Compact Cleaning Set

[rrmccabe]

I ordered a compact cleaning set for my CT22.  I have to say its probably my most disappointing Festool purchase.  Actually its my only disappointing Festool purchase.

The parts really don't lock together very well and I am basically holding the Festool hose where it attaches while I am using it or it pulls apart.

This was the cheap kit (under $100) and wondering if the kits like the tradesman are better in this aspect?

Not bashing Festool but I have paid less for complete shop vacs where the cleaning set worked better.

Rich

 

[Brice Burrell]

I have the Tradesmen set, no complaints.

 

[semenza]

I ordered a compact cleaning set for my CT22.  I have to say its probably my most disappointing Festool purchase.  Actually its my only disappointing Festool purchase.

The parts really don't lock together very well and I am basically holding the Festool hose where it attaches while I am using it or it pulls apart.

This was the cheap kit (under $100) and wondering if the kits like the tradesman are better in this aspect?

Not bashing Festool but I have paid less for complete shop vacs where the cleaning set worked better.

Rich

Hmmm, I have a couple of those sets. I haven't  had any trouble with the angled tube pulling free, but I don't generally pull on the hose to reach further or to roll  the vac.  I like the compact cleaning set quite a bit. I don't have the other types to compare  with though.

Here is a link to a review I did  maybe there is something helpful in it.   Compact Cleaning Set

Seth

 

[ajones]

Rich

I don't think the compact set has any place in the festool line up its cheap and nasty the only thing you can say in its favour is its compact. I bought the compact set

with my first festool vac and sold it a week later

go and get the festool metal tube set you will be very happy with the quality

 

[rrmccabe]

Yea I think I am going to buy something better.

Seth the angled tube is fine until you try to put extensions on it and clean the floor.  Then its a mess.

I am keeping the container and going to throw the rest away.

Either that or hang it on the wall with my Festool angle gauge that came with my 1080 table. LOL

 

[Bob Marino]

Rich,

I happen to like the  Compact Cleaning Kit quite a bit and was my first and only cleaning kit for a few years. But you have to remember what it is and what it isn't. It is, well...a compact cleaning kit; small, light and fits in a small systainer. I believe, but could be wrong, that it was designed primarily for auto shops to use, since with its' non metal parts, would not dent or scratch the cars they were working on.  The all plastic components just make it way lighter and easier to transport and for most cleaning tasks, works quite well. It may not be the best for cleaning carpets or when if you need to bear down a bit on the wands, nor does it have the versatility of the heavier kits with the better nozzles and supplied 36mm hoses.
In this case, I just don't equate plastic and light weight with cheapness. However, the parts should still fit together securely and disassemble easily; I just have not found that to be my experience with it. Perhaps a call to your dealer to discuss the issues?

 Bob

 

[AlexThePalex]

Never had a problem with the compact cleaning set. It fits well together, never had any parts come loose. It's not as sturdy as metal pipes of course. When you scrub a bit harder when cleaning it easily bends. But never comes loose.

But that all comes with the territory. It is made that way, to be light and compact. Nothing cheap about it, especially not when you look at the price.

 

[Sparktrician]

The compact set was my first, too, and is the one I take into customers' homes.  While I think it's a bit cheesy, the plastic won't ding cabinetry or furniture the way a metallic set might.  I much prefer the workshop set that lives in my workshop, though. 

 

[peter halle]

The Tradesman set is really great if you are also trying to acquire a 36mm hose at the same time.  I have the compact set and use it all the time.  Are there heavier duty sets?  Absolutely.  Have I had to learn not to pull the vac forward by holding onto the angled tube?  Yes.  But it is lightweight, packs into a SYS 1, and was the lowest cost option.  It works for me within MY expectations for it.  Once I learned how to pack it into the SYS 1 I am satisfied with what it brings to the arsenal.

Peter

 

[rrmccabe]

However, the parts should still fit together securely and disassemble easily;

Well that's not the case here. You really cant even move around the shop without gripping both the hose end and angled piece or it will work out.  

I don't know what it was designed for but it doesn't work as well for my application as my cheap shop vac that is gathering dust in the basement.

I suppose it might be fine if you needed something small to carry into someones house and didn't care that much about the tools.

Perhaps a call to your dealer to discuss the issues?

Well actually that would be you and where I bought the kit and new 36mm hose to use it

I will probably step up to the shop cleaning kit soon because there is no doubt the box that contains the compact cleaning kit has more value than the tools.

 

[Bob Marino]

Perhaps a call to your dealer to discuss the issues?[/quote]

Well actually that would be you and where I bought the kit and new 36mm hose to use it

[/quote]

That's correct; I should have put the  thingeeee  in there... Call me.

Bob

 

[rrmccabe]

When I have some extra money I will call and order another set from you.

Just don't feel this is up to Festool's normal standards.

 

[Bob Marino]

When I have some extra money I will call and order another set from you.

Just don't feel this is up to Festool's normal standards.

  If you'd like, send it back to me in NJ and I will give you a refund.  I can use another CCK in my shop anyhow - a little dust in the wands ain't no problem.

Bob

 

[rrmccabe]

Thanks Bob. Thats a great offer but no big deal.  Like I said I will use the container

So which model is going to be best for shop cleaning. I only use  dust extraction on my router and track saw. So I suck up the mess afterwards. So basically cleaning the tools and the floor.

The shop cleaning set?

 

[Wood_Junkie]

Not entirely sure how the problem lies with the cleaning kit and components.  All the cleaning sets, from the compact, tradesmen, workshop, etc etc all basically have the same components:  an angled "wand" that attaches with the hose end, a couple of extension tubes, and some sort of end pieces (floor, round, pointy, etc etc).

If I'm understanding the issue correctly, you're finding the hose pulls out of the angled wand, yeah?  Which would imply that you're doing some tugging, where the hose is being slowly (or quickly?) worked out of the connection.  A longer hose might alleviate that, since that friction connection really doesn't seem mean to serve as a method of dragging your vac around.

The comparison to a shop vac isn't quite fair or equal, since every shop vac I've ever used you put the extension tubes directkly on the end of the hose, and basically hold onto the hose and so tugging on the hose is direct (and not on the connection with the components).

I won't deny, the CT hose setup could be slightly better, perhaps with some sort of a snap lock clip or something or other.  But I just haven't experienced what you're describing to such a point to label the kit as useless.  Every now and then, just give the hose connection a little twist to re-seat it, and you're all set.

 

[Bob Marino]

Thanks Bob. Thats a great offer but no big deal.  Like I said I will use the container

So which model is going to be best for shop cleaning. I only use  dust extraction on my router and track saw. So I suck up the mess afterwards. So basically cleaning the tools and the floor.

The shop cleaning set?

Ok, but the offer stands.

I would choose between the Tradesman/Installer set
http://festoolusa.com/search/?q=497700
and the  Workshop Cleaning Set
http://festoolusa.com/search/?q=497701

The 497701 will work better on hardwood floors, but the 497700 has more attachments - but you already have some attachments from your CCK. Both come with 36 mm ANTI-STATIC hoses.

 B

 

[rrmccabe]

Not entirely sure how the problem lies with the cleaning kit and components.  All the cleaning sets, from the compact, tradesmen, workshop, etc etc all basically have the same components:  an angled "wand" that attaches with the hose end, a couple of extension tubes, and some sort of end pieces (floor, round, pointy, etc etc).

If that is the case I am still going to have issues. Yes its the hose that comes loose from the angled piece.

Which would imply that you're doing some tugging, where the hose is being slowly (or quickly?) worked out of the connection.  A longer hose might alleviate that, since that friction connection really doesn't seem mean to serve as a method of dragging your vac around.

I am already using a 21' hose and half of it is coiled on the floor. So really not tugging on it and the vaccum never leaves its corner.

I am just cleaning up around the shop so its more of an angle change. I am doing it very gingerly as I don't move that fast anyway after falling off an amateur radio tower several years ago.

The comparison to a shop vac isn't quite fair or equal, since every shop vac I've ever used you put the extension tubes directkly on the end of the hose, and basically hold onto the hose and so tugging on the hose is direct (and not on the connection with the components).

Well it is a fair comparison if you are talking about usability and not an argument of gripping

Ok, but the offer stands.

I would choose between the Tradesman/Installer set
http://festoolusa.com/search/?q=497700
and the  Workshop Cleaning Set
http://festoolusa.com/search/?q=497701

The 497701 will work better on hardwood floors, but the 497700 has more attachments - but you already have some attachments from your CCK. Both come with 36 mm ANTI-STATIC hoses.

The bad part is the hose has little value to me.  In reality the curved piece I have (which does a decent job when used by itself) and a good floor piece is all I need. It never leaves the shop so the container has little value too.

But I guess if the curved pieces is the same in all sets then I need to find another solution. As in modify the Festool stuff or buy another brand.

 

[woodie]

I have both the Tradesman and and the Workshop sets. I wish I had purchased two Workshop sets instead. The industrial floor nozzle is just so much more versatile, on carpet and smooth floors. I even prefer the standard floor nozzle (452907) over the multipurpose floor nozzle (452911) that's included with the Tradesman set.  

The crevice tool (452904) and suction brush (440404) are the only other attachments that get used regularly.  

The stainless hand tube and extensions provide a snug fit. In fact, when connected it feels like a solid piece. I do find that the 36mm hose slips off the hand tube easily, unless you purposely hold on to both. If Festool incorporated a locking system like the Planex has this wouldn't be an issue. The 27mm hose is less prone to slipping out, as it fits inside the hand tube, but the difference in suction is noticeable.

 

[rrmccabe]

The 27mm hose is less prone to slipping out, as it fits inside the hand tube, but the difference in suction is noticeable.

Interesting. I haven't even tried the 27mm hose.

My floors are concrete with a steel troweled finish. So carpet, etc is not of concern.

Here is video. Maybe this will help.

 

[woodie]

I never noticed that the 36mm hose fits inside the hand tube on the compact cleaning kit... The stainless hand tube doesn't have the flared hose end so the 36mm hose fitting fits over the hand tube and the 27mm fits inside. The 27mm inside the stainless hand tube is more secure than what your video shows. The 36mm hose slipped on the outside of the stainless hand tube is not.