A few ideas for tool improvments...

[mantonuc]

Hello Christian,

  I have a few things I would like to suggest/ask questions about.

        A)  It seems like I am always switching from one power tool to the next
            in my "normal" operation of doing a project...  I love those tools that
            have the quick disconnect power connector...  It makes it relatively
            easy to switch tools - simply connect the vacuum hose and power
            and go...  Since I always use the vacuum, I have affixed a power
            cord to the vacuum hose.  Since most of us will ultimately use both
            the vacuum and power, why not build the power cord into the hose
            itself?  This is very commonly done with "whole-house" vacuums...

        B)  Nearly every tool you sell now has the quick disconnect feature for
            the power on the tool.  One possible exception is the HL-850E...
            Any possibility of that tool being updated to include the "plug-it"
            feature?  As an alternate, how about adding a very short pigtail
            with a "plug-it" connection on the end to allow me to connect it to
            my "user-modified-pre-wired" vacuum hose...

Matt

 

[pteubel]

Both items you want are available from Festool...but not available here in the US due to UL issues. I personally bought a few plug-it pigtails on eBay from a guy in the UK and converted some of my non-plug-it tools.

 

[mantonuc]

Are we sure this is a "UL" issue?  I can purchase a whole-house vacuum house with the power cord built-in that is UL approved.  So, why can't I purchase it for a Festool Vacuum?

Matt

 

[Ned]

Are we sure this is a "UL" issue?  I can purchase a whole-house vacuum house with the power cord built-in that is UL approved.  So, why can't I purchase it for a Festool Vacuum?

Just a guess, Matt.  Maybe the vacuum hose is carrying a low voltage, just enough to switch a relay at the vacuum main unit?  The Festool hose cord would have to carry the full voltage & current for the tool you're using.  Different degrees of risk, different standards.

That said, I'd use the Euro model if I had it.

Ned

 

[mantonuc]

Hey Ned,

  It actually has both low voltage and 110...  The 110 is used to run the beater head motor and light...  The low voltage is used to trigger the main vacuum motor.  So, actually there are 4 wires running through the hose...

  In fact, there is a short "pigtail" that hangs off the end of the hose that plugs into the vacuum plate on the wall.  This pigtail is then connected directly into an electrical wall outlet.  So, it is definitely 110 volts...

Matt

 

[mxlars]

Are we sure this is a "UL" issue?  I can purchase a whole-house vacuum house with the power cord built-in that is UL approved.  So, why can't I purchase it for a Festool Vacuum?

Just a guess, Matt.  Maybe the vacuum hose is carrying a low voltage, just enough to switch a relay at the vacuum main unit?  The Festool hose cord would have to carry the full voltage & current for the tool you're using.  Different degrees of risk, different standards.

That said, I'd use the Euro model if I had it.

Ned

Just be prepared to pay $322 (current price in Scandinavia) for this corded Festool hose + shipping... I'd stick to cable ties for some more time or roll my own   
Yes, this is only the hose - add $1000 for the euro version ct22 base model..