Dust extraction problem

[nikev]

Hi there,

I have a CT Mini Vacuum plus a variety of Festool tools, but lately I have noticed that dust extraction is not quite as good as I remember. I checked the bag, and it's not close to full. I also checked the filter, and it looks okay, although I have to say it's hard to tell. The manual doesn't say anthing about how often to replace the filter.

Any ideas as to what might be slowing up the vacuum? And if somebody has ideas about how often the filter needs to be replaced, I'd be keen to hear from them!

Thanks in advance,

Nike

 

[Anthony]

Hi there,

I have a CT Mini Vacuum plus a variety of Festool tools, but lately I have noticed that dust extraction is not quite as good as I remember. I checked the bag, and it's not close to full. I also checked the filter, and it looks okay, although I have to say it's hard to tell. The manual doesn't say anthing about how often to replace the filter.

Any ideas as to what might be slowing up the vacuum? And if somebody has ideas about how often the filter needs to be replaced, I'd be keen to hear from them!

Thanks in advance,

Nike

Someone has to ask the obvious.... are you set to turtle or rabbit? Depending on how you eye the indicator on the rotating knob, you can think you are rabbit, but are on turtle. Sorry, I had to ask the obvious just in case.

 

[rodwolfy]

The other obvious... have you checked the hose for obstructions? I've found my suction went down significantly when I accidentally had a pencil stuck in my hose (my family is constantly "borrowing" my vacuums) that I didn't find until I went over the hose, inch by inch...

 

[ccmviking]

Could depend on what you've been cutting or sucking.  When I vac up a bunch of drywall dust, etc. I will notice a drop in performance.  I usually end up changing the bag at about half full because I use it for all general construction and not just woodworking.  Couldn't hurt to put a new bag in and see what happens.  Heck even remove the bag and run it to see if you can tell a difference (not picking up debris of course).

Chris...

 

[Bill in seattle]

In addition to all the above pull out the right angle connector that goes into the vac side. a lot of bigger non dust stuff gets caught here.
If you are using the mini pretty heavy and it is your primary vac, there is only one filter on it compared to the ct 22/33 which have two and are a little bigger. It works twice as hard as them and needs to be  checked/cleaned out a little more often. blow it out both sides every couple bag changes. check the motor intake under the filter for debris. also check the exhaust ports to see if there is any buildup or blockage. If the air can't get out it doesn't suck as much in. I'd change the filter every 40-50 bags or if cleaning doesn't improve airflow and everything else is good.
Bill