Dust Collection with TS 55 REQ

[noob]

Hey dudes,

I picked up a TS 55 REQ last weekend and made an unexpected decision to add a CT MIDI in order to get the 10% discount. I LOVE the 55 (it's my first Festool) but I'm kinda indifferent to the CT. I didn't realize at the time of purchase that (a) the recommended hose size for the 55 is 32mm... and (b) the MIDI is only compatible with the 27mm hose.

Cutting 3/4" birch ply with the 27mm hose did leave a fair amount of dust... so I'm not happy with my impulse $400+ dollar purchase. Looks like I have less than 30 days to figure out a replacement. But before I reluctantly/happily plunk down another $250+ to upgrade to the CT 26 and 32mm hose, I want to weigh my options.

1. $100 5-hp Ridgid shop vac and $40 i-Socket for nearly the same function (minus the HEPA filtration). I'm only using the saw for small home improvement projects, so the level of exposure to harmful dust particles is pretty minimal

2. $220 Dust Right wall mounted dust collector with $40 i-Socket. I have 5-6 feet of crawl space above my garage, so this could be conveniently located out of sight, nearly out of ear-shot, and any harmful dust would potentially just be harming the critters under my house.

I'm heavily leaning towards one of these cheaper options. Spending $680+ for the CT 26 and larger diameter hose is tough to justify. I'd rather put the difference toward another tool.... like a Rotex... and MFT/3... or that seductive Domino

 

[skids]

Hey dudes,

I picked up a TS 55 REQ last weekend and made an unexpected decision to add a CT MIDI in order to get the 10% discount. I 'effing LOVE the 55 (it's my first Festool) but I'm kinda indifferent to the CT. I didn't realize at the time of purchase that (a) the recommended hose size for the 55 is 32mm... and (b) the MIDI is only compatible with the 27mm hose.

Cutting 3/4" birch ply with the 27mm hose did leave a fair amount of dust... so I'm not happy with my impulse $400+ dollar purchase. Looks like I have less than 30 days to figure out a replacement. But before I reluctantly/happily plunk down another $250+ to upgrade to the CT 26 and 32mm hose, I want to weigh my options.

1. $100 5-hp Ridgid shop vac and $40 i-Socket for nearly the same function (minus the HEPA filtration). I'm only using the saw for small home improvement projects, so the level of exposure to harmful dust particles is pretty minimal

2. $220 Dust Right wall mounted dust collector with $40 i-Socket. I have 5-6 feet of crawl space above my garage, so this could be conveniently located out of sight, nearly out of ear-shot, and any harmful dust would potentially just be harming the critters under my house.

I'm heavily leaning towards one of these cheaper options. Spending $680+ for the CT 26 and larger diameter hose is tough to justify. I'd rather put the difference toward another tool.... like a Rotex... and MFT/3... or that seductive Domino

Ok first off, welcome to FOG! And congrats on your first Festool purchase. You have had your 55r since last weekend? How'd you pull that off?

A couple of corrections though in some of what you said above... The saw works best with the 36mm (not 32mm) hose, but can be used with the 27. And the midi does in fact work with the 36mm hose. Also, suction across ALL the CT vacs is equivalent, same CFM-just in case you were wondering.

My honest is advice, try the 36mm before you take back the vac. And if portability is not important get the CT26, it will give you more options going forward. But I understand $$ is a concern, so if thats the case stick with the best option for you financially and try the saw with the 36mm hose before giving it back.

I have a midi and I love it..It's going to be dedicated solely to my Kapex, where it sits now with a 36mm hose attached to it, then getting a CT26. You will find taking the 36mm hose on and off the midi is a little tricky at times because it's larger diameter makes it harder to get your hand around to remove it. Maybe no biggie but worth mentioning.

Hang in there while you work out the nuances of the system, I think you will be happier in the long run with the Festool vac and healthier with it's HEPA rated filtration.

 

[fp1337]

Yes I would also like to know how you got this new saw so early, retailers are supposed to hold their stocks until May 1st  [sad]

 

[frodo]

Noob,

I have the midi and run it with the 36mm hose like Skids does. Works great. Just buy the 36mm hose. You will want it for other tools in the future anyway.

 

[tbellemare]

As Skids pointed out, you can use a 36mm hose with you MIDI. Just remove the right-angle connector from the top of the vac'.

I would suggest that you might consider a Universal Cleaning Kit. It is in between the two options you list in price, at $155. It has a non-antistatic 36mm hose that alone costs $90. The Systainer is $86. So for $21 less than the cost of the just the hose and Systainer, you get the tools and tubes thrown in.

Something that I didn't catch about your situation is how you are set up. Is there a sacrificial surface under your work Piece? It dramatically improves dust collection.

Tom

 

[Birdhunter]

I have the "old" TS55 and use it either with the Midi with the smaller diameter hose or with a Fein vac depending where in the shop I'm working.

I get a little ejected sawdust at the end of the cut. Other than that, the saw/vac is very efficient in its dust collection. A non-scientific guess is that 80% to 90% of the sawdust is sucked in. My old DeWalt saw was so messy that I could only use it outdoors and I had to wear a mask. I use the track saw to dimension plywood, mostly 1/2" and 3/4" Baltic Birch.

I have a Midi with the large diameter hose dedicated to a Kapex and it works extremely well. The large diameter hose plugs into the top of the unit. It's a tad difficult to get it into place.

So, I believe the Midi is compatible with the large diameter hose. I would be surprised if the new TS55 track saw is less efficient than the old one.

I'm not in any way doubting your issue, just relating my experience.

 

[noob]

Oops, yeah... I meant 36mm

And cool that it's compatible with the MIDI. I'll try that first. I assume the 30-day policy is in effect with accessory purchases, right?

The REQ was almost out of reach on the top shelf of a local store... I got it down myself, the sales associate turned the other way, and the cashier was unaware of the release date. I was also unaware of the release date myself, actually... thought it was already out. It wasn't my plan to be sneaky

 

[noob]

As Skids pointed out, you can use a 36mm hose with you MIDI. Just remove the right-angle connector from the top of the vac'.

I would suggest that you might consider a Universal Cleaning Kit. It is in between the two options you list in price, at $155. It has a non-antistatic 36mm hose that alone costs $90. The Systainer is $86. So for $21 less than the cost of the just the hose and Systainer, you get the tools and tubes thrown in.

Something that I didn't catch about your situation is how you are set up. Is there a sacrificial surface under your work Piece? It dramatically improves dust collection.

Tom

Cool. Thanks. I'll look into that.

Yes, I have a sacrificial sheet of MDF under the saw. I don't have anything to compare the dust collection to other than the beautifully pristine dust-free environments in the promo videos... maybe I was expecting too much.

 

[noob]

I would be surprised if the new TS55 track saw is less efficient than the old one.

I'm not in any way doubting your issue, just relating my experience.

This is my first track saw, so I can't compare it to the older model. It's night and day different from my circular saw. Like I said earlier, I might have had unreasonable expectations.

 

[noob]

I'm still weighing the importance of the HEPA filter for my particular situation. Sorry if that's sacrilege. I'm sure it's essential for those of you that use your tools on a regular basis. I don't. I wish I did, but I don't.

I'd love to hear opinions on the safety of a non-HEPA vacuum located completely out of my workspace. The Ridgid vac has equivalent sucking power with the CT's, sooo..... seeing as portability is not a concern for my particular situation... besides the auto-run feature (thanks to an i-Socket) what would the drawbacks be to going with one of the other two less-expensive routes?

I'd love to add an OF 1010 or one of the other tools I mentioned earlier... and trading in the MIDI would let that happen sooner than later. If I'm being ridiculous, please feel free to tell me.

 

[thebicyclecafe]

If your vac is outside or somewhere such that the finer particles can't contaminate your workspace (or where anyone would be living/breathing), then it's likely OK to not have a HEPA rated filter. It can't hurt to have one.

However if you're going to be in an enclosed space, the particles that are small enough slip through a non-HEPA filter are the worst for respiratory health.

While the Ridgid vac might have equivalent CFMs and suction power, in general the cheaper shop vacs aren't really designed for continuous use, and you'll fry the motor fairly quickly with extended usage.

You might be able to squeeze a bit more life out of one if you hook up a dust deputy type cyclone.

The higher end vacs like the CT, or the Fein mini, are designed to be "dust extractors", that is they are made to be used in conjunction with power tool usage. The motors are designed with their own cooling fan as well, to keep them going strong for years to come.

I used to think the same too, why should I spend 300-400 on a vac that has similar suction to a cheaper "shop vac"?
Other than the HEPA filter, the low noise, suction control, and the integrated antistatic port are the biggest benefits.

The reality is that while there are workarounds, using a high quality dust extractor like the CT is a one stop shop.
With the CT vacs you get a HEPA filter, you get the built in auto trigger, built in power port, suction control (very important for sanding performance), very quiet operation, outstanding warranty, integrated hose garage/power cord storage, ease of use/cleaning, better long term motor performance, integrated systainer dock, antistatic (huge plus when you use with Festool AS hoses). That's without any mods.
On top of that you can use the plethora of add ons that festool provides for the vacs, such as the WCR, boom arms, or make your own cool accessories. The flat CT platform is ideal for doing that.

After owning a CT mini and a Fein turbo, my thinking is now the opposite- the cheaper vac just aren't worth it. Folks go through dozens of cheap vacs in a few years, go for the high quality tool, enjoy the added functionality for many years, and you'll laugh all the way to the bank.

I'm still weighing the importance of the HEPA filter for my particular situation. Sorry if that's sacrilege. I'm sure it's essential for those of you that use your tools on a regular basis. I don't. I wish I did, but I don't.

I'd love to hear opinions on the safety of a non-HEPA vacuum located completely out of my workspace. The Ridgid vac has equivalent sucking power with the CT's, sooo..... seeing as portability is not a concern for my particular situation... besides the auto-run feature (thanks to an i-Socket) what would the drawbacks be to going with one of the other two less-expensive routes?

I'd love to add an OF 1010 or one of the other tools I mentioned earlier... and trading in the MIDI would let that happen sooner than later. If I'm being ridiculous, please feel free to tell me.

 

[skids]

I'm still weighing the importance of the HEPA filter for my particular situation. Sorry if that's sacrilege. I'm sure it's essential for those of you that use your tools on a regular basis. I don't. I wish I did, but I don't.

I'd love to hear opinions on the safety of a non-HEPA vacuum located completely out of my workspace. The Ridgid vac has equivalent sucking power with the CT's, sooo..... seeing as portability is not a concern for my particular situation... besides the auto-run feature (thanks to an i-Socket) what would the drawbacks be to going with one of the other two less-expensive routes?

I'd love to add an OF 1010 or one of the other tools I mentioned earlier... and trading in the MIDI would let that happen sooner than later. If I'm being ridiculous, please feel free to tell me.

Just to level-set, I am afraid it might be too late for you. The vampire has bitten. Keep the midi be patient and save for the 1010. It's an absolute gem of a router, I have it and can't get enough of it.

Dust collection is the centerpiece of festool tools. Results vary with percentage of dust collected from tool to tool for various reasons. Do yourself a favor, get a sander and then see how you feel about the midi. To this day I still giggle when I am sanding in occupied spaces. Keep that midi!!

 

[noob]

While the Ridgid vac might have equivalent CFMs and suction power, in general the cheaper shop vacs aren't really designed for continuous use, and you'll fry the motor fairly quickly with extended usage.

After owning a CT mini and a Fein turbo, my thinking is now the opposite- the cheaper vac just aren't worth it. Folks go through dozens of cheap vacs in a few years, go for the high quality tool, enjoy the added functionality for many years, and you'll laugh all the way to the bank.

THANKS!

 

[noob]

I'm still weighing the importance of the HEPA filter for my particular situation. Sorry if that's sacrilege. I'm sure it's essential for those of you that use your tools on a regular basis. I don't. I wish I did, but I don't.

I'd love to hear opinions on the safety of a non-HEPA vacuum located completely out of my workspace. The Ridgid vac has equivalent sucking power with the CT's, sooo..... seeing as portability is not a concern for my particular situation... besides the auto-run feature (thanks to an i-Socket) what would the drawbacks be to going with one of the other two less-expensive routes?

I'd love to add an OF 1010 or one of the other tools I mentioned earlier... and trading in the MIDI would let that happen sooner than later. If I'm being ridiculous, please feel free to tell me.

Just to level-set, I am afraid it might be too late for you. The vampire has bitten. Keep the midi be patient and save for the 1010. It's an absolute gem of a router, I have it and can't get enough of it.

Dust collection is the centerpiece of festool tools. Results vary with percentage of dust collected from tool to tool for various reasons. Do yourself a favor, get a sander and then see how you feel about the midi. To this day I still giggle when I am sanding in occupied spaces. Keep that midi!!

 

[peter halle]

I have had more than my share of Craftsman, Ridgid, and Shopvac vacs.  I have several bottom tubs because the motors burnt out with extended use.  I have thrown away more.

I also scoffed at the Festool CT's initially.  Then I tried one.  I have an ugly CT-22 because it goes where I need it to.  I tend to be a non-confrontationist so I am glad to not get screamed at by my Ridgid on a daily basis.  Do I have a cheap shopvac in addition to my CT?  Yep.  Bought it right after my wife asked me to clean up a dog accident with my CT.  [scared] [scared] [scared]

The Festool dust collectors help make working with tools more enjoyable from many avenues IMO.  Is it tough to spend the money for one?  Yes.  The first time only.

Peter

 

[noob]

Thanks for all the input, guys

Glad to be in the Festool club.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Welcome and congrats on your first purchase.  There was a thread on here recently about how many users owned more than one vac -- I have two becuase I like them so much and as you add tools, having more than one makes a lot of sense if you are switching hoses and tools.  They work very well, are built to last and are quiet to boot.  I also like the fact that no fine dust is lingering in the air. 

Scot

 

[Runhard]

Oops, yeah... I meant 36mm

And cool that it's compatible with the MIDI. I'll try that first. I assume the 30-day policy is in effect with accessory purchases, right?

No, only unused accessories are returnable and are not covered under the 30-day policy. That policy is for tools only. I agree with Tom's suggestion to buy the Tradesmen/Installers cleaning set, it is a way to save a little money and the set is awesome. I have the Midi and CT26 and love them both. I do this for a hobby in my basement/home when I have the time and I would not be without my dust collection.

Oh, and by the way    [welcome]

Daniel

 

[Jaybolishes]

I'm using my ridgid vac currently with my ts55 because I'm working outside, and my ct is setup for drywall sanding which I will be using at night.  When I'm working inside I always use the ct because of the hepa filtration, but dust still gets airborne a little bit as you'd expect.  The ridgid vac has incredible suction, make sure you use a bag in it.  The huge drawback to the ridgid is the constant turning on and off of the vac.  You don't realize how handy this feature on the ct is until you are without it.  The other great thing about the  ct is the variable suction control, and this is a must when sanding for a fine finish.   I'd go with the ct, but if money is tight, the ridgid will work. The ridgid hose fits the ts55 perfectly too.

 

[fastbike]

This hose will also fit perfectly and work well.

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-VAC005-5-Meter-Vacuum-Hose/dp/B0000AV78B/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367501564&sr=8-1&keywords=bosch+35mm+hose