Is it worth cutting my 36mm hose for my Kapex?

[Skogie1]

I have a 3.5m 36mm hose that I'm going to use for my Kapex. I have ct 15 underneath it to use a dedicated DC. Is it worth cutting the hose? Will the suction improve that much? Thanks.

 

[rmhinden]

Yes, that is what I did. I think it was an improvement.

Bob

 

[Cheese]

I'd just use the 3.5m hose and see how well you like the dust extraction. Festool will be releasing a 1.4m long 36mm hose at some point. The new hose part number is 578945. I've used a 1.5m x 36mm hose and a 3.5m x 50mm hose on my Kapex. The long 50mm seems to work as well as the short 36mm hose so shorter is better.

The problem with cutting down the 3.5m hose is what do you use the remaining 2m length for? What purpose would a 6 foot hose have unless you purchase another Kapex.

I've always felt that if you need to make a Kapex specific hose, then start with the 5m or 7m 36mm hoses because you'll be left with something that's still useable.

 

[Rick Herrick]

I think the suction will improve based on my experience but I didn't want to cut any of my Festool hoses. I bought another brand, cut it and saved the rest for other custom lengths I might need later. The shorter hose, Festool or not, still improves things for me.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

The "technical" answer is yes, the shorter hose should provide better performance. But if there's going to be a new 1.4m hose coming available, I agree with the advise to leave your current one whole and buy the shorter one when it comes on the market. You'll then have the longer one available for when you need the longer length with the larger diameter. I personally will be happy when the short one is released as I'm currently using a cobbled Rockler hose for my Kapex.

 

[PaulMarcel]

Good to know of a shorter hose being released. I cut my D36 hose for the Kapex, but it is a very short run to the DC (likely just 3ft/1m). The remainder works out perfectly for me with the Leigh dovetail jig on my bench. The longer hose worked, but the shorter remainder is easier to manage (read: not trip over; I'm clumsy). It works well for any routing done on the bench if I want a D36 vs the boom arm's D27. But it would be have a lot cheaper and easier to get the shorty had it been available.

 

[4nthony]

Hmmm, I personally wouldn't cut a Festool hose. The port on your CT will accommodate a 2.5" Shop-Vac hose and you can get a 3D printed hose adapter for the Kapex side.

I did something similar but with an adapter from Inspire Woodcraft.

 

[luvmytoolz]

Hmmm, I personally wouldn't cut a Festool hose. The port on your CT will accommodate a 2.5" Shop-Vac hose and you can get a 3D printed hose adapter for the Kapex side.

I did something similar but with an adapter from Inspire Woodcraft.

That extra little collection point is brilliant Anthony!

I might shamelessly rip that idea off you! ;-)

 

[ChuckS]

Hmmm, I personally wouldn't cut a Festool hose. The port on your CT will accommodate a 2.5" Shop-Vac hose and you can get a 3D printed hose adapter for the Kapex side.

I did something similar but with an adapter from Inspire Woodcraft.

@4nthony

How effective is the zci dust collection throat plate in your experience? Does the use of the rail stop reduce the cutting capacity in any way? Also, how do you remind yourself to replace the zci before making any bevel cuts? Thanks.

 

[4nthony]

@4nthony

How effective is the zci dust collection throat plate in your experience? Does the use of the rail stop reduce the cutting capacity in any way? Also, how do you remind yourself to replace the zci before making any bevel cuts? Thanks.

It's hard to measure how effective it is. I still get dust all around the station, even with the large hose. Honestly, I think my life would be fine without it. I do like the hose adapter it came with and the insert is well madel but the actual collection? Don't think I'd miss it.

There's no reduction in cut capacity that I've noticed because of the stop. Also, I rarely make bevel cuts so it hasn't been an issue.

 

[Coen]

Used to be able to buy Festool hoses by the meter. But seems that has largely disappeared.

Festool will be releasing a 1.4m long 36mm hose at some point. The new hose part number is 578945.

Ah I see. Better deal than cutting a hose! <80 euros including VAT, in Germany.