up an RO150 to do a few other things around the house (my festool collection keeps growing exponentially  I am also getting a long overdue CT26, Is the reason the Planex requires the CT36AC because of the amount of dust gathered in a short amount of time, or is it truely how fine the drywall dust is and it requires the Autoclean?

I ask because, if im doing 3 rooms am i going to blow threw a few filters and bags using the ets125 and RO150 with 150,180,220 grit? trying to make my decision on vacuums, I wont be doing much drywall sanding if ever aside from the random patch here and there every few years. I do audio video work and dont patch drywall so there will be no need for it in the field.

TIA! 

Wow! thanks for the quick reply shane! Ct26 it is would you recommend replacing the filter after I get done sanding the three rooms or would tapping it be ok?

Sweet! thanks shane for the help and quick responses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHabrsZxghk&feature=youtu.be

Vid of me sanding a popcorn ceiling that had been painted once, worked pretty amazing. That was until the end separated from the extension and hit the floor smashing the guard to pieces. Well it lasted just over 24 hours.

What abrasive were you using?


Tom

I second that!  I tried using 36 on a ceiling today and there was no way to control it, just too aggressive.

I'm no paint expert like our friend Scott, but doesn't paint need a lair face with a little bite to adhere well? Seems like 330 would be too smooth.

The 330 is probably overkill but its really good for getting used to a machine because you can take your time and see what its doing without worrying about over sanding, I was going to move to the 220 grit Joest paper with my PC once I finished the box I had but now its going to be festool 240 I think. The Joest and Festool sandpapers are very similar but the Joest has small perforations throughout it rather than the tool specific holes on the Festool, I cant really comment on performance until I have some time with this Festool paper but so far so good. The key is the softness of the paper, PC paper is like cardboard I tried their 220 once for about 30 seconds and it left swirls like crazy, Festool and Joest is more like fabric, the edges roll up around the sanding pad.
As far as adhesion goes thats what the drywall primer is for.

Thanks, the proper oral term I was looking for was escaping me.   

http://youtu.be/eHJ5EYBhBkY

I think this vid speaks for itself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHJ5EYBhBkY

<< Edited to embed video - Shane >>

Is getting the EPA RRP certification of the CT 36 AutoClean configured with autoclean off and a HEPA filter installed planned?