Festool Introducing New Vacuum System?

[ezdrive]

I was reading Editor's Blog at the Popular Woodworking website and Glen Huey reported on new tools at AWFS.  I will take a quote from the article:

There are always new products introduced at AWFS and this year is no different. Because I ran into so many items, I'm going to give you a quick-hit review of a number of them rather than focus on one company right now ? but there is a tool company here that brought 22 new tools to the show.

First up, let's begin with the small items that are the tools that make you slap your forehead and say, ?Doh!? Festool, having introduced its T-12+3 and T15+3 drills (more on them in another entry), is working diligently on a new vacuum system that is way cool ? look for it in Q1 or early Q2 in 2010. But at this AWFS, Festool is showing hand sanding pads (shown above). Big deal, right? Well, these are clever. The pads are shaped to ergonomically fit your hand and there is hook-and-loop material that wraps up both sides of the pad. That allows you to use round sanding discs without having to grip the disc as you work. The pads are due out this September. Pricing and packaging are yet to be determined.

Anyone have any ideas what Festool is working on to improve their dust collection systems?  I really like my CT33E, especially since adding the boom arm!  Anyone go to the show this year?

Ray (ezdrive)

 

[ForumMFG]

I wish Festool would announce what they are working on so for people who are looking to add tools to their arsenal, they can decide if they want to wait for the new stuff or buy something existing.  For instance, I just bought my CT 22 a couple weeks ago.  If I would have known Festool was coming up with a new and improved system, I would have waited for it.

 

[EcoFurniture]

Great that Festool is bringing over those ergonomic sanding pads! I have used the Germany for years and really liked them. One thing I would certainly not do with them, is using the festool paper with them! The dust collection holes will for sure catch on some wood fibers and rip them off... leaving a nasty gap that has to be fixed.

Instead I would be using some other brand without holes.

Estimated price was I think $25... kind of steep for a piece of foam in my mind....

 

[Forrest Anderson]

I wish Festool would announce what they are working on so for people who are looking to add tools to their arsenal, they can decide if they want to wait for the new stuff or buy something existing.  For instance, I just bought my CT 22 a couple weeks ago.  If I would have known Festool was coming up with a new and improved system, I would have waited for it.

Before I purchase a Festool item, I check the archives of the Festool Owners Group to see what's been said about it.

In Feb 2009, FOG member cocodou told us about the introduction of the CT26 and CT36 machines, which had been mentioned in a French brochure, and his comments appeared in a thread entitled New Festool Vacs : CLEANTEX CT 26 / CT 36... and more. Coming soon in Spring.

You may like to read through the 30 or so replies to his message, and then leaf through the 12-page Mobile dust extractors CLEANTEX CT 26 | CT 36 English-language brochure on the Festool UK website.

Since you wish to wait for the "new and improved system", and since you only purchased your CT22 a couple of weeks ago, I suggest that you return your dust extractor under the Festool USA 30-day Guarantee Program which Festool generously offers purchasers in the USA:

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Festool's 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
We are so confident that you will thoroughly enjoy our tools, that we offer a 30 day money back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied, your full purchase price will be refunded, excluding all freight charges
------------

Forrest

 

[jonny round boy]

is working diligently on a new vacuum system that is way cool ? look for it in Q1 or early Q2 in 2010.

This could refer to the new extractors, or it could possibly be the vacuum pump & clamping system - I'm not sure if this is available in the US already or not...

 

[vwdave]

my festool rep told me it was going to be a larger vac I think a ct55.  He made no mention on any changes to the other models because he came out and met me on the job site to find the perfect one for me..  He also said the new t handle drills will be coming out without all the different heads, and they will be bringing over metric and standard drill bits possibly another centric kit but with less in it because he claims they lost money on that kit.
Dave

 

[Dan Clermont]

I just got back from AWFS and spent allot of time at the Festool booth. Didn't really notice the sanding pads as they seemed "insignificant" compared to the other items which we may see released next year.

More to come at a later date

BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!  ;D

PS - Andreas, one of the items you and I have exchanged e-mails about was there and I am sure someone will post a Video Blog on what was at the booth.

Dan Clermont

 

[woodguy7]

My Festool rep was at a demo/work weekend in Ireland about a month ago & he says Festool are working on a number of new items, but they wont tell him what until they have thoraly tested them.  One thing that he says is definitely coming is a cordless jigsaw.  Don't think it is something that i would be interested in.
Sorry to jump off topic, regarding the extractors, he gave me a loan of the new cleantex about 3 months ago.  It seems really good but i cant compare it against other Festool extractors as i use a Stayer shop vac.

Woodguy.

 

[Forrest Anderson]

I am sure someone will post a Video Blog on what was at the booth.

Talking of which, the new sanding blocks and the new 4mm Domino tenons are demonstrated at http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/awfs/ under the heading "New Hand-Sanding Blocks and Mini Dominoes from Festool"

Also a member of the Woodwhisperer Forum posted a photo of the Festool VAC-SYS vacuum clamping system that he saw at the AWFS.

Forrest

 

[AlexThePalex]

Well, I'm not sure if these sanding blocks are a home hitter for Festool. I know I'm not going to waste my expensive 150mm discs on hand sanding with a sanding block that'll also set me back 25$ (probably more since I'm in Europe). Not to mention that the holes in the paper are less of a benefit when sanding by hand. Perhaps if you could attach it to your vac it might come in handy, but else .......

Mu current sanding block cost only 4 euro and it came with a heap of paper. Not that I'm using it much anyway. I find those flexible sanding sponges to be of much more use.

 

[Forrest Anderson]

Great that Festool is bringing over those ergonomic sanding pads! I have used the Germany for years and really liked them.

Estimated price was I think $25... kind of steep for a piece of foam in my mind....

Yes, these are also available in the UK, and the following photo and description is taken from the online catalogue of Axminster Power Tools, a major tool dealer here in the UK:

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Hermes Hand Block for 150mm Discs

What a good idea. This hand sanding block has a velcro base and sides to allow 150mm (6") velcro discs from an orbital sander to be wrapped around. Very comfortable to hold with finger moulds, constructed from polyurethane foam it is also very robust and as it is bright yellow not easy to lose in the workshop! Overall sanding size 150 x 85mm excluding sides.

? Very comfortable in use
? Velcro fitting base and sides for 150mm velcro backed discs
? Strong and robust in designed

Cost - 11.01 GBP
----------------------

Compare this with the Festool offering, taken from the video at http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/awfs/

Forrest

 

[EcoFurniture]

I just got back from AWFS and spent allot of time at the Festool booth. Didn't really notice the sanding pads as they seemed "insignificant" compared to the other items which we may see released next year.

More to come at a later date

BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!   ;D

PS - Andreas, one of the items you and I have exchanged e-mails about was there and I am sure someone will post a Video Blog on what was at the booth.

Dan Clermont

;D I like that!
Any idea about pricing?

 

[Dan Clermont]

No idea on pricing or release dates

 

[richard.selwyn]

Festool have got me so hooked on dust extraction that my main hand sanding pad is one that I can hook up to the vac - uses Hermes rectangular paper with holes.

 

[EcoFurniture]

Festool have got me so hooked on dust extraction that my main hand sanding pad is one that I can hook up to the vac - uses Hermes rectangular paper with holes.

Good point! I'm also using 2 Mirka brand sandingblocks that I can hook up to my CT mini. Works really well! http://www.mirka.com/accessories/handsandingblocks

 

[Forrest Anderson]

It appears that the new Festool sanding block (the one that is designed to take 150mm disks) has the designation HSK-D 150W, and Order No 495965. It is currently on eBay UK for 14.95 GBP:

Forrest

 

[Dan Clermont]

Looks like a Dell Computer mouse.

To be honest, I didn't notice the new sanding pads at Festool's AWFS booth. My eyes were staring at the other tools which I had not seen on North American soil before.

Their were no CT 26 vacs in the booth at AWFS.

Dan Clermont

 

[ForumMFG]

Here is a link to the TalkFestool website and a thread that includes lots of pictures of this new system plus others.

http://www.talkfestool.com/vb/festool-tools/2211-afws-attendees-post-your-anecdotes-pics.html

 

[Brice Burrell]

Oh God, this was the last thing I needed to see. First, I just bought a CT22 and I love the heck out of it, but that new vac with the compressed air feature is something I know I could use - I have a way too noisy compressor and for those occasional dusts offs and other tasks this would be a God send. I was happy with my router table, but that new set up looks absolutely sick. Hand sanders, okay, I can live with that......

I'm not sure but the new vacs aren't compressors. The compressed air module has an infeed and outfeed ports to attach a compressor, I assume to trigger the vac when when there is call for air. 

 

[Bob Marino]

Oh God, this was the last thing I needed to see. First, I just bought a CT22 and I love the heck out of it, but that new vac with the compressed air feature is something I know I could use - I have a way too noisy compressor and for those occasional dusts offs and other tasks this would be a God send. I was happy with my router table, but that new set up looks absolutely sick. Hand sanders, okay, I can live with that......

I'm not sure but the new vacs aren't compressors. The compressed air module has an infeed and outfeed ports to attach a compressor, I assume to trigger the vac when when there is call for air. 

Correct!

Bob