CT 26E and the handle accessory (OPININIONS PLEASE)

[hgster14]

I am a new CT 26E/ETS 150/3 user.  I could not be more impressed with the dustless woodworker it has made me into.  My wife loves it also. 

Anyway, I wonder if anyone on her has purchased and used the handle that can be purchased for the CT 26.  This is not to be confused with the boom arm.  This handle mounts to the backside of the CT 26 and is used almost exclusively for pushing/pulling the unit around.  I have been told not to pull the unit via the hose.  It seems like it would be easier to push/pull with the handle.  I also know that will require that the electrical cord be wrapped around the handle or wrapped in the hose garage with the hose. 

Also there is an add-on accessory called a hose hook that raises the hose coming out of the extractor so it is not in the way.  Seems like a good idea huh?

Both of these options seems expensive, but are they worth it?  Handle is priced at $75.00 and the hose hook is $35.00. 

Does anybody on here have experience with these?  OPINIONS PLEASE

 

[Kev]

They had a CT with the accessory handle at my local dealer - I thought about it - but I've now got a accessory kit fot the CT (in a systainer 5) ... So for not I tend to push it round by the systainer.

I will ultimately get the handle (but with the boom arm set)

Anyway, the handle does give the CT good maneuverability without stooping over it.

Haven't seen the hose hook.

 

[Holzhacker]

I've got the handle on both the CT 22 and 36. I know its a bit pricey but worth it if you move the unit around on jobsites. Prior to getting the handles I would just push the CT around by pushing on the systainer stack on top of the CT. That works ok but a) you have to lean over a bit which isn't very comfortable and b) it doesn't work so well when you come to a threshold. Using the handle works much nicer. The handle also comes with a bracket along the bottom end that the electrical cord wraps around. Additionally, this bracket also has a couple of slots that the vac extension tubes slide into. I bought the 22 handle at the dealer. The 36 handle I found on craigslist or ebay much cheaper. Look around you might get lucky.
Yes, there is a hose hook that goes into one of the holes at the front of the CT. Roughly $35 or so I think. I keep thinking I'll buy it but never remember when I'm at my dealer. Others have posted homemade versions here. You'll have to do a search.

 

[Tim Sproul]

If you put a couple systainers on the Ct, you don't need to stoop to push.

 

[davee]

I have the CT26 with the hose hook.  I have the hook because my shop ceiling is too low for the boom arm.  I will be moving into a new shop soon and will switch to the boom arm.  Without the boom arm, the hook is very helpful in managing the hose and cable.   I've meant to get the handle and think it likely of value, but never got around to doing so.

 

[semenza]

Hello hgster14,

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

Here are some threads to check out.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/do-you-have-the-ct-handle-wout-boom-arm/

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/ct36-hose-holder-or-hose-hook/

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/review-of-festool-boom-arm-(product-no-492-753)-handle-(product-no-452-921)/

Seth