Need an AutoClean vac, CT-36 AC is a no-go, Starmix/Metabo/Mafell? Hilti?

[Tom the Remodeler]

Hi gang! Ok, so, recently I have been performing a lot of demolition work where I am cutting concrete, stucco, plaster, and sheetrock with an angle grinder with dust shroud, as well as sanding sheetrock, and chipping concrete with a Hilti TE-1000 and dust boot.

To date I've been using my CT-26 with an Ultimate Dust Deputy. The Dust Deputy certainly lives up to its reputation, filtering out 95%+ of the cementitious dust, but what does make it through eventually seems to saturate the pores in the Fleece Bag in the CT-26, leading to a loss of suction, even though the bag is only 1/8 full. Also, the CT-26/Dust Deputy setup is cumbersome to move around a job site.

I'd be happy to give the CT-36 AC a go, but I understand that Festool specifically bars it for use with cementitious materials, so the CT-36 AC is "out".

In another forum I've heard VERY positive reviews of the Starmix vacuums, which are apparently licensed to many other manufacturers, including Mafell, Metabo, and Bosch, among others. The Metabo flavor is distributed in North America, the ARS 35. This vac has HEPA filters that work in the AutoClean function, static-dissipating capability, OK for use with cementitious materials, variable suction, and can be fitted with a Systainer dock.

http://www.cpometabo.com/metabo-ars-35-1-400-watt-autoclean-wet-dry-vacuum/mtbnus602055800,default,pd.html?start=2&cgid=metabo-vacuums

Are there any other vacs I should be considering? Has Festool changed their stance on using the CT-36 AC with cementitious materials, or eventually certifying it HEPA?

Thanks!!

 

[Bikeboy80]

I am not sure about the other makes of vacs but if I am not mistaken the reason the 36ac is not and will not be HEPA certified is because the AC function being incompatable with the filter. It would blow holes in it, or at least that is what I remember being said. [blink]

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Agreed, my understanding is that Festool's auto clean function is not compatible with their HEPA filters. However, most of the other auto clean vacs on the market have a filter pulsing capability AND use HEPA filters at the same time.

The Metabo vac seems like a nice option, I get a HEPA vac that also auto cleans, variable suction, antistatic, Systainer dock….. I just wonder if there's any other vac that would be a better match.

 

[RJNeal]

I would look into the Hilti, they're designed to work with they're concrete drilling and more.
Good luck
Rick

 

[Locky]

I have a CT36AC and i do alot of concrete cancer,fibro and plaster and i havnt had a problem at all, but i do use the bags in as well but i havnt notice any suction loss. The only thing i do notice is that the vac gets heavy real quick using it with concrete/plaster dust and concrete rubble.

 

[Timtool]

In Europe there now is an CTM and CTL 36 AC designed to work with hazardous and fine dust. Not sure how long it could take if ever to arrive in NAINA land.

 

[GhostFist]

Starmix's new vac looks invincible!!!!!!!!

 

[Holz-Her]

This is currently the most advanced powertool vacuum:

 

[Stephen B]

This is currently the most advanced powertool vacuum:

[size=10pt]

And, naturally, it's now on special at Target, KMart, WMart or your nearest big box store!! [smile]

But seriously, looks very impressive, thanks for sharing.

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

This is currently the most advanced powertool vacuum:

Very cool video! I like the way it maintains constant airflow by alternating which filter it is pulsing.

I read the instruction manual this afternoon, it looks like you can use the vac with a paper bag, self-cleaning fleece bag, plastic liner bags, or drum-only.

Auto Cleaning appears to be fully functional with HEPA filters installed, with any of the dust bags.

The fleece bags and the HEPA filters can be used for wet pickup.

None of this is to say the CT-series are chopped liver. I like my CT-26 and CT-MIDI, and don't intend on selling them, as they are great woodworking vacs, but these Starmix vacs seem ideally suited to my work as a remodeler. I'll post up with part #'s (if I can find them) of the Systainer Dock that would be compatible with the Mafell or Metabo vacs.

 

[GhostFist]

Look up the starmix can it break? Videos on YouTube. They're in German but well worth a watch.

 

[Holz-Her]

btw. here the product site with more info: http://starmix.de/ipulse/?lang=en

the "Can it break ?" videos:

To make it easier to buy one, some of the Starmix customers include: Eibenstock, Baier, Spit, Metabo, Bosch, Hitachi, Storch, Mafell, Duss, Ramset, BTI

 

[GhostFist]

And metabo should be releasing this vac in the US in about 2 months

 

[SPARKY FROM WINNIPEG]

I own a CT22 and a CT36 and recently needed a good vac for work and ended up buying the Metabo ASR35 it is a very good vac and you definitely cannot go wrong I bought it from CPO Metabo for around $490 and am not disappointed. I have also bought some Bosch bags and adapters as well as a antistatic hose as they are compatible and more readily available then the Metabo branded ones.

 

[Cableaddict]

Are there any other vacs I should be considering? Has Festool changed their stance on using the CT-36 AC with cementitious materials, or eventually certifying it HEPA?

Tom, if I were you I wouldn't use the Metabo or Starmix type at all.  I'd be looking at a small cyclonic type, since they keep most of the debris away from the filters,  without needed an external dust deputy, or whatever.  Also many of them have double HEPA filters, so they give "hospital grade" air at the output.  Given the extreme danger of concrete dust, I would definitely spend the extra money on one of these.

You also might consider a dual-motor vac, for your specific needs.

Check out Industrial Air Solutions, Industrial Contractor Supplies,  and the ICS silica dust vacuums, among others.

Don't mess with your lungs !