Dust Collector cycles on/off randomly while sanding

[Flackmistress]

I have been using the DC only a few months.  Today, while finish-sanding cabinet sides, the DC cycles on and off while sanding.  It started doing this when I went to 400 abrasive, but it also does it now with 220.  I have tried reducing the suction, but still cycling on/off.  I am a new Festool user, so it is quite possible this is normal.  Or, do I have a problem?  I appreciate any guidance from a more experienced user.  Thank you.

 

[Gregor]

Specifying the type of dust extractor might give better responses.

In general for a festool vac with the sander connected to the 'auto' socket: it shouldn't turn off inbetween. A CTL-SYS might go into thermal shutdown though when choked by blocked airflow, but then it should take a relevant while for it to cool till it'll come on again.

 

[GarryMartin]

What DC and sander are you using?

 

[Flackmistress]

CT 36 E Dust Collector, and ETS EC 125 sander.  I should have included that in my original post.

 

[GarryMartin]

And is the dust extractor cycling on/off or is the power to the sander cycling on/off?

 

[AlexThePalex]

but still cycling on/off.  I am a new Festool user, so it is quite possible this is normal.  Or, do I have a problem?

It is not normal. Doesn't matter which vac or sander you have, they should work continuously without problems.

It could be something very simply like a loose contact or a break in the cord of the vac or the sander.

I would check if all connections are secure, look especially at the plug it cord of the sander, if it's seated properly. Check the socket of the vac, and wiggle the plug of the sander to see if there's a problem. Wiggle both the cords of the sander and vac to see if that might be the problem.

Does your vac behave like this with other tools too, or only with this sander? How does the sander behave when connected directly to a wall socket without the vac in between?

 

[GarryMartin]

It is not normal. Doesn't matter which vac or sander you have, they should work continuously without problems.

I was trying to ascertain whether the extractor was cycling or the sander Alex. If the sander, as it's the ETS EC, it could be a flow problem. Of course if it is the extractor, then there's something wrong.

 

[tjbnwi]

I've had this happen if the plug connection at the tool socket on the CT has come loose. I push the plug in all the way and the issue goes away. Find it happens when I drag the CT around by the hose and cord.

Tom

 

[AlexThePalex]

I was trying to ascertain whether the extractor was cycling or the sander Alex.

Yes, I get that, Garry. Though Flackmistress says in the first post right there it's the DC that's cycling.

But whether it's the vac or the sander, when power goes on and off, there's a problem there, and then you've got to start troubleshooting which part of the chain is the faulty one. So I gave some directions in my post where to start. My suggestions were logically aimed at Flackmistress, and not at anybody else.

 

[antss]

On the EC sanders - it could be the vac hose connection sensor or circuit playing games .

 

[Flackmistress]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions.  I will investigate all of this again in the daylight tomorrow.  It is a fairly new DC, so I expect something simple.  Very low miles at this point.

 

[Flackmistress]

I have resolved the problem.  The 2 dimensional bag is not optimally designed to fit inside the 3 dimensional canister.  Hence, it folds over within the canister.  My bag was approx 40% full at best, but the fold caused a bowel obstruction, restricting air flow.  Hence, the machine thought it was full, and the cycling on/off was my signal.  I fluffed out the bag to finish my project, and today I emptied the bag.  Yes, emptied, not replaced.  I carefully cut off the end of the bag, emptied it into a trash bag for pick up, and folded over the ends and re-hemmed the bag on my sewing machine.  Second time I have done this, and I plan to continue doing so until the bag wears out.  Not willing to buy the overpriced bags.  Principle.  Another option is to fold over the end of the bag twice and fasten it with medium sized binder clips.  I do this with my Oreck vacuum that has a very small bag, and it works great.  Just sayin.

 

[nickao]

I find that strange that's the cause. Possibly I dont understand the issue fully.

I fill my bags up  so full that they are as hard as a rock and sometimes I cant even get them out of the CT. I dont see how your problem creates  more restriction  to airflow than what I experience with bags so full with super fine dust that I literally have had to cut them out of the CT.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Yes, odd, a full bag never restricted airflow in any of my vacs to the point it would shut off.

 

[Flackmistress]

It is very simple:  the bag got folded just right that the dust collected ahead of the fold, but behind the inlet, so the air flow was restricted.  Anyhoo, the obstruction was released.  You obviously have done a better job of tucking in your bags in the first place, so I will be more mindful of this going forward.  I am very happy with the unit.  Learning curve...stay with me as I grow my skills!  Thank you again for all your replies.