CT Cyclone Suction Loss

[Coen]

Needs to be said I use my CTM 36 at max power rarely

I think that might be the reverse of 99% of users who run it full-power except when sanding.

 

[ChuckM]

By default when I use the CT15 in the auto mode, the suction power goes max as soon as the tool is turned on. To dial it down for sanding, I need to use the manual +- button. For belt-sanding, I do leave it at the max setting.

 

[darita]

Needs to be said I use my CTM 36 at max power rarely

I think that might be the reverse of 99% of users who run it full-power except when sanding.

I could guess, but why should one reduce suction for sanding?

 

[ChuckM]

Using too much suction is like pushing the sander too hard on the surface while sanding, with less dust extracted in time, and more chances to leave swirl marks behind.

 

[zapdafish]

I'd check the plastic bends inside the cyclone, its possible for a chip to get jammed in there. It's happened to me a few times when sucking up hand plane sweepings.

 

[zapdafish]

Needs to be said I use my CTM 36 at max power rarely

I think that might be the reverse of 99% of users who run it full-power except when sanding.

I could guess, but why should one reduce suction for sanding?

You want to use little force and let the sander do the work. High suction pulls the sander into the workpiece like a suction cup. At least thats the way I understand it.

 

[darita]

Just want to say, great thread.  I'm learning a lot.  I always use the DD 2.5 at full suction, however now I'll use less suction while sanding.  Thanks all for the info.

 

[Coen]

Needs to be said I use my CTM 36 at max power rarely

I think that might be the reverse of 99% of users who run it full-power except when sanding.

I could guess, but why should one reduce suction for sanding?

Like others already said; with vac too high it sucks the sander to the surface it's sanding, like having too much pressure on the sander. This results in a poor result. Of course it's sander dependent. On belt sanders it works differently. But with a RTS 400 with CTL on full power... you can just stick that on the wall (when turned off) and walk away.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

But with a RTS 400 with CTL on full power... you can just stick that on the wall (when turned off) and walk away.

You are aware that I'm going to have to test that now don't you? I have to see it

 

[bkillam]

I purchased a CT-VA 20 on Monday and have been working on trying to understand how and why Festool would release such a poor product.  After spending $400 on the unit, I should not have to modify it with plumbers tape.  I am using a CT 48E HEPA connected to various tools like a Kapex, Domino, and various sanders.  I also use it for site and shop cleanup and was hoping to reduce the number of filter bags that I am using.  I have been testing the unit the past few days and am finding way too much "passing through" the CT-VA 20 and still a significant loss of suction even when the CT 48 is on max power.  I honestly just think the design is flawed and the "cyclone" does not have enough depth to allow the particles/dust/chips to truly separate.  On very fine shavings, they don't seem to stop in the CT-VA 20 collector and flow right in to the bag.  Shavings from my Festool Planer fill bags quickly and unfortunately the CT-VA 20 is not helping.  Improved suction will help with shop cleanup tasks but will make the separation less effective in the current design.  Has any one come up with a solution or is the best solution to use a Dust Deputy that has better flow and separation?  I appreciate any insight from this community before I return the CT-VA 20.  I'm a Festool advocate and have many tolls from them but this one just feels like it misses the mark.....

 

[Mini Me]

Any of the inexpensive meters off Amazon will work.  I just grabbed the first one that popped up, it was around $25

Actually that is not always the case, that's why I was looking for a referral to a specific one that we know did work.

Gotcha.  I grabbed the BTMETER BT-100 on Amazon
HERE

That won't work, air flow measurement is like trying to round up a herd of cats and air flow meters can't and won't do it. They will indicate from a starting point a very general gain or loss but I wouldn't even bet on that as the meter has to be placed in exactly the same position each time.

 

[woodferret]

But if you're in a situation where small debris collection is just as, if not more, important, you may want to consider skipping the Cyclone. The long-life bag may be a better investment to consider.

That'd run counter to recommendations for the life-long bag which is intended for large debris.  For fine debris, one should just pull up their pants and use the disposable bag or the CT-VA20 - rarely do I need full suck for fine dust anyways.  Don't minmax out of context.

 

[Coen]

But with a RTS 400 with CTL on full power... you can just stick that on the wall (when turned off) and walk away.

You are aware that I'm going to have to test that now don't you? I have to see it

Did you yet?

I purchased a CT-VA 20 on Monday and have been working on trying to understand how and why Festool would release such a poor product.  After spending $400 on the unit, I should not have to modify it with plumbers tape.  I am using a CT 48E HEPA connected to various tools like a Kapex, Domino, and various sanders.  I also use it for site and shop cleanup and was hoping to reduce the number of filter bags that I am using.  I have been testing the unit the past few days and am finding way too much "passing through" the CT-VA 20 and still a significant loss of suction even when the CT 48 is on max power.  I honestly just think the design is flawed and the "cyclone" does not have enough depth to allow the particles/dust/chips to truly separate.  On very fine shavings, they don't seem to stop in the CT-VA 20 collector and flow right in to the bag.  Shavings from my Festool Planer fill bags quickly and unfortunately the CT-VA 20 is not helping.  Improved suction will help with shop cleanup tasks but will make the separation less effective in the current design.  Has any one come up with a solution or is the best solution to use a Dust Deputy that has better flow and separation?  I appreciate any insight from this community before I return the CT-VA 20.  I'm a Festool advocate and have many tolls from them but this one just feels like it misses the mark.....

Do you have an example picture of said shavings that still end up in the bag while the CT-VA is used?

CT-VA is more compact than most other branded solutions, that might have caused some compromises.