Consolidated Q&A for Planex and CT AutoClean

I own the Planex and CT AutoClean and can not imagine living without either. The Planex has allowed me to take on larger drywall projects that I had been subbing out, mostly because I didn't want to do the sanding. Now I can wipe out a room in no time. After just a few jobs the tool has paid for itself and I can actually way away when finished without looking like a ghost.

Now for the question. I purchased the AutoClean to replace my older CTmini and I am pretty happy I did. The only problem I am having is switching from sanding drywall using the liner bag to using my other tools and using the self cleaning bag. When you open the top of the AutoClean the entire undercarriage is completely caked with drywall dust. I have tried many different ways to clean the inside of the vacuum but truth be told it is very difficult and time consuming. the last couple of times I just took the whole thing outside to an open area and used my compressor. I am hoping someone has a better way to clean the inside of the vacuum so that you can switch from the liner bag to the self-cleaning bag quickly.

Thanks,

Scott
 
Welcome to the forum, Scott. Glad you are finding the Planex a good investment, sorry about the issues you're having with it getting caked with dust.

Could you post a photo or email it to me at sho@festoolusa.com so we can see what's going on? Granted, I've never run the Planex all day long, but in my experience there was some dust clinging to the inside of the CT, but I wouldn't call it caked at all. Drywall dust can be messy stuff though.
 
Is there a limit to the number of extensions that can be used?

I am currently looking at a job that involves removing popcorn ceiling in a whole home, many of the ceilings are high 12-15' with multiple angles. Seems like the Planex may be my solution but only if I can get to the ceiling with it.
 
I don't see any reason you couldn't reach that ceiling. I would certainly want the harness though.

Tom
 
Ok, so I understand it comes with one extension. With that installed will it reach an 8' ceiling?

(Then I can figure out the number of additional sections that I will need.)

Each extension is about 20" correct?
 
I guess it depends on how tall you are but it reached mine fine and I'm slightly under 6'.

Tom
 
Yea I'm 5'11 so that should work. I just wasn't sure, one of the photos on Festool's website shows sanding of a ceiling with two extensions on. Maybe it's a 9-10' ceiling.

So if I add 3-4 sections that should get me to about 15'.

When using the harness does it effectively lengthen or shorten the usable length over just holding the tool?
 
Shane Holland said:
Yes, it can be used for knocking down popcorn or texture on a ceiling. I would recommend 80 or 100 grit. The Planex has two dust extraction options which are selected with a switch on the head: inside the pad or outside the pad. You will want to select outside the pad for this application. Generally, you will select inside the pad for other applications, like drywall sanding. Using extraction on the outside of the pad is best suited when you're creating larger debris rather than fine dust.
Click to expand...

That sure sounds like a job that would be better for Cristal, or atleast a paper that is heavier then Brilliant, as many of those popcorn ceilings have some form of paint on them.

Since I also sand painted walls that are to be skim coated.  Do you have any idea when the Cristal will come to North America?  As I use the Planex for general contracting, not just drywall, I find it very limited without the Cristal paper. (I didn't find out the Cristal was available until after the expiry of the 30 day period, otherwise I would have returned it).

I'm actually trying to decide if I should sell the Planex as I find it's use too limiting without a proper supply of paper.
 
tDot said:
That sure sounds like a job that would be better for Cristal, or atleast a paper that is heavier then Brilliant, as many of those popcorn ceilings have some form of paint on them.

Since I also sand painted walls that are to be skim coated.  Do you have any idea when the Cristal will come to North America?  As I use the Planex for general contracting, not just drywall, I find it very limited without the Cristal paper. (I didn't find out the Cristal was available until after the expiry of the 30 day period, otherwise I would have returned it).

I'm actually trying to decide if I should sell the Planex as I find it's use too limiting without a proper supply of paper.
Click to expand...

I've heard of no plans to introduce Cristal in NA. You do have the option of Saphir in 24 and 36 grits if you need something extremely aggressive.

Cristal would only add 40 and 60 grits between what the current Brilliant and Saphir offerings provide.
 
I know this is for Planex but i dont want to open up another thread for my quick question. We had an addition put on our house and 3 rooms need to be drywalled. I cant justify the planex for those three rooms, I have an ETS125 and plan to pick up an RO150 to do a few other things around the house (my festool collection keeps growing exponentially  [big grin] I am also getting a long overdue CT26, Is the reason the Planex requires the CT36AC because of the amount of dust gathered in a short amount of time, or is it truely how fine the drywall dust is and it requires the Autoclean?

I ask because, if im doing 3 rooms am i going to blow threw a few filters and bags using the ets125 and RO150 with 150,180,220 grit? trying to make my decision on vacuums, I wont be doing much drywall sanding if ever aside from the random patch here and there every few years. I do audio video work and dont patch drywall so there will be no need for it in the field.

TIA!  ;D
 
For drywall patch, you'll be fine with any of our CTs.

We recommend the AutoClean with the Planex due to the sheer volume of fine dust produced. The AutoClean prevents the filter from getting clogged with that dust in such quantities in a short time.

I would suggest you periodically remove your filter and tap it to loosen any dust. It's not recommended that you use a compressor, which could compromise the HEPA rating if you blow even a small hole into the filter material.
 
Wow! thanks for the quick reply shane! Ct26 it is :) would you recommend replacing the filter after I get done sanding the three rooms or would tapping it be ok?
 
I would tap it real good to clean it out and it should be fine.

Then visually inspect it.

Of course replacing it won't hurt anything, but it may not be absolutely necessary. If you replace it, consider hanging on to the original filter for any future drywall work.
 
There is a foreign YouTube video showing the Planex with an led light attachment that lights up the surface around it which is brilliant. I'm guessing its a home made attachment but it would be super cool if festool came out with something like that, it would make sanding even faster being able to see exactly what is happening especially when your moving as fast as you can with a power sander
 


Vid of me sanding a popcorn ceiling that had been painted once, worked pretty amazing. That was until the end separated from the extension and hit the floor smashing the guard to pieces. Well it lasted just over 24 hours.
 
I should add that when I took it back to the dealer he said he would replace it no problem and is having one rushed here from another store.
 
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