About to take the plunge...

[bassman00]

Hi,

Great site.  Very informative.  I've been lurking around a bit gathering information on sanders and the Domino.

I'm about to step on the slippery slope of Festool with an RO 150/CT22 purchase.  A Domino will follow unless I'm lucky enough to win one in the drawing.

I noticed there are a lot of options for paper and even a lot of pads available for the RO150.  My uses will be flattening and then finish sanding.  I main build furniture but have been called on to help with restoration and home improvement projects.  Is the stock pad effective for these tasks?  Is the Rubin paper all I need for bare wood or do other types give a finer finish?

For the CT 22.  Does anyone use it as their home vacuum too?  I'm thinking of getting the universal cleaning set so it can be used to clean the house.  90% of our house is 80 year old wood flooring with lots of character.  This place is more dusty than our old place that had 90% carpeted floors.  Also, what are the thoughts between the disposable and long life bags?  Does anyone use their CT with non Festool tools?  What adapters work best?  I have a PC 333 ROS and the 557 biscuit joiner and various routers I'd like to hook up to the CT too.  Am I asking too many questions?  ;D

Anyway, I'm loading up a cart at Bob Marino's site and want to make sure I'm covering all the bases.

TIA,
PaulD

 

[Lou Miller]

Paul, I don't see any need to go beyond 180 grit with bare wood, so I use the Rubin and that's it for bare wood. If you're going to do any refinishing, then the brilliant is better for that as it doesn't clog as fast. I typically buy Rubin in 100,120, 150, and 180. I get the Brilliant in 220, 320 and 400, but I don't use them on bare wood. The stock pad will be just fine for your intended use too.

Can't help with the vac question, sorry, but somebody else will chime in.

 

[Daviddubya]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Festool.

The standard hose on the CT22 will fit right onto the Porter Cable dust ports - no adapter needed.  I use my CT22 for some house cleaning tasks - no reason not to use it.  I have the small set of accessories, so I do not try to use it as a house vacuum, but I could.  I use the paper bags.  They are quite large and take a long time to fill in my hobby shop.  I'd recommend you start with a small supply of paper bags.  If you find you fill them up rapidly, you can always switch to the permanent bag at a later date.

Lou answered your paper questions.  I'll add that many sales reps carry broken packs of sandpaper, so you can buy in quantities other that the Festool packaging.  Ask Bob.  From my experience, you will find Bob a great guy to work with on your Festool purchases.  Festool paper tends to last much longer than you are used to with your PC ROS, so there is no need to load up on too much paper - buy it as your use dictates.

 

[bassman00]

Thanks for the info, guys.  I'll be calling Bob today to finalize my order.  Getting the RO150/CT22 package and some Rubin sets.

Thanks,
PaulD

 

[billybokay]

My wife loves to use the festool vacuum around the house. She uses the mini as I have 2 ct 22's and 1 mini vacuum. so powerful and quiet, great for wood floors.

 

[bassman00]

My wife loves to use the festool vacuum around the house. She uses the mini as I have 2 ct 22's and 1 mini vacuum. so powerful and quiet, great for wood floors.

I wound up with the CT22.  It is remarkably quiet.  Interesting that you bought a Mini for home use.  What attachments did you get for it?  I assume since it's a bit smaller than the CT22, it's much easier to maneuver and carry around the house? 

Thanks,
PaulD

 

[billybokay]

Actually, I did not buy it for home use, my wife just borrowed it one day when the house vac was in need of repair. She loved it and now I have taken the electrolux in for repair so I can have my ct mini back. I bought the ct 22 new and then 2 additional festool vacs at an auction. The ct 22 and ct mini with 2 anti static hoses, 2 larger grey hoses , and 1 shop cleaning kit, sytainer filled with sandpaper, all or $350. I was going to sell one on ebay, but I can't seem to part with them. One for the saw, one for the sander, one to clean up etc.

 

[bassman00]

Wow.  Great deal on the vacs and assy's. 

My wife heard the CT 22 for the first time last night.  I have a TS55/MFT1080 coming in this week and was making room in the finished part of the basement for the MFT so I was moving things and cleaning up.  Had the play in game on the TV and we could easily hear the TV with the CT 22 on max.  She asked if it can be used around the house.  I told her it was fine as long as it ended up back downstairs.  ;D

We have an old Hoover upright that I always have to replace the belt on.  It isn't that effective on hardwood floors and that's 90% of our house.  I should look into a Mini for when the Hoover finally gives up the ghost.  Would love to find a deal like you found...

PaulD

 

[Ned]

...She asked if it can be used around the house. ...

Hi Paul,

The first task to bring my CT22 into the house was cobweb patrol, a several-times-a-year inspection of the high ceilings.  I knew I'd need additional extension tubes and opted to get the Compact Cleaning Set for house use.  Already had the Universal Cleaning Set for everywhere else.

We like having a set of nozzles that haven't ever been used for grungy cleaning tasks.

Ned