CTL SYS Vac anybody else hearing this?

[SMJoinery]

Hi All

When I'm using my ctl sys vac I can periodically hear a "noise" that could be normal and explainable but wanted to ask before contacting Festool Service.
It sounds like every now and then it's releasing a valve and a gasp of air escapes. The vac runs normally and works fine. I've tried new bag, checked hose etc but still occurs.
If it's normal it sounds like the vac fills a chamber which then exhausts out, closes again and fills to repeat.
It happens with a tool connected or just vacuuming.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks.
Scott

 

[Brice Burrell]

As I understand it the SYS Vac has a bypass valve should suction become blocked.  I'd guess this shouldn't open under normal use.  If no one chimes in saying this normal I'd give Festool a call.

 

[jonny round boy]

Mine does this & makes the same noise, but only if you reduce the airflow into the hose too much. That lead me to think there was a relief valve inside.

A friend has one, and his makes the same noise, but under normal running (when you turn it on, it runs for a second or so until it gets up to speed, and then the 'valve' actuates). The suction seems reduced on his, compared to mine.

Now, I mentioned this when I went to the roadshow. They had one there, and I pointed out the 'valve' noise, and asked about my friend's that seemed to be triggering prematurely. I was told by a Festool employee, to whom my query had been directed as he knew 'everything' them, that there is categorically no such valve inside!

"What's making that noise then?" I asked. He then spent a good 5 minutes going over the machine, checking the filter, the bag, the bag carrier, the outlet, the hose etc., and then said it was something to do with the airflow in the hose! TBH, I think he just said that because he really didn't know - I was certain the noise is coming from the body of the vac, but he reassured me that that was most definitely NOT the case, and that there was definitely NOT any kind of valve inside.

Having just checked EKAT, and there's a little spring-actuated widget inside, that's labelled as.... wait for it.... a safety valve!!!

[attachimg=1]

PS - my mate (who's non-existing valve was triggering all the time) has sent his back to Festool.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Jonny, I mentioned the bypass valve because Peter Halle posted about it a few months back.  Peter inserted a screen capture from promotional Festool literature on the CTL SYS Vac.  It mentioned the safety valve as feature on the vac.  I would have hoped Festool employees would have a better understanding of the tools. 

 

[SMJoinery]

Thanks Jonny.
Makes sense and as per my initial post it does sound like a valve cutting in.
I'm going to continue to use it as suction etc is good.
An update with your mates summary would be appreciated.
Cheers.
Scott