Festool CT15

[Fotis_S]

Hey people,

I was just wondering if you have any experience with the festool CT15 and if you think it's a tool worth investing in? I currently own the TS55 and the DF500 so that's what I will be using it with if I decide to purchase it. Please share your knowledge with me.

Thanks,

Fotis S.

 

[ChuckS]

Go for it if you don't need the blue tooth feature.

Since I got it a month ago from Lee Valley Tools, I've used it several times with my DF500 faultlessly. I bought it for the DF500 as well as the Pro5 Ltd sanders, but it also works great for cleaning my workbench with its included accessories.

The dust bags are affordable in a pack of 4. If you make a lot of sawdust, consider using it with a Dust Deputy. But this video seems to suggest that each bag will last quite a bit of time:


As I noted elsewhere, the CT15 has the same cfm as the Midi. The bag is super simple to install -- once you find out how to do it the first time from the instructions printed on the bag.

 

[escapegoat]

I use mine with a TS55, RO90, and Bosch router, and it's great. I'm absolutely satisfied with its performance. The cleanup attachments come in handy as well.

 

[Fotis_S]

Thank you very much guys. I really appreciate the input!

 

[Coen]

Depends if you need the antistatic hose. If you do... buy the midi.

Also smooth vs ribbed hose

 

[ChuckS]

Speaking of the hose, the CT15 hose is unbelievably light-weight and very easy to handle than the CT26's that I used to own. I won't have to fight the hose when I use the DF500 for delicate milling in a vertical position as seen in the sample image.

I haven't tried it with a sander yet, but I believe the hose won't put a drag on the PRO5 when I hold the sander with only one hand.

 

[Fotis_S]

Depends if you need the antistatic hose. If you do... buy the midi.

Also smooth vs ribbed hose

Is there an option to upgrade to an antistatic hose in the future if I chose to?

 

[Fotis_S]

Speaking of the hose, the CT15 hose is unbelievably light-weight and very easy to handle than the CT26's that I used to own. I won't have to fight the hose when I use the DF500 for delicate milling in a vertical position as seen in the sample image.

I haven't tried it with a sander yet, but I believe the hose won't put a drag on the PRO5 when I hold the sander with only one hand.

I might sound like a newbie but what's the difference between the antistatic hose and the regural one? All I have found through my research is that the antistatic reduces the chance of a fire starting up?

 

[ChuckS]

Is there an option to upgrade to an antistatic hose in the future if I chose to?

Yes, but not cheap.

 

[ChuckS]

Snip.
I might sound like a newbie but what's the difference between the antistatic hose and the regural one? All I have found through my research is that the antistatic reduces the chance of a fire starting up?

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/static-and-anti-static-hoses/

Related but about the new and old anti-static hoses (not much difference on the inside):https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/...tistatic-hoses-what-are-the-differences-here/

I'm not aware of regular hoses causing fire, and had only used an anti-static hose for a brief period of time. All hoses in my shop are non-anti-static. 

 

[Fotis_S]

Is there an option to upgrade to an antistatic hose in the future if I chose to?

Yes, but not cheap.

I see. I will look into the midi as well. Thanks

 

[Fotis_S]

Snip.
I might sound like a newbie but what's the difference between the antistatic hose and the regural one? All I have found through my research is that the antistatic reduces the chance of a fire starting up?

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/static-and-anti-static-hoses/

Related but about the new and old anti-static hoses (not much difference on the inside):https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/...tistatic-hoses-what-are-the-differences-here/

I'm not aware of regular hoses causing fire, and had only used an anti-static hose for a brief period of time. All hoses in my shop are non-anti-static.

I see. Thank you very much for the information

 

[Coen]

Depends if you need the antistatic hose. If you do... buy the midi.

Also smooth vs ribbed hose

Is there an option to upgrade to an antistatic hose in the future if I chose to?

Sure. But price of CT 15 + AS hose might exceed the Midi price.

Speaking of the hose, the CT15 hose is unbelievably light-weight and very easy to handle than the CT26's that I used to own. I won't have to fight the hose when I use the DF500 for delicate milling in a vertical position as seen in the sample image.

I haven't tried it with a sander yet, but I believe the hose won't put a drag on the PRO5 when I hold the sander with only one hand.

I might sound like a newbie but what's the difference between the antistatic hose and the regural one? All I have found through my research is that the antistatic reduces the chance of a fire starting up?

The antistatic hose is slightly conductive, preventing the buildup of static electricity. So it not only prevents sparks when you touch it, but also prevents dust from sticking to the hose surface (inner and outer..). Depends on local humidity and material you work with if you can get away without anti-static.

 

[Cheese]

I might sound like a newbie but what's the difference between the antistatic hose and the regural one? All I have found through my research is that the antistatic reduces the chance of a fire starting up?

Fires are not an issue it's more the case of being zapped if you touch or even come close to something that's grounded. For instance, vacuuming around the band saw and then your arm comes within 1/8" of anything metal on the saw...ZAP. It's not lethal but it is annoying.
I have both a Milwaukee and a Fein that zap me on a regular basis. The work-around is to touch something that's grounded first and then continue to touch the grounded item while you vacuum using the other hand.
On the other hand, if you vacuum the floor or the stairs and there aren't any grounded items nearby, nothing will happen other than you may feel the hair on your arms start to rise.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I always thought the claim was that it may damage the electronics of the machine.

No, it is mostly for user comfort. If you work with a sander or a saw and you touch the hose when the vac is not grounded, you get zapped all the time. It isn't hurtful, but it is pretty irritating.

That doesn't mean that too big of a static charge can't be harmful to your vacs' electronics. According to Festool there was an issue with static when using the first Dust Deputys in the past, because the conducting path of the hose was broken by the DD. Static build up could become very large when using the DD, frying the vacs' electronics when released. This is of course an extreme situation. After getting aware of the problem, Dust Deputy adjusted their design to prevent this.

 

 

[ChuckS]

I always thought the claim was that it may damage the electronics of the machine.

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/ask-festool/anti-static-or-non-anti-static-hose/

None of the hoses I use are anti-static (more or less been like that for the past 2 decades), and I have never had an incident of shock to my body or to a machine in my shop. Dust particle buildup is a zero concern to me, So for me (only), I see no need for the more expensive hoses. Each shop owner should evaluate their own needs.

 

[Cheese]

I've even gotten zapped a couple of times when using a TS 55 and a CT 22 outside. I just figured it was because the outside outlet wasn't grounded.

 

[ChuckS]

On a related note about fire but unrelated to anti-static hoses: I have two fire extinguishers in my shop. Touch wood, they have never been called to service. About time to get them recharged in the spring.

 

[Cheese]

On a related note about fire but unrelated to anti-static hoses: I have two fire extinguishers in my shop. Touch wood, they have never been called to service. About time to get them recharged in the spring.

One in the shop and one in the kitchen.  [smile]

[attachimg=1]

 

[Coen]

I always thought the claim was that it may damage the electronics of the machine.

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/ask-festool/anti-static-or-non-anti-static-hose/

None of the hoses I use are anti-static (more or less been like that for the past 2 decades), and I have never had an incident of shock to my body or to a machine in my shop. Dust particle buildup is a zero concern to me, So for me (only), I see no need for the more expensive hoses. Each shop owner should evaluate their own needs.

Static buildup is more likely in dry climates.

I want the AS hose, and if that means paying €100... well, so be it. I absolutely HATE to get zapped. Also don't like the rising hairs thing with household vacs. Most of those btw have a metal strip in the elbow piece, so at least that part is at the same potential as your body.