CT extractor filter question

[sploo]

I've been looking into the CT 26 vacuum range (UK spec) - specifically not the AC models.

A number of "off the record" conversations with Festool reps have lead me to the understanding that the 'L' models are pretty much identical to the 'M' models (barring the low pressure warning system). They even use the same main filter (code 496170).

Although the 'L' models cannot be legally sold as suitable for wood dust, they are "over specified" (to quote one rep).

As far as I can see then, an 'L' will be just as good as an 'M'; as long as you don't let the suction drop due to an overfull bag.

However, it appears that US models are sold with a HEPA filter (code 496171), which is also available in the UK. I've also see code 498994, but I don't know if there's a difference.

What I can't work out is: would I get better (safer) exhaust air if I put the HEPA filter in a CTL 26? I'm planning on using this model with a Oneida Ultima Dust Deputy cyclone, so the vac should be hit with relatively little visible dust (i.e. hopefully easier on the filter).

I've found references to the European L/M/H standard (EN 60335-2-69) and the US HEPA (DOE-STD-3020-2005) but I'm non-the-wiser as to whether the HEPA filter would be better than the standard 496170 filter in the CTL and CTM for plywood, soft and hard timber, and some MDF.

Any filter experts out there who might be able to comment?

 

[jacko9]

Hello sploo,

While I can't comment on the Dust Extractor offerings across the pond from me, I do have the Oneida Ultimate Dust Deputy on my CT22 (older model) extractor.  The cyclone is good for filtering out mostly the heavy objects before you get to the Festool bag and HEPA filter keeping those items cleaner for longer periods of time.  My limited understanding of cyclones is they don't take out the very finest particles so having an Extractor with a HEPA filter is a very good idea.

Jack

 

[sploo]

Hello sploo,

While I can't comment on the Dust Extractor offerings across the pond from me, I do have the Oneida Ultimate Dust Deputy on my CT22 (older model) extractor.  The cyclone is good for filtering out mostly the heavy objects before you get to the Festool bag and HEPA filter keeping those items cleaner for longer periods of time.  My limited understanding of cyclones is they don't take out the very finest particles so having an Extractor with a HEPA filter is a very good idea.

Jack

Yea - I've used cyclones for larger impeller based systems, and idea is that they remove the sort of stuff that would sandblast a fine filter; thus you can use a really good filter that traps the tiny dangerous particles (it doesn't get "shotgunned", and of course doesn't clog).

For the vac, you're still using the bag so that will protect the filter from the worst debris, though it obviously gets full and reduces airflow (so the cyclone is useful).

I'm mostly trying to work out whether the air coming out of the vac would then be considered "safe" with the standard filter, or whether the HEPA unit would be better.

I've currently got an old vac, and consider the air that comes out of it to be "dirty" - that is; no visible particles, but it's probably just blasting the workshop with the dangerous stuff you can't see. I'd like to fix that with a CT solution.

 

[jacko9]

I totally agree and that's why I have the Festool Ct22 with a HEPA filter.  I also have the Oneida V-3000 with HEPA filter for my larger woodworking machines.

Jack

 

[GarryMartin]

Hi sploo,

We've been discussing these very points in another topic over the last few days. Please take a look at the following post for more information and guidance.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/dust-extraction-l-class-vs-m-class/msg419842/#msg419842

However, it appears that US models are sold with a HEPA filter (code 496171), which is also available in the UK. I've also see code 498994, but I don't know if there's a difference.

As far as I understand it, 498994 is the current code for the HEPA-HF-CT 26/36/48 filter and 496171 is an older code.

[attachimg=1]

 

[AlexThePalex]

The standard L filter is already very safe, to call it that way, because it catches a lot of the particles going out. But it doesn't catch all of them.

Neither does the Hepa filter, but the Hepa filter catches even more particles than the L filter. So if you want the best filtration, get the Hepa.

 

[sploo]

Hi sploo,

We've been discussing these very points in another topic over the last few days. Please take a look at the following post for more information and guidance.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/dust-extraction-l-class-vs-m-class/msg419842/#msg419842

However, it appears that US models are sold with a HEPA filter (code 496171), which is also available in the UK. I've also see code 498994, but I don't know if there's a difference.

As far as I understand it, 498994 is the current code for the HEPA-HF-CT 26/36/48 filter and 496171 is an older code.

[attachimg=1]

Thanks. I'd not spotted that thread. I think that's more appropriate so I'll "close" this thread and go and participate over there to avoid spreading the same info over multiple threads.

I'd found some hints that 498994 was the replacement for 496171, so that at least clears up one confusion.

The standard L filter is already very safe, to call it that way, because it catches a lot of the particles going out. But it doesn't catch all of them.

Neither does the Hepa filter, but the Hepa filter catches even more particles than the L filter. So if you want the best filtration, get the Hepa.

From what I can work out, the standard (non AC) main L filter is the same as the M filter. Obviously there's the question of that vs HEPA.