This is my first posting after acquiring a number of Festool tools. I recently got a TS55 and a OF1400 along with a couple of guiderails. My first attempts at using the saw and/or router were somewhat frustrating because the vacuum hose on the CT36 kept catching on the rail end or the edge of the wood. I discovered a relatively simple and inexpensive solution to the problem by using an arm sling (typically used to hold a fractured arm). The vacuum hose and the electric cord are simply fed into one end of the sling and out the front. This holds the hose and cord up and off the rail and wood and they trail along in this elevated position as the cut/router pass is made. I think to improve the set-up even more that I will open the back seam of the sling and provide more surface area for the hose/cord to rest in. Not very elaborate but it sure seems to work and I thought I would share the idea.
Control of CT Vacuum Hose
- Thread starter WoodSam
- Start date
Wood_Junkie
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- Joined
- Dec 2, 2009
- Messages
- 1,311
Welcome to the forum! [welcome]
The exterior ribbed hoses are a huge annoyance (although it is better for the airflow).
I really like your idea! How do you afix the sling to the rail?
Only if you are interested, there is an accessory for just this purpose. This Deflector allows the hose and power cord to slide without catching.
The only drawback is that it blocks the under-side slot, you can't slip clamps on/off from that end.
http://www.festoolusa.com/products/guide-rails/kits-and-other-accessories/guide-rail-deflector-489022.html
The exterior ribbed hoses are a huge annoyance (although it is better for the airflow).
I really like your idea! How do you afix the sling to the rail?
Only if you are interested, there is an accessory for just this purpose. This Deflector allows the hose and power cord to slide without catching.
The only drawback is that it blocks the under-side slot, you can't slip clamps on/off from that end.
http://www.festoolusa.com/products/guide-rails/kits-and-other-accessories/guide-rail-deflector-489022.html
Thanks for the welcome. Sorry I was not clear on the use of the sling. You wear just as you normally would (i.e. over the shoulder and with the body strap around your chest) except it sits between your arm and body with the hose/cord resting inside of it. Treat the hose/cord as if it was your arm except it is trapped between your actual arm and body. I hope this helps.
Sparktrician
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- Joined
- Dec 4, 2009
- Messages
- 4,607
The boom arm on the dust extractor works in concert with the deflector to virtually eliminate the hose/cord drag. I'd hate to think of wearing the sling arrangement, hearing the phone ring, and dragging good stuff off the MFT when I forgot that the sling was on.
[big grin] [eek] [big grin]
[big grin] [eek] [big grin]
