CT Extractor Enhancements and Bluetooth Control - Video

[Stone Message]

Hi Everyone

Festool UK kindly sent the new T-Loc hose garage for the CT and their Bluetooth conversion kit in order for me to make a video. I make it quite clear in the video that the kit will not be returned.

Fitting the new CT hose garage took just a couple of minutes and this then allows the modern systainers to be held in place more easily than before.

I am really not sure if the fitting of the Bluetooth module in the CT should be done by a qualified electrical engineer. In order to make it easier for the engineer that you might employ to fit the kit I show this very clearly in the video !! It is a very easy task. Once I fitted the Bluetooth remote I made the executive decision that it would stay there - not because it would be difficult to remove but once you have something like this you will wonder how you managed without it.

My wife helped me finish off some cabinet restoration yesterday and she took charge of the CT hose with the Bluetooth remote to clean out all of the drawers. In the past I had a radio remote mains adapter connected to the CT with a lamp plugged in. By pressing my radio remote the lamp was switched on and drew just enough current to start the CT. The Bluetooth system is much simpler especially when you include the added advantage of the Bluetooth batteries.

The Bluetooth batteries are not cheap but you only need one or two as you might not always want a CT to start when using a cordless tool. I am sure that a TSC with just one Bluetooth battery and one legacy battery would work fine.

Here is the link:


Peter

 

[RJNeal]

Thank you Peter for this review and all the other reviews and how to videos that you make.
Much appreciated. 
Rick.

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Rick,

You are very kind - I owe a huge amount to the FOG and its members for the help and advice that I have received over the years.

Peter

 

[peter halle]

Peter,

Thank you for the clear demonstration of the new bluetooth modules and the hose garage.  By chance did you take a look at the underside of the new hose garage to compare it with the old.  Differences?

Also just as a tip, I saw an instagram post where it was suggested that moving the bluetooth switch on the hose back away from the tool end a bit might help with attaching the hose to tools.  I also noticed that Festool Germany was doing just that in some of their videos.

If I had a compatible CT I would be getting one of these.

Thanks again!

Peter

 

[Stone Message]

Peter,

Thank you for the clear demonstration of the new bluetooth modules and the hose garage.  By chance did you take a look at the underside of the new hose garage to compare it with the old.  Differences?

Also just as a tip, I saw an instagram post where it was suggested that moving the bluetooth switch on the hose back away from the tool end a bit might help with attaching the hose to tools.  I also noticed that Festool Germany was doing just that in some of their videos.

If I had a compatible CT I would be getting one of these.

Thanks again!

Peter

Hi Peter,

I did not pay too much attention to the underside and the new one is fitted. Was there a particular point that needs to be explained?

If so, let me know and I will take the old one off and report back after comparing them both.

Peter

 

[peter halle]

Festool has published that the garages are stronger and of different plastics (as should be indicated with the appropriate symbols), and I believe that there have been some changes in the garages over the years - perhaps even some quiet or missed notice ones.

With your thoroughness I was just wondering it you had noted any differences.

Peter

 

[Peter_C]

Thanks for answering my question whether there was a strap for the bluetooth dongle to the 36mm hose. I didn't see it listed anywhere, and previously looking at the photos there is no easy way to make a velcro or other type of strap. Everytime I have walk over and turn my CT36 on it makes me frustrated as I would have already bought the bluetooth setup if it were available in the USA.

 

[Stone Message]

Festool has published that the garages are stronger and of different plastics (as should be indicated with the appropriate symbols), and I believe that there have been some changes in the garages over the years - perhaps even some quiet or missed notice ones.

With your thoroughness I was just wondering it you had noted any differences.

Peter

Hi Peter

I will check that out when I am next in the workshop - we have guests coming around shortly so will check it out tomorrow.

Yes, it would make sense to use better plastic as I remember several professional road warriors complaining that their garages had broken, particularly in cold weather.

Peter

 

[ART at WORK]

HI Peter,
I reciently made the up grade on my midi because the garage just started breaking apart. I remember JMB and a few others talking about how crappy the plastic was years ago. I'm guessing that as I keep my vac in a windowless environment that the UV took a little longer to britterling the plastic. I hope the new version is a better mix of plastic. I made a short video of how easy it was to break the plastic while dismanterling. If I can find it I will post it sometime.

As to the Bluetooth remote, it is an expensive luxury that make me smile and speeds up my work every time I use it. Not sure about the battery yet. Seems a lot to spend rather than bend down. I'm sure I'll crack and get one someday, just after I read your recommendation.
Thanks as always for sharing you experience.
Pip

 

[rizzoa13]

The Bluetooth battery is a really clever implementation. I’m impressed with the thought put into these new CT’s and might be pushed into upgrading.

Only issue I see is; why would you go the route of the Bluetooth battery and ct module instead of just getting the mains operated tool and the sleeved hose? Your still connected to the ct by the hose and the “convenience” factor of just grabbing the saw is cut out by having to get the ct and hose.

I understand that even having the option is a step forward. It’s also a good lead in to battery operated vacuums ( dual battery/mains Ac/dc optional vacuum would sell like hot cakes). My question is this; aside from general cleanup where the Bluetooth remote is awesome, what battery tool do you foresee this being ideal with?

 

[Stone Message]

HI Peter,
I reciently made the up grade on my midi because the garage just started breaking apart. I remember JMB and a few others talking about how crappy the plastic was years ago. I'm guessing that as I keep my vac in a windowless environment that the UV took a little longer to britterling the plastic. I hope the new version is a better mix of plastic. I made a short video of how easy it was to break the plastic while dismanterling. If I can find it I will post it sometime.

As to the Bluetooth remote, it is an expensive luxury that make me smile and speeds up my work every time I use it. Not sure about the battery yet. Seems a lot to spend rather than bend down. I'm sure I'll crack and get one someday, just after I read your recommendation.
Thanks as always for sharing you experience.
Pip

Hi Pip

Good to hear/see you again.

Peter

 

[ART at WORK]

The Bluetooth battery is a really clever implementation. I’m impressed with the thought put into these new CT’s and might be pushed into upgrading.

Only issue I see is; why would you go the route of the Bluetooth battery and ct module instead of just getting the mains operated tool and the sleeved hose? Your still connected to the ct by the hose and the “convenience” factor of just grabbing the saw is cut out by having to get the ct and hose.
I use the battery circular saw when outside and not so worried about clear up. Also for breaking down very large sheet goods where the hose gets in the way. It's quicker that way. When the material gets thicker i.e. more dust indoors then I hook uk the vac. Or when doing edges which blows dust everywhere.

I understand that even having the option is a step forward. It’s also a good lead in to battery operated vacuums ( dual battery/mains Ac/dc optional vacuum would sell like hot cakes). My question is this; aside from general cleanup where the Bluetooth remote is awesome, what battery tool do you foresee this being ideal with?
I have a selection of old Festo tools that still have a cable and other makes like belt sander etc. As my CT 26 sits under my bench and the cyclone sticks out the back and the hose and quick-fix are on a boom arm. I enjoy the luxury not having to walk round unplug/replug or if hand sanding with a sanding block with vacuum connection turning it on and off manually. This is just the fixed working process I am developing. Just a few ideas so far.

Pip

 

[duc996]

Peter, thank you for the video. It is pretty simple now that I have seen it first hand! Thank you for your contribution to the community!

 

[Stone Message]

Festool has published that the garages are stronger and of different plastics (as should be indicated with the appropriate symbols), and I believe that there have been some changes in the garages over the years - perhaps even some quiet or missed notice ones.

With your thoroughness I was just wondering it you had noted any differences.

Peter

Hi Peter

Sorry for the delay - I am on light duties after a minor op and keep getting told off for lifting things.

Both the old and new garage have "ABS" stamped on the inside but there is a noticeable difference in the feel between them. The new one feels thicker and I am sure is stronger. This will sound daft but my old garage has survived 6 years with no damage but in handling it (now off the CT) I managed to break it. I did not drop it but was just doing the same bend of the plastic side that I had done to the new garage. That very subjective and non repeatable test is what I base my assessment that the new garage is stronger.

My old garage had hardly ever seen any UV as I have no natural light at that end of the workshop.

Peter

 

[tazprime38]

Peter, do you think that this remote control could be retrofitted to a Nilfisk Attix 30-2M Dust Extractor?

 

[Stone Message]

Peter, do you think that this remote control could be retrofitted to a Nilfisk Attix 30-2M Dust Extractor?

I have never heard of that machine and have no clue what would be required. However, it may be possible. If one knew what the power requirements of the Festool kit were and which contacts are associated with the switching then a really clever electrical person could do something.

My advice would be to save up for a CT extractor and do it the easy way.

Peter

 

[McNally Family]

Hi Everyone

Festool UK kindly sent the new T-Loc hose garage for the CT and their Bluetooth conversion kit in order for me to make a video. I make it quite clear in the video that the kit will not be returned.

Fitting the new CT hose garage took just a couple of minutes and this then allows the modern systainers to be held in place more easily than before.

I am really not sure if the fitting of the Bluetooth module in the CT should be done by a qualified electrical engineer. In order to make it easier for the engineer that you might employ to fit the kit I show this very clearly in the video !! It is a very easy task. Once I fitted the Bluetooth remote I made the executive decision that it would stay there - not because it would be difficult to remove but once you have something like this you will wonder how you managed without it.

My wife helped me finish off some cabinet restoration yesterday and she took charge of the CT hose with the Bluetooth remote to clean out all of the drawers. In the past I had a radio remote mains adapter connected to the CT with a lamp plugged in. By pressing my radio remote the lamp was switched on and drew just enough current to start the CT. The Bluetooth system is much simpler especially when you include the added advantage of the Bluetooth batteries.

The Bluetooth batteries are not cheap but you only need one or two as you might not always want a CT to start when using a cordless tool. I am sure that a TSC with just one Bluetooth battery and one legacy battery would work fine.

Here is the link:


Peter

Thank you Peter for the instructive video on installation for both the new hose garage and the Bluetooth adapter.

I had already purchased both, along with the new replacement hoses, and your video has now motivated me to actually install them.

I am a big fan of the cordless sanders, and am convinced the Bluetooth connection will be well appreciated.

 

[Stone Message]

I would suggest to everyone that the dream combination is the new 5m "snake" hose with the Bluetooth remote at the end. That 5 m hose appears in this video:


Peter

 

[MikeDVB]

That's very nice - and I think I'll get that if I ever end up with any cordless tools that need dust extraction .

 

[Stone Message]

The 5m Snake with Bluetooth is a dream combination and so useful even if you are not using cordless tools.

The more I use it the more I appreciate the benefit.

Peter