does the kapex need an antistatic hose?

[zapdafish]

I am finally able to budget in a 36mm hose for my kapex, does it need to be antistatic? 

 

[agehall]

"need" is a relative word here. The AS hose will perform better, but I'm pretty sure that even a non-AS 36mm hose will be better than an AS 27mm hose.

However, after having seen the difference between AS and non-AS, I'd rather wait a bit longer and get the AS hose. It just makes less a of a mess since stuff doesn't stick to it and later fall off.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Anti-static is not a requirement for any of our tools. It's a benefit that prevents static electricity shocks and keeps the dust from clinging to the hose, inside and out. You could use the anti-static or non-AS hose, it's your choice.

Shane

 

[zapdafish]

ok, thanks. I wasn't sure if using a non antistatic would cause shocks when using the kapex

 

[wnagle]

I use a non antistatic hose with my kapex along with a Dust Deputy.  I just grounded the whole system with some copper wire to maintain continuity.  I do have mine mounted in my shop and never move it though.

 

[Sean7a]

ok, thanks. I wasn't sure if using a non antistatic would cause shocks when using the kapex

Shane put it very succinctly.  It's a  benefit, not a requirement for ANY of the tools.  I think once you see the benefit though, you'll make the decision to always spring for the anti static hoses.  It's really worthwhile.  Saves on cleanup, one of the biggest benefits of the Festool system.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Unlike a typical hand-held tool, it is not as likely for an operator to contact the Kapex vac hose while operating the tool. The anti-static hose is really just a "comfort" thing for the operator, so they are not getting static shocks from the hose. This is no different than shuffling your feet across the carpet and touching a light switch. This is more pronounced with hand-held tools, where the operator is frequently contacting the hose during normal usage.

The static build-up in a vac hose is very similar to shuffling your feet across the carpet. The only difference is that the charge is developed when the moving air and particulate are transferring the electrons to/from the hose instead of your leather-soled shoes transferring them from the carpet. (Sorry. I've forgotten which direction the charge is moving--to or from the hose. But that's not really important anyway.)

For Kapex, I wouldn't worry too much about it unless your working habits have you contacting the hose frequently.

Oh, P.S.: As Sean pointed out, a non-anti-static hose will attract more dust to the outside of the hose.

 

[semenza]

Rick,

How significant is the benefit to the particle flow, if any, of AS vs. non-AS hose?  Basically does it improve DC ?

Seth

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Because the velocity of the flow through the hose is so high, you shouldn't get very much build-up in the hose. And what build-up you might get, will get released once the charge dissipates to the air after the flow stops. In other words, it really will not impact the flow capabilities of the hose. The spiral shape of the hose will have a much greater impact than any small amount of particulate clinging to the sides.

Full-size dust collection systems are probably different, because the volume is much higher and the flow is much slower.

 

[Frank-Jan]

I have both versions of the 36mm hose, and I prefer the non-AS version. The AS version is not only much more expensive (but if you really want one, you can offset the cost a bit by going for a cleaning kit that includes it), but also heavier and much less flexible. The higher weight and stiffness is even noticeable when used with the kapex.

(The 27mm AS is much easier to handle, (after a short break-in period); maybe the 36 mm just needs longer to break-in, but I really don't like using it as it is.)