Ct 26 or ct26 auto clean

[Steve Hiscocks]

Hi all, I am just about to replace my ts55 ( getting a lot of Bearing noise, had it since 2004. Very well used) so i have ordered the ts55r, just happend the rep was as the shop when i went in and he tells me that the ts 55r is in a spring promotion. If you buy it with an extractor you get £50 off and a free cleaning set. As i was after another extractor for taking on site ( allready got a ct22) i was thinking of the ct26. Which brings me to my question, is it worth spending the extra on the auto clean option or is it just a bit of a gimmick? Steve

 

[Theshipstore]

Steve  I  just got back from the Festool Connect event.. The CT26 Auto Clean is not a HEPA Vac. The filter in it is not Hepa Approved for micron size. The auto clean vac needs a larger micron filter in order to work properly.
This DC was definitely designed for the Planex and with that work awesome. I wouldn't spend the money on the Auto clean version I would go with the CT 26 itself.

Hope this helps some

Sal

 

[builderbob]

And to add to that...I think the Auto Clean is only a 36 in the US.

Bob

 

[RC]

You can get the AC in all CT varieties in Europe and since the question refers to UK pound I presume he's from the UK.

 

[Mauri Motti]

Personally I've choose the CT26 without the auto clean function about a year ago. After I've watched a video on youtube showing one with Autoclean function (right about when it came out) that showed a big Woofh! while performing the auto clean. The "barrel" of the vacuum looked as if was having a heart attack (visually) and you could hear it performing the function noticeable. I'm sure this is all very normal but realized it wasn't for me. Sorry, I did just googled the video but didn't find it anymore. If someone does please post it as it's interesting to watch. I do remember the video being very short, just showing the auto clean function.

 

[Theshipstore]

Mauri    You are right about the strange noise it makes when it auto cleans, this function occurs every 12 to 15 seconds on the Auto Clean. The cleaning cycle time is adjustable with a control knob on the front of the unit
Sal

 

[score0matic]

If all you do is concrete grinding or drywall sanding the auto clean is important.  If you do alot of it then a semiauto cleaning feature like on the Nilfisk attix is very handy. If you don't do much of this it is not really important to have, as most users will use a BAG and or cyclonic prefilter or both.

 

[jmbfestool]

To me I dont see the need for it  I believe its a Gimmick     It blows the dust from the filters but then sucks them right back up again because where does it blow it to?!?!  Its still inside the vac its like pissing into the wind your feet will still get wet no mater how hard you try and pee!

 

[jmbfestool]

Personally I've choose the CT26 without the auto clean function about a year ago. After I've watched a video on youtube showing one with Autoclean function (right about when it came out) that showed a big Woofh! while performing the auto clean. The "barrel" of the vacuum looked as if was having a heart attack (visually) and you could hear it performing the function noticeable. I'm sure this is all very normal but realized it wasn't for me. Sorry, I did just googled the video but didn't find it anymore. If someone does please post it as it's interesting to watch. I do remember the video being very short, just showing the auto clean function.

This?

584014 Festool CT AutoClean Drywall Dust Extractor

 

[EWTHeckman]

Shane explained that the CT 36 AC (here in the U.S.) can use the same main filter as the regular CT 36. This means that even though it doesn't come with a HEPA filter, you can put one in. That means that the only two drawbacks to using it as a regular HEPA vac is that the AC version costs more, plus you would have to buy a new filter right away, and that it doesn't have the HEPA certification. But you would be able to use it as if it was a regular CT most of the time, while having the AC capability available if you need it.

Since the vacs have the same design, I would assume that the same applies to the filters in the UK. If you don't need it to be certified for certain materials, then you would be good to go. If you do need the certification, you would not want the AC version.

 

[Mauri Motti]

Personally I've choose the CT26 without the auto clean function about a year ago. After I've watched a video on youtube showing one with Autoclean function (right about when it came out) that showed a big Woofh! while performing the auto clean. The "barrel" of the vacuum looked as if was having a heart attack (visually) and you could hear it performing the function noticeable. I'm sure this is all very normal but realized it wasn't for me. Sorry, I did just googled the video but didn't find it anymore. If someone does please post it as it's interesting to watch. I do remember the video being very short, just showing the auto clean function.

This?

584014 Festool CT AutoClean Drywall Dust Extractor

No that wasn't it. It was a video taken by a guy like you or me. No fancy festo promotion video. I'd wouldn't have worked as a promotive video either. It bashed me off anyways

 

[Kev]

I'm the world worst for buying extra functionality "just in case" a but I stopped short on AC when I got my CT36 late last year.

I only use my CT Mini when I'm sanding plaster - so it would be of any use at all.

If for some insane reason I decide to buy a Planex (I have absolutely no need) I'd get a dedicated DC ... maybe the auto clean feature will be improved in that unlikely future.

 

[Frank-Jan]

To me I dont see the need for it  I believe its a Gimmick     It blows the dust from the filters but then sucks them right back up again because where does it blow it to?!?!  Its still inside the vac its like pissing into the wind your feet will still get wet no mater how hard you try and pee!

It is effective,(for the grinding and drywall dust)  yes the dust gets sucked into the filter again, but the regular cleaning prevents it from clogging the filter that much that it loses suction power.

I've seen the video Mauri mentioned and the amount the tub of the vac moved just didn't look right.

/edit: Allthough it is demonstrated by a promo guy, I think this is the video:

 

[Mauri Motti]

To me I dont see the need for it  I believe its a Gimmick     It blows the dust from the filters but then sucks them right back up again because where does it blow it to?!?!  Its still inside the vac its like pissing into the wind your feet will still get wet no mater how hard you try and pee!

It is effective,(for the grinding and drywall dust)  yes the dust gets sucked into the filter again, but the regular cleaning prevents it from clogging the filter that much that it loses suction power.

I've seen the video Mauri mentioned and the amount the tub of the vac moved just didn't look right.

/edit: Allthough it is demonstrated by a promo guy, I think this is the video:

Jep, that's it! This scared me off of having one. Actually at the time I saw the vid I just had one on order! Oh boy was I happy to still being able to change the order to a regular one. Pfffh  [scared]

Thanks for posting Frank Jan

Regards

 

[Mauri Motti]

Personally I've choose the CT26 without the auto clean function about a year ago. After I've watched a video on youtube showing one with Autoclean function (right about when it came out) that showed a big Woofh! while performing the auto clean. The "barrel" of the vacuum looked as if was having a heart attack (visually) and you could hear it performing the function noticeable. I'm sure this is all very normal but realized it wasn't for me. Sorry, I did just googled the video but didn't find it anymore. If someone does please post it as it's interesting to watch. I do remember the video being very short, just showing the auto clean function.

This?

584014 Festool CT AutoClean Drywall Dust Extractor

No that wasn't it. It was a video taken by a guy like you or me. No fancy festo promotion video. I'd wouldn't have worked as a promotive video either. It bashed me off anyways

Oh yeah,

and even though not a FANCY festo promo it is a festo promo guy  [laughing] just not so fancy

 

[score0matic]

ok here is a Video of how a self cleaning Vac works  the Pulse Bac is Expensive ($1150.00 for the 8 gal)  but there isnt a better vac.
Pulse-Bac® Never Stop To Unclog A Filter Again

 

[RC]

Soooo, if one would be hypothetically on the fence ready to push the order button which Festool DC would be the shrewdest choice for woodworking (with both a cyclone & bag in the VAC and working mostly outside in the backyard) since they more or less cost the same in the long run. My tools to connect to the DC are a mitre saw, a TS55, a OF1400, sanders and a jigsaw working on mainly solid wood & ply + maybe MDF in the future.

1. CTL 26 E (and pocket 100-200€ towards getting a RO 90 DX)
2. CTL 26 E Autoclean (+100€)
3. CTL 36 E (10 litres larger bag, +130€)
4. CTM 26 E (if I've understood correctly it has airflow dip warning gadgetry over the basic L-model, +200€)

And yes, I'm on that fence and hope not to have to sand drywall or concrete ever again. [scratch chin]

 

[score0matic]

I would go for option 1  for wood working.  because the RO 90 rocks  [smile]  and you don't need the auto cleaning feature for wood dust  best luck with your purchase

 

[Kev]

I would go for option 1  for wood working.  because the RO 90 rocks  [smile]  and you don't need the auto cleaning feature for wood dust  best luck with your purchase

Same vote from me. I've got a CT36 and I don't think I'll ever fill it up !

The CT26 is a rational size for a lot of home woodworking.

Though if I ever buy another it'll be a CT36 ... simply to consider less bag sizes.