Cleaning Attachment Idea

Mark

Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2007
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271
Here is an idea for a cleaning attachment accessory that would allow you to operate the vac remotely from the tool end rather than having to deal with the switch on the casing. I've been working in a crawlspace closet and have to climb up and down a ladder to turn the vac on and off after doing scraping or sanding. Attaching a light would also be a cool feature especially in dark spaces.

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Oh, now that IS nice!  I have hooked up a flood light for that purpose, but your attachment sure looks Sweet!
 
Now that IS a great idea!!! Nice one Mark.

The only thing that could be problematic is the current drain - the LED wouldn't draw enough current to activate the autoswitch on the vac, so I suspect you'd need something else in there too to increase the draw, maybe a big resistor? Alternatively, you could surround the nozzle with a big ring of LEDs, that way you wouldn't have a problem with the nozzle casting shadows on what you're trying to clean...

If you put enough LEDs around, it may be enough to switch the vac.

Does anyone have any idea what the trigger current is for the autoswitching on the vac's? FWIW, I use my CTL Mini hooked up to the Kapex, and you can switch the lasers on without it triggering, so that's obviously lower than the threshold.
 
I have used a similar (but not as neat) arrangement with two lights (but that does need two cords). One work light is plugged into the CT and the other into a regular socket. I created a couple of 3 wire extension cords of the right length to use on the boom arm and one of those, plus the 6' cord of the clip-on work lights gives me the 'remote start' facility for close up use. I just use a regular extension cord for the other light(s). In dark places one usually needs more than one light anyway.
However, I often find that a single hose is just not long enough so I bought some connectors enabling me to join several hose lengths when I need them. Yes some disassembly and assembly of hose connections is required and I always use the larger hoses closest to the CT. Then I need to use regular long extension cords. Hint, Velcro tie the hoses and cords together and have a small flashlight in your pocket. Once (in pre-Festool days) I had the utility power go off whilst I was working in the deepest part of a roof space!
  As an aside, other hoses fit the CT range and I have seen some inexpensive (no-name brand) long (20' +) large diameter hoses that would work for this kind of cleanup. But given the choice I am not sure if I would want to use my CT (and bags) for some of the cleanup jobs that are involved in, er, dark places. I have one of the special vac 'tops' for a 5 gallon bucket that I could put in the line, but I've not actually tried it with the CT.
I have a roof crawlspace job coming up and I had been wondering about using the CT and boom arm. It actually helps by keeping the cables and hoses off the floor for other jobs providing one takes care over the balance. This thread, like many others, certainly gets the creative thoughts going.

As regards the original idea. Rather than have the light and switch integrated into the actual nozzle just have a short length of tube to go between the various hoses and nozzles, with a handle, lights, switch and, gasp, a plug-it connection for the light(s). Plug the hose (of any standard size) in one end and the nozzle or wands on the other. In fact adapting the bent wand (D 36 HR) that fits most of the hoses and nozzles would do the trick and be easier on the hands. (I would add a retaining clip to stop the annoying habit of the hose falling off!)

SteveD
 
SteveD said:
just have a short length of tube to go between the various hoses and nozzles, with a handle, lights, switch and, gasp, a plug-it connection for the light(s)

I assumed that was the original intention.
 
Hi,

    You should put this on the Wish List thread also.  Maybe the light coould be a clip on set up that could be attached to any hose / tool and then also provide the work light for a router etc. Which is another item that I and others have wanted. It could be a universal light attachment. Not just for cleaning.

Seth
 
An option for the remote control of your vac, thought not as good as your idea, is to use an RF remote control socket between the wall outlet and the vac. In the UK these are available from B & Q and CPC.
CPC sell a pack of three RC sockets and one small handset (which provides independent control of up to four sockets) for about 17 UK pounds including VAT ? order code PL09809.
I?ve just tried one with my CT22 to prove it works.
 
Nice Idea, Like it alot.   How about a wireless switch on a keychain or something that clips to the hose.  That wouldn't add bulk to the hose or any cables that need to be run in the hose except the led's power.  I would also add 3 or 4 led's around the hose to not get shadows.  If your adding one why not 4.   
 
Programmergeek said:
Nice Idea, Like it alot.  How about a wireless switch on a keychain or something that clips to the hose.  That wouldn't all bulk to the hose or any cables that need to be rin in the hose but the led's.  I would also add 3 or 4 led's around the hose to not get shadows.  If your adding one why not 4. 

That's the beauty of his idea, you don't have to run any new cables, and you get the added functionality of a light and remote switch.

Anybody else unplug the vac hose and run the plugged tool just to turn on the vac and clean up the worktop? I bring lazy up to professional grade status.
 
Eli said:
... Anybody else unplug the vac hose and run the plugged tool just to turn on the vac and clean up the worktop? ...

I was finishing up painting some trim on the house today when the truck arrived with some new goodies.  The RTS 400 was one, and shortly after delivery I was on the ladder preparing some handrail posts with it!  Noticed a little debris that needed to go, so off came the hose, on went the sander, and bye-bye went the crud.  Sweet!  And that little RTS 400 was perfect for the job!

Corwin
 
I used Appleworks to draw the sketch. The draw application is great for making quick sketches but sadly Apple has decided not to update it. I even used it to sketch out and crudely dimension our kitchen remodel with it. Another great application is Visio as it has live dimensioning so you can get as accurate as you want. And then there is sketchup but I haven't mastered it yet but as a 3D app its excellent.

I sent the idea off to Festool but its kind of a black hole. Hoping to maybe get a tool out of it :-) Maybe a Kapex? Hah, hah, hah!!
 
Eli said:
Programmergeek said:
Nice Idea, Like it alot.   How about a wireless switch on a keychain or something that clips to the hose.  That wouldn't all bulk to the hose or any cables that need to be rin in the hose but the led's.  I would also add 3 or 4 led's around the hose to not get shadows.  If your adding one why not 4.   

That's the beauty of his idea, you don't have to run any new cables, and you get the added functionality of a light and remote switch.

Anybody else unplug the vac hose and run the plugged tool just to turn on the vac and clean up the worktop? I bring lazy up to professional grade status.

Count me among the guilty!
Dave R.
 
For 3 years or so I have been using a wireless remote switch on my vac, which I picked up at the local big box. It's advertised use was for turning off and on your Christmas lights. It's rated for 15A. If I recall it was less than $10 US. It has a small remote that I keep in my shirt or apron pocket. Plug the module into the wall and plug the vac into the module and you're good to go. Look where they are displaying the Christmas decorations and I'm sure you'll find a variety of these remotes. Simple but effective solution.
 
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