Festool vacuum with PC drywall sander

[808tradewinds]

I am about to purchase the Porter Cable drywall sander--without the vacuum (None available on Oahu).  I have carefully followed FOG discussions about whether, when and how the Festool vacuums should be used with sanding drywall.  Has anyone used the PC sander with a Fes vacuum?  I have a couple of CT33's and could spare one for this medium sized job--about 800 sq ft of residential building space.  While not my first choice, I hope to take advantage of Fes's superior collection.  Any advice out there?  Aloha Cliff

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I use my PC sander with my CT22.  Keep it clean, you will be fine.

 

[AlexThePalex]

  While not my first choice, I hope to take advantage of Fes's superior collection. 

Any sander will work fine with any Festool vac. But to be honest, the superior dust collection of Festool comes from the tool, and not from the vac.

 

[808tradewinds]

Thanks for the responses.  I admit I hadn't thought of the strength of Fes's vacuum systems being chiefly in the tool design...I agree.  I welcome any additional advice on the subject.  Anyone vouch for the PC 7800 sanding unit? 

 

[808tradewinds]

Another question:  Do you use the standard vac bag for drywall sanding?  I would think the HEPA would clog immediately.  Clean after each hour of use?  All tips appreciated. 

 

[Brice Burrell]

Cliff, I think you may be setting yourself up for disappointment using the CT33. It isn't really made for continuous drywall sanding. The paper filter bag will clog long before it fills. The reduced suction from a clogged bag may be enough to effect dust collection. It will likely put a real strain on the vac motor if you use a clogged filter bag regularly. In theory this could reduce the service life of the vac. A vacuum that automatically agitates the filter might be a better choice. 

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

The PC sander is about as good as it gets for now.
I have a regular set of filters I pop in.
I have sanded tons of rooms with my PC and CT.
Also done a lot of patch work with my rotex (works better for me than my ETS).

If it screws up my vac, I will just pay to have it fixed.  Just another cost of doing buisness.

Now I never sand more than one or two rooms at a time, mostley ceilings, so I guess the CT does not get a huge work out.

A bunch of guys here use their small sanders to sand drywall all the time, so what difference is that?

 

[richard.selwyn]

Maybe the Festool drywall stuff is NAINA or unavailable to you wherever you are, but they specifically told me not to use my Festool drywall sander with the CT33.  (I have their dedicated vac which uses a plastic sack to catch the drywall dust - when not drywall sanding - which I hate - I put a bag in it and use it with the Kapex)

As Brice said, you need a sander with an automatic filter cleaner.  That said, if you are prepared to change your bag regularly, you can get away with it, but don't let the Ct33 get too hot or struggle too much - it seems a shame to burn it out.  I have a friend who swears by wet sponging spackle if that makes any sense 

Richard.

 

[Brice Burrell]

The PC sander is about as good as it gets for now.
I have a regular set of filters I pop in.
I have sanded tons of rooms with my PC and CT.
Also done a lot of patch work with my rotex (works better for me than my ETS).

If it screws up my vac, I will just pay to have it fixed.  Just another cost of doing buisness.

Now I never sand more than one or two rooms at a time, mostley ceilings, so I guess the CT does not get a huge work out.

A bunch of guys here use their small sanders to sand drywall all the time, so what difference is that?

Darcy, I was thinking along the lines of everyday professional use that might kill the vac over time. As you said occasional use shouldn't be a problem (but would you be able to justify the cost of the PC sander then?)

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

The PC sander is about as good as it gets for now.
I have a regular set of filters I pop in.
I have sanded tons of rooms with my PC and CT.
Also done a lot of patch work with my rotex (works better for me than my ETS).

If it screws up my vac, I will just pay to have it fixed.  Just another cost of doing buisness.

Now I never sand more than one or two rooms at a time, mostley ceilings, so I guess the CT does not get a huge work out.

A bunch of guys here use their small sanders to sand drywall all the time, so what difference is that?

Darcy, I was thinking along the lines of everyday professional use that might kill the vac over time. As you said occasional use shouldn't be a problem (but would you be able to justify the cost of the PC sander then?)

Brice, I am on my 2nd PC 7800.  Once you use one, you will want one.  I do a lot of smooth ceilings and there is not another tool (hurry up Planex) out there that makes sanding a ceiling more enjoyable.  
My customers really enjoy the near dust free drywall sanding as well.  Probably gets me quite a few jobs, actually I know it does.

I bought my first one new, the second used.  I also use the Norton backing pad and disks with it.
If you don't have one, try one.  They are a great time saver and mess saver.

I didn't realize he does not have the sander.  Rent it for the job, even rent the PC vac then.  I was not found of that vac, it spit out a lot of dust even with the bag.

 

[808tradewinds]

I did buy the PC sander, and I typically sub my drywall out, but we are keeping this phase in-house.  I appreciate all of the comments and found something to agree about in nearly all of them.  I'm thinking of using my Shop Vac with its own line of (kinda expensive) drywall bags and fine dust filter ($40) attached to the PC 7800.  Can always switch to my CT but if I'm gonna strain a vac, I'd rather it be the cheaper one.  I had read the sponge technique thread a while back and will probably have the guys experiment with it.  The job is an estate renovation on an acre of Hawaii beach front--owner has agreed to reimburse all equipment supplies, accessories,  and some specialty tool costs (Fes half and quarter sheet sanders and the PC so far), so, while I'm not looking to burn money, I have some financial room to experiment.  Oh, don't worry, the job has plenty of headaches!  Thanks to all and I hope to continue to collect FOG perspectives on this.  Aloha Cliff

 

[Michael Kellough]

The PC sander is about as good as it gets for now.
I have a regular set of filters I pop in.
I have sanded tons of rooms with my PC and CT.
Also done a lot of patch work with my rotex (works better for me than my ETS).

If it screws up my vac, I will just pay to have it fixed.  Just another cost of doing buisness.

Now I never sand more than one or two rooms at a time, mostley ceilings, so I guess the CT does not get a huge work out.

A bunch of guys here use their small sanders to sand drywall all the time, so what difference is that?

You mean the main pleated filters right? You replace the filters when they get clogged
I suppose but do you use a bag?

Would a Dust Deputy work with drywall dust?

 

[808tradewinds]

Hey Cliff,

This might be a shot in the dark, and may be a little presumptuous on my part, but if you are looking for any skilled carpenters to come and work with you for some time in the New Year, I'd be interested.

Not presumptuous at all...On my last job I hired two Californians, one Floridian, one DC carpenter and a GC from Oregon--all out of work.  All were referrals from personal friends and for the most part, worked out pretty well.  While I have enough crew now, I will pass your offer along and keep it in hand.  Thanks. Cliff