IS the CT36AC only useable for drywall sanding?

[Ron B]

I am new to Festool, been considering a midi or mini dust extractor.  However, the recent RECON sale on the CT36 E AC (574933) was like buying a Cadillac at a Chevrolet price.  At 25% off, it was not that much more than a midi. So this was a $925 unit (this is auto-clean model)for under $700 RECON.    However, I have since read something that makes me think this model is only usable with the Planex drywall sander, that the hose end will  not fit other Festool tools.  I did not get a manual with the unit, so I was looking info up on the internet.  I thought I would probably have to buy a smaller hose to use for sanding, but now wonder if I can use it at all for other items.

Is it true that this model only fits the Planex drywall sander?  If so, is there some way I can adjust it to use with Kapex, router, or sanders?  That is what I was really buying it for.  Can I put a cyclone on top of it, and run the cyclone tool to my saw, sander, router to get around the issue?

When this popped up on Festool Recon, I did not really think I had time to research, and would not have known to look for a dedicated use.  Any help anyone can give me would be appreciated. 

Also, where does Festool put the model # on the unit?  I did not see it on the s/n sticker, had to get the model # off of the box.  Can they use a smaller font? 

Thank you for any info, even if it is not what I want to hear. 

 

[Frank-Jan]

You can put regular seflclean bags for a ct 36 in it, and turn the AC dial to zero, hook up a regular hose, and it wil work just like a regular ct36. (you can also put a regular hepa filter in)

I am a remodeling contractor, and sometimes I use my AC vac hooked up to a grinder to cut brick walls, or sanding drywall, or grinding concrete floors; in that case I use the plastic bags and the AC functionality.

But sometimes, I have projects  where it's nice to have an extra normal vac, so I have to switch hoses less between routers, kapex, TS, domino.., so I clean the inside of the vac, switch the heavy duty filter for a regular one (that stays clean, because I only use it with bags).

I have also met carpenters that use the AC vac with their saws without a bag and use the AC functionality, but my personal experience is that it only works well with the heavy dust, like from drywall or concrete, and not sawdust and shavings.

 

[guybo]

hey ron, for me this the unsung star of the festool d/c's, I use it for concrete, drywall, and wood.It should fit over the kapex outlet, you will need however reducing sleeve 768135 for sanders, this was a god send for me i.e.not having to lug around another hose.Buy496186 bags for wood,and plastic liner for any thing else. You don't need the pulse function for wood.Buy the handle if you can, make mobility a breeze. Good luck guy.

 

[Peter_C]

I have both a CT36 HEPA and a CT36AC. It is very quick and easy to remove the plastic bag/liner for the AC, put a regular bag in, and change the filter to a HEPA filter. As suggested you MUST turn off the AC function with the HEPA filter. I also use both of them as wet/dry vac when needed by changing the filter to the blue foam version and remove the bag.

The hose that comes with the AC is specialized for the Planex, but at the same time is a D36 fitting on the end I do believe, someone can correct me if I am wrong. You can purchase another hose(s), but if you want to use it with the AC function it should be the correct hose, otherwise you risk collapsing it.https://www.festoolusa.com/accessory/204923---d3632x3,5m-asr#Overview I'll admit I use my regular hoses with the AC function but I "might" kill it *shrugs* My recommendation would be for a D36 36mm new style hose in a 5meter length like Festool 500684 for instance, or maybe a 7meter if you have a need for it. Having the extra hose length lets you put the dust collector outside, or in another room while working. You can also attach the D36 to the D27 hose you will need for sanders, small routers like the OF1010, etc. In other words plan on buying two hoses. The D36 is mostly used for cleanup along with larger routers, track saws, etc.

Bluetooth on any dust collector may seem like a nice gadget. Reality is, that little button is the handiest thing ever and rarely do I turn the dust collector on or off by the actual switch anymore. Super easy to install, and one of my favorite features of my dust collectors.

 

[flair woodworks]

If you switch off the AC function and install a self-clean filter bag and HEPA filter, I believe you will get the exact same performance as a CT 36 E HEPA. The only difference is that the AC does not carry HEPA certification.

Buy a smaller hose or the adapter to use the extractor with small port tools like your sander. The black hose that comes with the AC is wonderfully flexible and compatible with all Festool tools with a D36 port except for the couple where the hose slides INSIDE the port (HL 850 planer and old-style polypropylene curved hand piece for cleaning sets). If this is a problem, you may be able to swap the fitting on the tool end of the hose (check that the hose coils run the same direction) or simply modify the one you have. I’ve never heard of collapsing a hose due to the AC function.

The part number of the extractor is listed on the plate with the serial number. I think you’re looking for a 6-digit number ending with 33.

 

[Ron B]

Thanks everyone for your replies.  I appreciate the help from my fellow FOG members.

Some of the internet dealer sites stated that this model (36 E AC) was made specifically for the Planex and the hose would not fit other items. They did not mention anything about an adapter.  Also, I did not receive a manual so I was in the blind. I will order a 768135 connector, appreciate all the other hints, and will see if I need to invest in a smaller hose for sanding.  I do plan to use for drywall in the distance future, so I think this unit is what I want. 

 

[flair woodworks]

Festool has the manuals online, too.https://www.festoolcanada.com/-/med...ownloads/manuals/ct26_36_48_ac-702675_003.pdf

 

[Peter_C]

I will order a 768135 connector, appreciate all the other hints, and will see if I need to invest in a smaller hose for sanding.

I have the equivalent that of adapter, and honestly it is something I have used very little and find it cumbersome for sanding. Only use it when doing a quick job. I would recommend saving your money and applying it to a D27 hose. Once you own a D27 hose, and you will, you will never use that adapter more than a couple times if that.

I do believe the end of the Planex hose can be changed to a more friendly D36 end, and I can check if you desire in a day or so. I could very well be wrong too. Festool 500670

OP it would be good to put your country of origin for the future. Clearly you are in the USA if purchasing from the recon site.

 

[Ron B]

Thanks for the response.  I am from Ohio, new to Festool and all the lingo.  If you get a chance, see if the hose end can be removed and if 500670 is what I need.  The closest dealer is a good 75 minutes away, so I tend to buy from the internet.  I thought about the smaller hose being easier to maneuver. 

I like your comment "once you own a D27 hose, and you will....".  It sounds like you have been talking to my better half.

 

[afish]

This is a good video while its mostly about the CT48 AC and will help anyone understand the AC function and the differences such as when, how, bag vs. liner, hose etc.

video

 

[Ron B]

I could not get the video to load

 

[Frank-Jan]

 

[afish]

Thanks, Frank.  That was the one.  Not sure why I couldnt get it to post.  I have posted a video before but this one didnt work for some reason.  Never mind I figured it out it looks like but Im not going to repost. Thanks again.

 

[Ron B]

Thanks for posting the working video.  That answered a lot of my questions, some that I did not even know I had.  I see now why they say the 36 AC hose is specific for Planex work.