CT SYS Extractor compatibility

[Leadfoot]

I'm primarily a metal worker, but would like to have the ability to do wood work.

My problem is I can't set aside an area just for wood working, the shop is too small.

My search has turned me to Festool because of the ability to store the equipment to the side.

My question is, is the CT SYS extractor capable of handling the TSC 55 REQ track saw,
and the OF 1400 router?

I understand the small storage and the need to empty often, but does it have enough suck?

Thanks Doug

 

[mrboult]

Technically it can work with both those tools - the power take off socket on the vac is rated for up to 1400w tools..

And in practice I've never had any dust correction issues with the ctl sys and my TS55 or OF1010.

 

[Gregor]

I have used the CTL-SYS (as out of the box) with both the TS55 and an OF 1010, no problems when it comes to dust extraction. Also nice for final cleanup as you can carry it around (with the hose garage removed) with the strap over the shoulder, being able to repurpose it as a blower is another feature I used several times.

The only issue I ran into in use with the router was that it fills the bag very quickly (as the router generates chips quickls), a while after switching to the longlife-bag (to save on single-use bags) I got bored with emptying it so I added a cyclone (50mm connections so it dosn't hinder the airflow) inbetween and since then I'm happy with it - I mainly use it for my CMS tables (both TS and OF).

Only thing I dislike is that the CTL-SYS will de-power the outlet when switched to manual-on. The big CT (26+) have powered outlets while being on manual-on, which is nice when you want to use the drill nozzle or the CT-Wings with a corded drill.

 

[Mark Johnson]

Out of interest what Cyclone did you get and hose adapter/Connectors between the Cyclone and the CT-SYS and the tools to the Cyclone?

Thanks, Mark

 

[Gregor]

I have a ~10 years (iirc) oldhttp://www.clearvuecyclones.com/10-cv06-mini (imported to europe back then with 50mm connections that now nicely fit the festool hoses), separation is excellent and I havn't had any need to clean the CTL-SYS bag ever since.

I use the #499196 adapter hose to connect the cyclone outlet to the vac, it's only a 35mm hose but as of the short length it still works nicely. Also tried with a 50mm (3.5m) hose but didn't see any noticeable difference extraction wise.

 

[ear3]

Some routing operations with the 1400 will still produce a fair amount of dust when hooked up to the CT-sys.  When routing dadoes, woodchips tend to be left in the channel no matter what, but you will find with the CT-Sys that you'll also get a fair number spitting out the back at the start of the cut.  You'll also definitely want to use the chip catcher whenever possible when doing edge routing to minimize the ambient dust not picked up by the CT-Sys.

If you're hogging out a lot of material, there might also be a greater risk of blockage.  I've never tested the CT-Sys with a 36mm hose when routing, and don't know if this would reduce suction on this vac, but that would be a possible option if you find that the 1400 clogs up when you're taking off a lot of material.

As someone has already commented, the CT-Sys is certainly workable with the tracksaw and a router, but the bag does fill up pretty quickly.  You would definitely want to invest in the long life bag if this is going to be your main vac, which will save you $ in the long run on replacement bags.

 

[semenza]

I'm primarily a metal worker, but would like to have the ability to do wood work.

My problem is I can't set aside an area just for wood working, the shop is too small.

My search has turned me to Festool because of the ability to store the equipment to the side.

My question is, is the CT SYS extractor capable of handling the TSC 55 REQ track saw,
and the OF 1400 router?

I understand the small storage and the need to empty often, but does it have enough suck?

Thanks Doug

Hi,

    Welcome to the forum!  [smile]

    The CT-Sys will fill so fast with a router that it will be somewhat impractical. I would view use with a router only for  very small or highly portable routing tasks. Adding a cyclone seems like it will reduce the portability and add the need for wheels in your situations.  If I were you I would look at the CT-Midi. It will still fill fast but will be much more workable for general purpose woodworking. More suction, larger capacity, already on wheels, suction turn down for sanding,  still very compact.

    I don't know your exact storage situation but I would think a cyclone to be cumbersome (maybe?) but certainly interfering with storage in a small space. if needing to move the CT in / out from storage. Also you may have a set up that you can store your woodworking tools in the systainers on top of the CT-Midi to roll in / out of storage spot.

    If you have the space I would look at the CT26.

    There are certainly work arounds to make the CT-Sys have almost equal performance to the rest but then you have a bunch of work arounds instead of built in features. I find the CT-Sys useful for small jobs (with or without power tools), handiness, and clean up. But never viewed it, nor would I choose it, for a general purpose woodworking vac.

Seth

 

[Leadfoot]

Thank you all for the info, you've answered my question.

I'll be buying a size or two bigger machine.

Thanks again.