Any reason to go bigger than CT MINI when using dust deputy?

[amt]

I am considering switching from a shop vac to a CT.  I already have a dust deputy which is doing an excellent job at capturing 99% of the dust.  Given that, I am wondering if there's any reason to have a larger capacity CT.  I can't think of one, since 99% of the dust will not go the CT.  This also keeps the cost of the CT to a minimum.

P.S.  Would be really nice to be able to choose which hose you want when purchasing a CT, much like you can choose a different track when getting a TS.

 

[leakyroof]

Other than possible hose ends not fitting your Mini if you buy one[Dust Deputy comes with a flexible hose that has the straight, plain 50mm ends on it], I guess you've got it covered .  I thought the Mini's used a 90 degree connection into their top section. Maybe the DD come with an adapter that's got this different connection style covered?  [blink]

 

[tbellemare]

A 50mm straight in hose end works with MINI/MIDI. Just removed the right angle fitting, which fits the 50mm hole

Tom

 

[Svar]

Greater flow rate (243 vs 168 m3/h) and static pressure (24000 vs 20000 Pa). Any length of hose or contraption you add to your system, such as cyclone separator etc., will take a toll. Friction losses in Dust deputy could easily decrease your flow by15-20%.

 

[peter halle]

I believe that the motors are the same on the entire Festool line now based on the cfm ratings.  Regarding hoses, you can certainly use larger diameter hoses with some of the tools, but with the sanders you really need the 27 mm and will be turning done the suction to boot.  If you want less restriction and don't mind a hose of a different color you can find less expensive alternatives out there.  Mr. Nozzle, Bosch, Lowes, Home Depot have all be mentioned here.  You may be giving up anti-static properties in some cases.  Please be aware that there are several threads here about static issues with Dust Deputies and CT-s causing or potentially causing damage.  You should do a search.

Peter

 

[Sparktrician]

If you ever consider using a surface planer with a Dust Deputy, DON'T use it with any of the CTs.  The static generated by the planer will knock your peepers cross-eyed, and will destroy the CT.  That's where the cheap Shop Vacs come in handy. 

 

[PeterK]

You can get the all-metal version of the Dust Deputy so that the static issue goes away as long as you use Festools anti-static hoses. Yes it costs more but will never wear out from abrasion as could maybe happen with the plastic cyclone versions. I have the metal version with their metal collection bucket and am totally satisfied.

 

[amt]

I will probably try a larger hose for the current setup to start.  There is quite an obvious difference in flow from just plugging in the 27mm hose on the shop vac vs the 2-1/4" hose.  I am beginning to wonder if the main difference in performance of the CTs vs shop vacs is that the CTs can still operate well with restrictive hoses (anything less than 2-1/4").  The shop vac is fantastic with its standard hose, but using a 2-1/4" hose connected to a TS or Domino is just counter productive (learned that quickly).  FWIW the domino XL is nearly dust free for me.  The TS75 leaves a nice layer of dust on everything.

As for a surface planer, yes, I will be using one soon.  I have not decided if I will bother trying to use dust collection with it.  I will probably set up in my driveway and have a broom handy.  It certainly would be nice, however, to have dust collection working, but I am not sure any CT model would be the proper tool for that volume of chips.

For the static electricity discharge, that has been a concern of mine, but it seems like that problem is overcome with proper grounding.  Then again I have no idea the gravity of the problem, so I could be wrong. 

 

[Sparktrician]

I will probably try a larger hose for the current setup to start.  There is quite an obvious difference in flow from just plugging in the 27mm hose on the shop vac vs the 2-1/4" hose.  I am beginning to wonder if the main difference in performance of the CTs vs shop vacs is that the CTs can still operate well with restrictive hoses (anything less than 2-1/4").  The shop vac is fantastic with its standard hose, but using a 2-1/4" hose connected to a TS or Domino is just counter productive (learned that quickly).  FWIW the domino XL is nearly dust free for me.  The TS75 leaves a nice layer of dust on everything.

As for a surface planer, yes, I will be using one soon.  I have not decided if I will bother trying to use dust collection with it.  I will probably set up in my driveway and have a broom handy.  It certainly would be nice, however, to have dust collection working, but I am not sure any CT model would be the proper tool for that volume of chips.

For the static electricity discharge, that has been a concern of mine, but it seems like that problem is overcome with proper grounding.  Then again I have no idea the gravity of the problem, so I could be wrong. 

I was very surprised by the volume of sawdust/chips generated by the surface planer, and found that I have to empty the DD's bucket quite frequently, far more frequently than I have to empty it when using the DD with the table saw or router.  You may want to give it a try without, but I suspect that you'll quickly move to using the DD or the larger steel unit with a decent shop vac with a 2.5" hose.  The DeWalt planer has a very powerful blower that can spread the sawdust/chips far and wide.  Also, a ground wire directly between the planer and the DD helps to reduce the static charge.

 

[PeterK]

If you are referring to using a lunch-box type planer, I can't imagine using any vacuum for that. I was planing some Cypress boards last week and filled up a 30 gallon tub with shavings in about 15 minutes usage with my 2HP cyclone collector system. Had to empty that 6 times before I was done. Was using my Delta portable planer. No way a CT vacuum can handle that. For a hand-planer then a CT vac should work great.

 

[Slappy]

500mph tape ie; aluminum tape or copper if you find it . taped to the DD outside one width top to bottom & a strip inside the DD @ both ends so it's all one continuous strip & ground it ( then a simple wire dangled to the floor )  is all it takes . stops the static build up . I use a 14 gallon blue food storage drum   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026GO5CA/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 with my DD & a shopvac & bosch  hose
the bosch fits most all  the festool on one end the other fits a shopvac reducer .

I'll replace the plastic DD with a all metal DD later & blower outside the shop (ddb car garage )& run metal tubing with ports at various place , but I'll keep the portable Plastic DD & 14 gallon bbl shopvac combo for use  around the house . the thing has paid for it's self in savings on bags . I still use the bags to catch the fines  just to keep from breathing them but a bag lasts for many months with a DD
the shopvac is a fraction of the cost as a festool CT

 

[Mdjagg]

Just thought I should point out that you can use the 50mm straight hose ends from 36mm and 50mm hoses.  They will fit the midi (don't have a mini but I think they are the same) just like the right angle style, you just have to push in a little harder. I do this every day, my setup is Midi- 50mm- dust deputy- 27mm or 36mm depending on tool. Works great, been using for about 8 months and just checked the filter and not a thing on it, bag is about 1/4 or less full with substantial use.

 

[Tinker]

If you are referring to using a lunch-box type planer, I can't imagine using any vacuum for that. I was planing some Cypress boards last week and filled up a 30 gallon tub with shavings in about 15 minutes usage with my 2HP cyclone collector system. Had to empty that 6 times before I was done. Was using my Delta portable planer. No way a CT vacuum can handle that. For a hand-planer then a CT vac should work great.

I agree the CT would not handle DC for a planer. Those things put out a ton of dust & chips. 

I also have an HL 850 hand planer mounted on the HL 850 frame and fence.  I have the CT 33 and 35mm anti static hose.  I have the Rockler Dust Rite in between the CT and the planer.  every once in a while, the hose between the 850 and the DustRite will clog.  So far, it has been a simple task to just un hitch hose from planer and back drag suction and it is good to go again.  With everything else in my shop, the CT 33 & CT 22 are adequate with the DustRite and 35mm hose.
Tinker

 

[mouppe]

I wouldn't switch from a shop vac to a CT. I would add a CT. I use my CT for all my Festools, but when it comes to the thickness planer and general clean-up- including large hand plane shavings- I use a Ridgid vac attached to a Rockler vortex. Both vacs are useful for different tasks.

 

[sancho57]

I understand that we are talking about Minis and Midis . I have a CT 26.

I use my CT 26 all the time with my Delta planer. No issues. I use the 37mm antistatic hose plugged into a adapter to mount to the 4" dc connector on the planer.

No DD is being used.

I dont plane a lot of bd ft of wood, maybe some face frames or rails/stiles for onesies and twosies cabinets I build. It does the job for me.

If I was doing a entire kitchen including making the doors/ drawers, that would be different. But then I would order the doors and drawer fronts.

I had a jet 650 dc but found since I changed over to festool I didnt use it that much, mainly for the tablesaw and router table.

But since I switched to festools I didnt use  them much either. I hardly ever used my table saw .

In fact so infrequently that I couldnt justify it taking up so much floor space in my small shop.

When I got my CMS I gave my router table and PC routers to a good friend.

The CMS was that good especially in the dust collection arena.

Anyway this is my opinion and Im sticking to it.

So using a CT with a planer may not be optimal, but it does work.

 

[sancho57]

photo of my set up