I know it's poor form to make a first post something less than positive, but I just purchased a brand new CT26 (packaged with a Rotex 90). I tried it with the Rotex and it worked very well. I was a little disappointed that it wasn't as quiet as others made it seem like it would be (even on the lowest setting, which was plenty for the RO90). So all's well and good, right? Not exactly. I got out the Festool Track Saw (Post-recall 55) and started ripping down some plywood. Thank heavens I did it outside, because dust pretty much was everywhere. My Black Friday Lowes Shopvac with Bosch (non-anti-static) hose shames this thing when it comes to dust collection (I'm aware it isn't HEPA). I was certain to adjust the setting back up to "high" before I started, double-checked the hose connections, etc, and the bag was appropriately fitted. Am I missing something? I've watched dozens of videos on these VACs, and I have to say, unless there is something I'm doing wrong, this thing is going to get returned quickly. I like the size and practicality of the vac, but if my cheapo shop vac outdoes this thing, how could I possibly live with the price tag? Has anyone else experienced the same thing?
CT26E - It's not that good - am I missing something?
- Thread starter Rockne
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Rockne said:
I can't say what it is, but something must be wrong with the setup. Even without dust collection the TS55REQ should give good dust extraction (to the dust port) due to the newer designed channel inside the saw. Just blade windage alone should result in most dust getting propelled to the dust port.
There is an exception to this, however. If you are making a cut where only one side of the saw blade is in the wood (trimming the edge of the plywood), then you will have dust flying no matter how good the dust extractor. That is also due to the windage from the blade, but in that it is not contained by the saw kerf.
When you commented on the dust extractor being loud, that might suggest a possible problem. Please forgive the obviousness of this statement, but have you checked the suction at the end of the hose to verify that there is suction? The vacuum should be fairly quiet and consistent in sound to other sound-attenuated vacuums. However, if the inlet (hose) is blocked, the motor will race faster and the vacuum will sound much louder.
Give the whole vacuum a good inspection inside and out. With a new CT26E, the suction power should be very strong, flow rate very high, and sound very low. Make sure there isn't any sort of packing material or components still inside the canister. Make sure the HEPA filter is properly installed and nothing is blocking it. Oh, this may be really silly, but make sure it is a normal vacuum bag installed and not one of the plastic dust liners that is supposed to be used with the CT-AutoClean vacuums. (Not that the liner would be a problem, but if it was installed as though it was a normal bag it would block the main filter inlet.) The normal bag should be a white cloth-like material.
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First, [welcome] to the FOG!
Sorry that you are having an issue with your CT, but - as you've already found out - you'll get lots of good advice here. And you mentioned watching lots of videos on it, which is great. That puts you WAY ahead of the average newbie.
[thumbs up]
Your experience with the CT is obviously NOT the norm. As others have suggested, it sounds like something might be wrong with your set-up. That isn't a poke at you personally - it's just a logical place to start since both you and the CT are new.
If you haven't gotten the CT issue resolved by the time you read my post, I suggest you call Festool service. They are VERY helpful and can likely help you get to the bottom of the problem quickly. If it turns out that you happen to be unlucky enough to have a defective product, they can also help make arrangements to get it repaired. OR - if you bought it less than 30 days ago - you can return it to your dealer.
BTW, you don't mention if you bought this from a local dealer? If you did, they should also be able to quickly help you determine if the CT is properly set up and working.
Whatever route you choose, I am confident that you can have an answer and a resolution TODAY. And PLEASE post back here to let us know what it was? Your update may provide answers for future visitors to the FOG, and might just save somebody a headache - or a moment of panic - with regards to THEIR new CT.
Sorry that you are having an issue with your CT, but - as you've already found out - you'll get lots of good advice here. And you mentioned watching lots of videos on it, which is great. That puts you WAY ahead of the average newbie.
[thumbs up]
Your experience with the CT is obviously NOT the norm. As others have suggested, it sounds like something might be wrong with your set-up. That isn't a poke at you personally - it's just a logical place to start since both you and the CT are new.
If you haven't gotten the CT issue resolved by the time you read my post, I suggest you call Festool service. They are VERY helpful and can likely help you get to the bottom of the problem quickly. If it turns out that you happen to be unlucky enough to have a defective product, they can also help make arrangements to get it repaired. OR - if you bought it less than 30 days ago - you can return it to your dealer.
BTW, you don't mention if you bought this from a local dealer? If you did, they should also be able to quickly help you determine if the CT is properly set up and working.
Whatever route you choose, I am confident that you can have an answer and a resolution TODAY. And PLEASE post back here to let us know what it was? Your update may provide answers for future visitors to the FOG, and might just save somebody a headache - or a moment of panic - with regards to THEIR new CT.
Rick seems to have covered all of the problems and wow has given some good advice as well. Since you are a newby (no offense intended), i am wondering if you tried using the vac to cleanup shop floor before using with your TS. It is possible that you sucked up something that created a blockage in the hose. If you did, it sometimes can get lodged at a point where you cannot seem to dislodge it from either end of the hose. Sometimes you can just reverse the hose to the vac and the obstruction will pop loose immediately. I have an early model of CT33 and after a couple of episodes of type I just mentioned, I never use my CT's for floor cleanup. I use a broom and dustpan for that. But I guess I allow the floor debris to build up a little more than some woodworkers I have known. [unsure] [embarassed]
Tinker
Tinker
AlexThePalex
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My 26 is loud, and it's working properly. The comments here of people who say the 26 is quiet always confuse me a bit. Are they right and is my 26 too loud, or are they used to even louder vacs? Hmmmm....
[scratch chin]
[scratch chin]
I'll just chime in and also say my CT26 has worked great. Sound is moderate. I regard Low to be like my Electrolux vacuum for the house. But as far as dust extraction goes, yes, it's very easy on the ears. I agree as well with the "edge trimming" point. If the saw is not completely over a piece of wood then you will have some material escape. But I am speaking only of the older TS 55 EQ model.
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Check out this video, which shows how your CT 26 should be performing. If it's not performing in this way, there may be something wrong with it mechanically or the bag, filter, hose or something else my be clogged, blocked or not properly installed.
Are you able to share a video of the results you're getting?
Please feel free to exchange the unit for another one if it's convenient, or contact our service department for assistance.
Are you able to share a video of the results you're getting?
Please feel free to exchange the unit for another one if it's convenient, or contact our service department for assistance.
Wow, that's a lot of replies! I'll try to address the problem in a little more detail:
I may have inadvertently overstated the problem: The Vac is definitely getting some of the dust, but is not performing nearly as well as the Shop Vac. There's definitely suction from the vac (I used to vacuum up all of the dust that wasn't collected the first time). I used the Rotex for all of 10 minutes prior to sawing, so there's no way there could be blockage. I know how well the DC for track saw is designed because it worked VERY well with the aforementioned Shop-Vac (I was so impressed when I first used it that I remarked to my Dad that it worked so well it essentially vacuumed the board as it went by).
I was making standard rip (non-edge) cuts.
The Vac Bag was a white, cloth-like bag. As an aside, it seems high quality, as we've come to expect.
I didn't use the vac for anything other than the Rotex (no floor cleanup, etc). I'm a CT26 newbie, but not a festool newbie
.
I would love to shoot video of the problem. It's dark by the time I get home from work, but I suppose I could actually use the MFT/3 for its intended purpose. Maybe I'll do a comparison video.
Here's a quesiton: The Vac shipped with a hose that was TINY (in terms of diameter - it reminded me of my niece's toys) and definitely is not the same size as the one in the vide posted. Did I get the right hose?
I may have inadvertently overstated the problem: The Vac is definitely getting some of the dust, but is not performing nearly as well as the Shop Vac. There's definitely suction from the vac (I used to vacuum up all of the dust that wasn't collected the first time). I used the Rotex for all of 10 minutes prior to sawing, so there's no way there could be blockage. I know how well the DC for track saw is designed because it worked VERY well with the aforementioned Shop-Vac (I was so impressed when I first used it that I remarked to my Dad that it worked so well it essentially vacuumed the board as it went by).
I was making standard rip (non-edge) cuts.
The Vac Bag was a white, cloth-like bag. As an aside, it seems high quality, as we've come to expect.
I didn't use the vac for anything other than the Rotex (no floor cleanup, etc). I'm a CT26 newbie, but not a festool newbie
. I would love to shoot video of the problem. It's dark by the time I get home from work, but I suppose I could actually use the MFT/3 for its intended purpose. Maybe I'll do a comparison video.
Here's a quesiton: The Vac shipped with a hose that was TINY (in terms of diameter - it reminded me of my niece's toys) and definitely is not the same size as the one in the vide posted. Did I get the right hose?
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Wooden Skye
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I have the 26 and think it is a great DE, takes some getting used to which setting for the tool. I used a regular shop vac when I first got the saw, but noticed a difference after purchasing the CT26. When you are working with the TS55, are you supporting the sheet goods underneath? What I mean is I put the pink rigid foam under the sheet goods, and I notice this improves dust collection. If you just have what you are cutting on saw horses, it is reasonable to expect some dust to be on the floor. My experience may be different from others.
I just got a CT26 to use instead of a midi for my Kapex. I also use an Ultimate Dust Deputy so the bigger vacuum is a lot much more stable and easier to connect and move around. The CT26 suction feels and sounds like it is TWICE as powerful as the Midi. I was afraid I'd suck the dust shroud off the back of the saw!
Good luck!
Good luck!
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