Clean or change filters after bag blowout?

[MrToolJunkie]

I just had a bag blowout on my CT22 and the filters were pretty loaded up with dust  [mad]...I took them out and tapped them (man do they hold a lot of dust) and I used another vacuum to suck the dust off of the pleats (as much as I could get anyway).  I ordered some new filters tonight, but do you think I can get more mileage out of the old ones or should I just change them out when the new ones arrive?  One side was dirtier than the other.  My CT is about 18 months old now (give or take) and I have had 7-8 bag changes in that time frame.  Are there any ill effects to the machine if I use the dirty filters -- maybe just a slight loss in suction and dustier air?

Thanks,

Scot 

 

[peter halle]

Scot,

I have had several bag blowouts and bag dis-attachments while sanding sheetrock.  I routinely use an electric leaf blower to back blow the filters.  High velocity low pressure air.

My guess is that you might have many more miles available on your old filters.

Peter

 

[AlexThePalex]

Just clean them.

 

[Christian A.]

I have had good luck cleaning the filters with an air compressor. Blowing out the individual lamellas (I don't use the highest pressure available for this task as I don't want to damage the filter) seems to work well. I recommend to wear a dust mask and to go outside (garden) for this kind of work.

Hope this helps,

Christian

 

[jmbfestool]

Yes you can get more miles out of them! When I forgot to put a bag in my CT22  I used my other CT26 to clean the filters the best I could and then used my compressor to back blow the filters.  I still have the same filters in my CT22 and it's working fine.

Jmb

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Thanks, guys.  I will try the low velocity air to blow the dust out of the older filters.  I will keep the news ones for later.  Amazing seal on the CT though as I had no idea there was any trouble until I lost suction.  What a mess, but all contained in the CT.  Cannot wait for the new style bags for the old style CT.

Scot

 

[Steve R]

I have only had one bag blow out.... still want to think it was screw, nail, or large pointed wood splinter.... that coated the inside with dust.

Even before this happened I back blew the HEPA filters every change or every week, which ever comes first.

Your compressor pressure setting are relevant to the distance. So 120 PSI is not an issue from a distance...

Cheers,
Steve