Dust Extractor consumables

[Paul G]

So I'm looking at possibly getting a CT dust extractor (not sure which flavor yet), and in doing my research I'm not seeing that the filters and/or bags are washable/reusable other than the long life bags. I basically hate spending money on vacuum consumables, have a dyson at home and a shop vac w/ washable filter and Onieda Dust Deputy combo for projects, haven't bought a vacuum filter in years.

Am I seeing this correctly that the Festool Dust Extractor line requires buying throw away HEPA filters? Costing up to $85 ea?  [eek] If so are washables available that I'm missing, or possibly aftermarket washable filters?

 

[Brice Burrell]

Assuming you always use the filter bag in your CT vac the main HEPA filter will last a very long time.  I've not changes any of mine and my CT Mini is seven years old.  Never wash or get the HEPA filters wet, that can ruin them.  Also, don't use high pressure compressed air to clean them.  Gentle tapping is all you need to knock out the lose dirt.

 

[Bob Marino]

Paul,

The basic filters for the CT's - Self Cleaning Filter Bags are not washable or reusable - unless you put a slice in the bag, empty it and then re tape - not recommended. However, with their rectangular shape and lying flat on the CT's bottom, the filter bags hold a surprising amount of material before suction diminishes and the bag fills and requires replacing. The HEPA filters can be cleaned  easily by removing and tapping out or if you happen to have another vac on hand, just using the other vac to suction out the dust.

 Bob

 

[Paul G]

Thanks guys, that helps a bunch to know I can clean the HEPA as long as I'm careful. I was having bad memories of this Hoover canister vac we had at home that was eating about $100 in bags/filters each year.

Does the long-life bag provide the same level of filtration as the paper bags? Also I'm curious how is a bag self cleaning? Can't wrap my head around that one  ???

 

[Bob Marino]

Thanks guys, that helps a bunch to know I can clean the HEPA as long as I'm careful. I was having bad memories of this Hoover canister vac we had at home that was eating about $100 in bags/filters each year.

Does the long-life bag provide the same level of filtration as the paper bags? Also I'm curious how is a bag self cleaning? Can't wrap my head around that one  ???

I don't offhand know the specs for the Long life VS the Self Cleaning bags, but a couple of things to remember.  With all the filter bags, whatever small amount of fine dust escapes the bag is captured by the HEPA filter.
When you remove the LL bag from the vac, to discard the debris, you open the slide on top - think Zip-lock  bags, dump the junk and replace into the vac - some dust escapes. This is why the LL bag is not recommended for fine dust. When you remove the Self Cleaning bags, you close the flap and discard the  bag- no dust escaping.
Well, the Self Cleaning Filter Bags have a design and material that enables them to easily prevent the fine dust from caking up on the sides, rather than the older, more rigid paper bags.

Bob

 

[semenza]

You won't need to worry about the filters getting clogged or being disposable. The bags do such a good job that the filters hardly seem to get dirty.

Seth

 

[nclemmons]

So I inadvertently left the HEPA filter in my Midi when I had to pick up some water.  I discovered it a couple of days later and took it out and placed it in front of a fan to air dry.  It was damp, but not 'wet'. 

Do I need to replace the HEPA filter or am I OK?

neil

 

[peter halle]

Neil,

I think the risk is that when wet the filter can be more easily damaged and a hole results.  Perhaps Festool has some sort of coating on the filter but I doubt it.

Peter

 

[Brice Burrell]

So I inadvertently left the HEPA filter in my Midi when I had to pick up some water.  I discovered it a couple of days later and took it out and placed it in front of a fan to air dry.  It was damp, but not 'wet'.  

Do I need to replace the HEPA filter or am I OK?

neil

I think you'll be okay.  David former Festool employee suggested doing just as you did in he event your filter gets wet.

 

[nclemmons]

Thanks for the confirmation...  I'll watch it over the next couple of weeks.

neil

 

[Bob Marino]

Thanks for the confirmation...  I'll watch it over the next couple of weeks.

neil

Neil,

I happen to think you will be ok, but I would do just that - watch/check to make sure that  the filter is working properly and not caking up in a particular area.

Bob