CT-33 Air Compressor Uses

[Debra Crane]

Can you use the CT-33 air compressor with other air tools?

1) lever blowgun for inflating
2) pin and brad nailers
3) rotary tools, wrenches, drivers, etc.
4) spray guns

 

[mysterium]

Hi Debra,

The CT-33 vacuum simply passes thru the compressed air to the sanders.  Thus it's not an air compressor.

One thing about air sanders is that they require high cubic feet per minute (CFM) to operate continuously.  Meaning you need a large 2 stage compressor to keep up with the air they require to operate effectively.

The combination of the CT-33 & the air sanders would certainly be nice in a shop setting.  Specially if the air compressor was insulated in another room from your work space.

Hope this helps,
jim

 

[bigbadpig]

Hey Debra,

I made the same assumption as you that the CT33 had a built in HVLP type compressor (it does have a blower feature, but it is not suited for driving an HVLP. 

The Festool marketing documentation is misleading, but as Jim says, the CT33 only routes the compressed air, it does not generate it.

David

 

[brandon.nickel]

As mentioned in another post, the CT33 allows you to mount a regulator which will trigger the dust extractor when you activate the air tool.  You can also use the special hose which contains the vacuum and compressed air in one assembly (I think they're prohibitively expensive). 

 

[Bob Marino]

As mentioned in another post, the CT33 allows you to mount a regulator which will trigger the dust extractor when you activate the air tool.  You can also use the special hose which contains the vacuum and compressed air in one assembly (I think they're prohibitively expensive). 

Brandon.

The 22 can be used likewise.

Bob

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Everyone,
With the AWFS Fair happening, I just wanted to revive Debra's discussion and ask if anyone who happens to be at the fair can get some more information on the air tools.  These are some of the most mysterious tools in the Festool lineup, at least to me.

Not many people own the air tools, but I get the feeling they might be more popular if people knew more about them.  I'm hoping the forum could obtain more images and information from shows, and the AWFS is the biggest show around right now.  Let's see if we can take advantage of it!

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[Dave Ronyak]

My hunch is that the automotive shops are likely to be more interested in air-powered tools, and maybe some larger commercial shops.  They already have commercial duty compressors, and the air tools eliminate the hazards inherent with use of electric motor tools around flammable solvents and water.  I also wonder about the Amish and Mennonites.  I have been in an Amish shop filled with hydraulicallly powered power tools.  The hydraulic fluid was pumped by a diesel motor outside of the building.  Power without electricity.

Dave R.

 

[brandon.nickel]

I was just perusing the new calendar and re-read the section on the air tools.  116 psi and 14 CFM is a pretty serious amount of air.  I wonder if the results/ease of using the air sander justify purchasing an additional tool assuming you already own the electric Festools.

 

[Warrior]

Dave,

Did the Amish have Hydrolic dust collection?

 

[Ned]

Pneumatic tools are acceptable to many Amish workers--Beaver air routers (BTI Supply) are popular tools.

As for the question of what woodworker would buy air Festools without a strong religious motivation:  I think Festool has calculated that an air sander, for instance, should be preferred over the electric model if you use the sander more than x hours a day.  I think x is something like 4 hours, but I'm not sure.

Properly cared for air motors last much longer than the electric equivalent.  They also run much cooler, so much so that in some cases uncomfortable chilling of a metal housing can be a problem.

Given that the Amish (reluctantly) agreed to the use of battery-powered lighting in their dairy operations--a compromise with a meddling government board--I think there might possibly be an opportunity to sell them cordless drills.  As long as they take the batteries into town and have the "English" charge them  .

Ned

 

[Michael Kellough]

Given that the Amish (reluctantly) agreed to the use of battery-powered lighting in their dairy operations--a compromise with a meddling government board--I think there might possibly be an opportunity to sell them cordless drills.  As long as they take the batteries into town and have the "English" charge them  .

Ned

I wonder what the Amish would think of solar powered battery chargers?

 

[Ned]

I wonder what the Amish would think of solar powered battery chargers?

Beats me.  They're not Luddites or Ecos.

In the dairy situation the point where they drew the line was connecting to the grid.

Ned

 

[Eli]

I read an article a few years ago that many were using cell phones and charging them overnight at customer's houses or in town. Talk about a slippery slope.

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Dave,

Did the Amish have Hydrolic dust collection?

Good question.  I don't know the answer.  The hydraulic powered shop was not in operation when they gave me a brief tour as I picked up a load of green lumber I had ordered from their sawmill, which was their major business.  I was so focused on the various hydraulic setups that I never paid any attention to any dust collection system.

Dave R.

 

[Terp]

Everyone,
With the AWFS Fair happening, I just wanted to revive Debra's discussion and ask if anyone who happens to be at the fair can get some more information on the air tools.  These are some of the most mysterious tools in the Festool lineup, at least to me.

Not many people own the air tools, but I get the feeling they might be more popular if people knew more about them.  I'm hoping the forum could obtain more images and information from shows, and the AWFS is the biggest show around right now.  Let's see if we can take advantage of it!

Thanks,
Matthew

Matt,
  I have the LEX 2 150/3 6" Air Sander, since July 2006.  It was the first Festool purchase I made, along with hte CT33 & the required assemblies.  It was expensive, but I love it.  I've used pneumatic sanders for over 20 years now.  They are so much better than electric.  I have an 80 gallon compressor in my shop, which cycles on & off when the sander is in use, so I know that it's faster than the sanders consumption, but I don't think you could use a smaller compressor at all.  It would run continually & that would not be good for it. 
  Using the sander is a dream though.  I had to convince myself it was working.  There is absolutely no dust in the air, even with 80 grit.  Highly recommended, but only if you really need it I guess.  I know the package costs alot, but I always go pneumatic for a D/A sander.  I get great finish results withthis sander.!  High marks.

 

[robtonya]

I was wanting to know if the sanders would be a good replacement for the air polishers they use at the Toyota plant, I know they are always worried about creating dust, and they have the air supply for it, but I didn't know if it would be good for that application. If so I would try to convince them to purchase a lot of them simply for dirt control. When they polish on a truck, they typically don't need to burn through the paint though.

 

[Terp]

 

  These sanders are professional tools.  I'd say you could definitely sand a car with it.  I'd just make sure to use the boom arms as well.  The Festool hose provides air supply, vacuum & exhaust for the tool, & is a bit large & stiff.  I used it without the boom just fine at the bench, but I wouldn't want that hose hitting the car body at all. With the boom I highly reccommend it.  The full setup on the CT33 will surely set you back though & several setups for the plant sounds like a small fortune.  Yet if you're making money with a tool, & it solves other issues in the plant, I say it's worth it. 

 

[greg mann]

 

  These sanders are professional tools.  I'd say you could definitely sand a car with it.  I'd just make sure to use the boom arms as well.  The Festool hose provides air supply, vacuum & exhaust for the tool, & is a bit large & stiff.  I used it without the boom just fine at the bench, but I wouldn't want that hose hitting the car body at all. With the boom I highly reccommend it.  The full setup on the CT33 will surely set you back though & several setups for the plant sounds like a small fortune.  Yet if you're making money with a tool, & it solves other issues in the plant, I say it's worth it. 

What we think of as a small fortune would be a really, really small fortune for Toyota.

 

[Terp]

Oh, I love this.  Go spend your bosses money on stuff.  It'll improve production & you'll have a blast.
I think that's why the police drive those cool Harley Davidsons

 

[Dave Rudy]

What we think of as a small fortune would be a really, really small fortune for Toyota.

Like, petty cash, maybe is closer to the point?