Festool Air Fittings

[invictive]

Hi Guys,

I was just wondering if the air fitting on the Festool 496141 was removable? (https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/hepa-dust-extractors/other-accessories/compressed-air-module-for-air-sanders-496141). I was planning to buy this module to use with my CT36, however I am not using the IAS or LEX system. I'd like to be able to swap out the Festool air fittings for a Industrial Interchange type fitting.

Does anyone have any experience with this? What type of air fitting does Festool use? Ideally I'd just swap the fitting, but if I had to I could make a custom hose with a Festool fitting on one end.

Thanks for your help!

 

[GarryMartin]

The fitting mentioned is actually a switch to turn on the extractor - it doesn't provide air to anything at all. You plug your air hose in to form a loop between the two fittings, and a reed switch activates the extractor when air flows through the loop.

 

[invictive]

Yeah, I'm just looking to use the linked part # to turn the Dust Collector on and off. Looking at the parts sheet for this particular part it looks as if the air fittings are removable, however it does not state what the thread size is.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Yes, those fittings are removable. I have one of those sitting on my desk, but without taking it apart, I suspect that the threads will be European, and not NPT. (OK, I see your new post, so I'll unscrew a fitting for you......The treads mic'd at 0.510" and are non-tapered. You can probably find an adapter to convert to NPT.)

BUT, as was pointed out, this module does not supply air. It is simply an airflow sensor to trigger the Vac when airflow is present. If your only goal is to remotely control your CT vac, it will be far cheaper and more versatile for you to get a Maxsys module instead. This Festool module is $211, but the Maxsys wireless remote is only $129, and will let you control the vac for more than just when you're using an air tool.

My FOG Thread on Maxsys

 

[GarryMartin]

I'm pretty sure they are G1/4 and are Festo KD4 and KS4 fittings. That would tie in with the measurement from [member=191]Rick Christopherson[/member] as the G1/4 major diameter is 0.518" (close enough!)

 

[invictive]

Thanks for the info guys.

I ended up modifying the air tool turn on accessory (Part # 496141) to work with the standard North American Industrial interchange type fittings.

I used a 1/4" BSPP to 1/4" NPT adaptor. I re-used the washers that were used with the Festo fittings.

These are the parts I used if anyone else is interested:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#4936k413/=12vq4hyhttp://www.mcmaster.com/#4936k119/=12vq4rn