Duty cycle on CT-mini?

[bobbyp]

I've had a CT-mini for few weeks and it keeps cutting out. Its mostly being used with a Bosch delta sander it the moment. Am I expecting too much for it to run for 5-10 minutes at a time? I'm new to the idea of sanding without dust everywhere so maybe this expected. Seems I can leave it for a few minutes, switch to manual then back to auto and its ok again for 5 minutes.

Is this likely to be a problem with my unit or my expectations? I'll call Festool tomorrow but hoped somebody here might be able to help as I've got a fair bit to do tonight.

 

[Brice_Arnold]

Sounds like it might be overheating. What is your filter/bag setup? You should be using a bag if sanding. This will keep the filter clean and prevent the unit from overheating.

 

[peter halle]

The CT-s will protect themselves and shut down if they get too hot.  I don't have a mini and mine has never cut out, but not that long ago someone here had an issue with a heat sensor.

I will ask a question and hope that I will not insult you - not my intention - have you checked the bag to see if it is full?

I can run my CT-22 continuously and occasionally will put my hand at the exhaust vents to see it the exhaust air is much warmer than ambient.  If it is, I check the bag.

If the bag is ok, suction is normal, everything else seems ok;  definitely call Festool.

Peter

 

[peter halle]

OOPS! I forgot.

Welcome to the FOG!

Peter

 

[bobbyp]

Thanks for the welcome Peter.

The filter looks good visually. I tried a new bag in case the one I had was clogged with dust. No change. Would a clogged bag/filter cause overheating? I assumed the motor cooling was seperate to the dust path.

From your description I should be able to run all the time. I'll call Festool and see what they can do.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Welcome to the FOG!

I've run my CT Mini with my sanders all day with the vac running almost continuously.  It sounds like you may have a bad vac, give Festool a ring. 

 

[davee]

My CT mini has been used heavily for at least five years in many conditions and has never kicked off.  I now have a CT26 which has shut itself off once when my router hose plugged prior to switching to the larger hose.