Consolidated Q&A for Planex and CT AutoClean

[Administrator_JSVN]

I suspect those groves near corners have a lot to do with that doughnut shaped pad. In my experience, it causes the outside of the abrasive disc to make contact a lot more contact than the center of the disc due to cupping. Anyway, thanks for sharing your insight and keeping the conversation balanced.

 

[cgmojoco]

Few questions:

• What is the CFM on the CE 36 autoclean; doesn't appear to be listed anywhere? i.e. will it have the same (or better?) dust extraction  power as the standard CE 36?
• If we also drop a HEPA filter in the CE autoclean and turn the autoclean off for woodwork, should we expect the unit to perform just as well on woodworking tools such as the 2200 router or is this unit designed in such a way as the performance would be degraded in any way?
• If we chose to drop a HEPA filter into the CE autoclean, would we use the same HEPA filter part number that is used in the standard CE36?  Are they the filters the same size?
• If we drop a HEPA filter into the CE 36 autoclean unit and turn off autoclean, would we still get clean air?  I understand that it isn't certified, but would it be possible to apply for and get HEPA certification down the line or will this unit just absolutely never get cert and never be RRP ready?  Is it really a bad idea, is the standard 36E that was HEPA certified going to give you air that much cleaner?
• Can I use my multi-use bag from my standard CE36 on the CE36 autoclean for woodwork and expect the same results in performance and cleanliness inside the tub?
• With the multi-use bag on the CE36 autoclean, will the bag continue to 'self clean' itself even with autoclean turned off?  Any change in functionality one might expect there?
• Would the boom part number for the CE 36 fit on the CE 36 autoclean?  If not, is there a separate boom part number?
• Would the handle part number for the CE 36 fit on the CE 36 autoclean? (I think I saw a different handle offered for this unit, still I want to see if the original handle would also fit?

Thanks in advance, about to purchase.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

What is the CFM on the CE 36 autoclean; doesn't appear to be listed anywhere? i.e. will it have the same (or better?) dust extraction  power as the standard CE 36?

It's the same motor in all of our dust extractors now, so 137 CFM.

If we also drop a HEPA filter in the CE autoclean and turn the autoclean off for woodwork, should we expect the unit to perform just as well on woodworking tools such as the 2200 router or is this unit designed in such a way as the performance would be degraded in any way?

The AutoClean is essentially the same as the CT 36, except it has the high-performance filter (1 micron filtration) and the AutoClean functionality. Putting a HEPA filter in it, it would work just like a CT 36 (Non-AutoClean) model.

If we chose to drop a HEPA filter into the CE autoclean, would we use the same HEPA filter part number that is used in the standard CE36?  Are they the filters the same size?

The CT AutoClean and CT 26/36 all share the same accessories. The HEPA filter for the CT 36 will fit in the CT AutoClean.

If we drop a HEPA filter into the CE 36 autoclean unit and turn off autoclean, would we still get clean air?  I understand that it isn't certified, but would it be possible to apply for and get HEPA certification down the line or will this unit just absolutely never get cert and never be RRP ready?  Is it really a bad idea, is the standard 36E that was HEPA certified going to give you air that much cleaner?

I would recommend not using the AutoClean functionality with a HEPA filter. There's no reason the filter wouldn't perform to specifications, so yes "clean air". There are no intentions to ever certify the CT AutoClean for RRP. "Clean air" is a product of the filter. If you put a HEPA filter in the CT AutoClean, it would be the same as having a CT 36 essentially, but without a certificate for RRP.

Can I use my multi-use bag from my standard CE36 on the CE36 autoclean for woodwork and expect the same results in performance and cleanliness inside the tub?

Again, all accessories are shared between the CT AutoClean and CT 36. The results would be the same.

With the multi-use bag on the CE36 autoclean, will the bag continue to 'self clean' itself even with autoclean turned off?  Any change in functionality one might expect there?

You cannot use the AutoClean functionality with a bag installed, it won't work. A plastic liner is used in AutoClean mode. A bag can be used when AutoClean is not enabled. The long life bag does not have self-cleaning properties like the self-cleaning bag.

Would the boom part number for the CE 36 fit on the CE 36 autoclean?  If not, is there a separate boom part number?

Yes, all accessories are shared between the CT AC and CT 26/36. Same part number.

Would the handle part number for the CE 36 fit on the CE 36 autoclean? (I think I saw a different handle offered for this unit, still I want to see if the original handle would also fit?

Same part numbers, same accessories.

Let me know if you have more questions.

 

[cgmojoco]

Shane -

Thank you for the prompt reply and your thorough coverage of my questions (if your superior is watching: give Shane a raise!, this fella goes ABOVE AND BEYOND to help Festool customers).

Festool really did a good job in thinking ahead and making sure this unit was backwards compatible.

I'm putting my order in today from my local dealer for the auto-clean unit and look forward to having a product that can help me with woodworking in addition to helping me sand drywall on our house remodels.

Good lookin' out!

Christopher
San Diego

 

[dfwHomeRepair]

OK, I just received my new Planex and 36AC.
It mentions being able to strip wall paper and paint.  Are there special accessories for these processes or just a different abrasive?

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

OK, I just received my new Planex and 36AC.
It mentions being able to strip wall paper and paint.  Are there special accessories for these processes or just a different abrasive?

You can use the Saphir 24 or 36 grit abrasives. Select the option for extraction on the outside of the pad for large debris.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[cgmojoco]

Put in my order for the CT AutoClean (without the planex I'll have to expand to that later).
My sales rep didn't seem to know.Does the extractor by itself come with a hose like the ther CT's?
If so, what is the length and diameter/connections?

These things will start shipping from Festool April 15th as far as anyone knows right?  (unless you were one of those lucky few that already have the unit)

I am new to Festool products, just geared up with several things, waiting on the CT AC before I start working, don't want to mess with anything on a shop vac.

Thanks in advance-
Christopher
San Diego

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Christopher,

The CT AC comes with an 11.5' hose that's 36mm in diameter. All other CTs come with a 27mm hose. If you plan to use it with sanders or the Domino you've mentioned buying, for instance, you'll need a 27mm hose. These are already shipping and have been shipping to dealers for weeks now.

Shane

 

[cgmojoco]

Christopher,

The CT AC comes with an 11.5' hose that's 36mm in diameter. All other CTs come with a 27mm hose. If you plan to use it with sanders or the Domino you've mentioned buying, for instance, you'll need a 27mm hose. These are already shipping and have been shipping to dealers for weeks now.

Shane

Thanks Shane for the good news in that they are already shipping, will check with my dealer again see if there was an update on ETA.

I ordered it last week and dealer and I were under impression that it wasn't available by Festool in US till April 15th...will double check with them (it could be specific to the dealer) for an update on ETA.  A day or two earlier arrival might make the difference between getting to use it before my St. Martin trip or not (Yes, I will be thinking of my Festool on my beach trip...that is the kind of awesome impression these tools leave on a person---don't tell the wife!)

The 11' ish long 36mm hose shipping with the CT AC is definitely a benefit for me over the 27mm and in another thread I can see that I can mod that setup to work so I can easily switch between the 36 and 27...not sure if the 11 will be to long for things like hooking up kapex where I understand a shorter hose might work better...I will sort that out by trial and error and you guys have those Y connectors I can always branch a shorter line from source away from boom for that, thanks for the good news.

Is this hose with the CE AC an anti-static type with standard fittings (or is this a planex specific hose) ? i.e. is this the hose that is specific to the planex (or does the Planex also ship with its own hose specific to its functionality---I was under impression it has a different connector though for most every tool it will connect fine)?

PS. Festool is the Ferrari of tools (as many already know).  Both on product performance and service.  Shane, you as always contribute to that service performance...hands down, nobody else provides this thorough, fast response in the industry.

Kind thoughts-
Christopher

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

The hose is somewhat specific to the Planex in that it has a flange on the connector and it's lightweight compared to the standard 36mm hose. This allows you to positively lock it onto the Planex. The only tool that accepts a 36mm hose that it won't work with that I can think of is the HL 850 planer. It will work fine with the Kapex, TS saws, and other tools.

It is antistatic.

And, I'm just doing my job, trying to help you guys out. I like that I can try to give each of you the same level of service that I wish I received from the companies I do business with. That's my goal.

 

[avcustominteriors]

Hi Shane,

In the videos posted and some pictures I see 4 green dials on the vacuum. In a few other pictures I have seen 3 dials. What is the 4th dial? The 3rd dial I'm assuming is auto clean but what is the 4th and will it be on the vacuum? I don't want to buy something and assume it has it, I have done that too many times because of specifications that were incorrectly listed or incorrect pictures posted. It only causes problems and I just want to clear that up.

Since the auto clean vacuum does not have a HEPA filter, does it exhaust more air than say the regular CT 36? I don't have experience with a CT 36, but my MIDI doesn't blow much air at all really. Im concerned about blowing dust around. I'm asking because I own the porter cable vacuum & drywall sander an the PC vacuum exhausts a lot air so it tends to blow around dust that hasn't been sucked up.

Also, will there be a CT 48 AC auto clean in the near future?

Thank you for your time.

TJ

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

TJ, welcome to the forum.

There's an additional dial on units in Europe that's not applicable to the US version. There will just be a blank over the spot where that dial would appear on European models. So all US models have three dials.

All CT models should blow roughly the same volume of air, which should be relative to the CFM of 137. I would characterize the exhaust as not being very strong at all. I'm sure members with other CT models can offer their opinions of the exhaust.

Edit: and no current plans for any other sizes of AutoClean models.

 

[avcustominteriors]

TJ, welcome to the forum.

There's an additional dial on units in Europe that's not applicable to the US version. There will just be a blank over the spot where that dial would appear on European models. So all US models have three dials.

All CT models should blow roughly the same volume of air, which should be relative to the CFM of 137. I would characterize the exhaust as not being very strong at all. I'm sure members with other CT models can offer their opinions of the exhaust.

Edit: and no current plans for any other sizes of AutoClean models.

Excellent. Thank you for the fast reply. Maybe someone could chime in on the exhaust. Anyone have any experience with it yet?

No 4th button, no big deal. I do wish Festool provided more European products here in the US. I feel the US seems to get short changed on some products, but I may be wrong.

I tried ordering the package from a few dealers but was told it was backordered. I will try some more dealers and see if I get the same response. Thank you again.

 

[rickets]

I haven't had any real problems with dust getting blown around.  This was cleaning up after sanding drywall at a friends house.  I was also using a Midi- but from the specs, it sucks roughly the same amount of air as it's larger counterparts ~137cfms.  There is some dispersal, but only when I rolled it directly through the pile of dust.  Only other way of curing this problem is to have the exhaust pointed up, which wouldn't make sence to me. 

 

[cgmojoco]

Christopher,

The CT AC comes with an 11.5' hose that's 36mm in diameter. All other CTs come with a 27mm hose. If you plan to use it with sanders or the Domino you've mentioned buying, for instance, you'll need a 27mm hose. These are already shipping and have been shipping to dealers for weeks now.

Shane

San Diego dealer says 36AC is on hold and back ordered with Festool. I ordered weeks ago...they say Festool doesnt have any. Is tbis possibly correct?

 

[tbellemare]

I have some...

Tom

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

San Diego dealer says 36AC is on hold and back ordered with Festool. I ordered weeks ago...they say Festool doesnt have any. Is tbis possibly correct?

As of right now, yes, I believe there is a back order situation on the CT AutoClean due to higher than expected demand. I know there are multiple shipments inbound from Germany, including one that should have been here at the end of last week or beginning of this week.

 

[cgmojoco]

Thanks Shane.

Yah apologies for the random (is it in yet!?) questions; I'm sure you have better things to do.

I'm sitting on a set of new Festools with no dust extractor to put them on because I decided to go with the AC as opposed to the non AC.

My Festools 'tell me' they are NOT going to let me connect them to an old shop vac---snobs

If you are in the same office, and stop by the shipping manager---please do drop him my name (San Diego) and have him ship ahead of all others.

Checks in the mail?!

On a serious note, I'm glad the stories are jiving now, I like my dealer, just inpatient and wanted to make sure it wasn't that they weren't on point getting orders in.

Christopher

 

[cgmojoco]

Shane/Festool/Tom -

Thanks, got my 36 AC delivered today.
I'm having a blast.
(With my blast gates)

Kind thoughts-
Christopher

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Awesome. Glad you were able to find one in stock and Tom was able to help you out.