New CT26 owner question

[Jamestoolie]

Hello,

  This maybe a loaded question but I will ask it any way.  I am thinking about getting one of the following items to compliment my CT 26: oneida ultimate dust deputy, regular dust deputy, long life filter bag, or the equivalent of 225.00 in self cleaning filter bags.  I have read a lot of the other threads concerning the older ultimate dust deputy static death punch to the CT electronics.  i didn't see a lot of information regarding static death by deputy in the last 12 months with newer CTs.  I was wondering if users of the above mentioned products could way in on the value (not cost) of using a certain product.  I will be using my CT with a router, handheld power planer, sanders, track saw, etc.  Thanks. 

 

[sae]

Personal opinion here:

If you're going to get something bulky that kills the portability of the CT like the Dust Deputy, why not just get a standalone cyclone system for cheaper, and probably moves more air?

 

[JayStPeter]

Personal opinion here:

If you're going to get something bulky that kills the portability of the CT like the Dust Deputy, why not just get a standalone cyclone system for cheaper, and probably moves more air?

There's a lot more to it than that ... Static Pressures vs. airflow rate curves.  Bottom line is the vacs are better with smaller portable tools and the big cyclone systems are better with large stationary tools.

I like my dust deputy, but it's attached to a Fein so can't answer the OP.

 

[Jamestoolie]

Personal opinion here:

If you're going to get something bulky that kills the portability of the CT like the Dust Deputy, why not just get a standalone cyclone system for cheaper, and probably moves more air?

I currently have a larger system that handles my bandsaw, tablesaw, jointer, etc.  Running the dust collector while using a handheld sander seems overkill.

 

[elfick]

I think it comes down to if you still want the CT to be portable.
If it is shop-bound, the UDD is great. Just make sure you get the newer version with the black cyclone body.
If you want it to be portable, I'd probably say just stick with the regular bags. Emptying out the reusable bag seems like it would be a pain, but I don't have one so I can't really comment too much.

 

[Ed Bray]

I've got a CTL26E with a long life bag (which I haven't fitted yet). I am waiting the delivery of the Black Oneida Cyclone (anti-static)and will have a go tomorrow at making a rectangular dropbox which will fit on and be clamped to the CTL26E. I am going to make a frame for the box to attach to out of PAR Pine, but the dropbox itself will be made from Birch Ply and it will have a decent capacity, with the Oneida fitted on top.

 

[Ellingferd]

From what I understand, the black cyclone is static conductive, meaning it will conduct a charge to the grounding port of the CT26, which is what you want. If you get the clear, anti-static version, this will create a break in the conductive circuit which could end up in a discharge which jumps the circuit and fries the electrical in the vac. I could definitely be wrong, I am no electricity expert, but I am 99 percent sure you want the black, conductive, DD.

 

[Birdhunter]

I use my Midi with all the Festool products without an intermediate dust collector with absolutely no issues. I'm curious as to why you need to add the Dust Deputy.

 

[grbmds]

Whether you need anything additional for your CT26 seems to me to be partially controlled by how much you use the tools you mentioned, whether you are a hobby WW or professional of some sort, and how often you work in your shop. I have the larger CT48, bought a Dust Deputy Deluxe for it, and hardly ever used the Dust Deputy. I don't even have the long life bag. I have not filled the first one yet. True, the capacity of the 48 is greater and I have not had the time I used to for work in the shop. My point is, however, I think I'd try just using the CT26 first to see how long the bag takes to fill. If it takes a very long time given your work, then I'd say just buy replacement bags. The long life bags are expensive and you would have to frequently fill it to make it worthwhile. Since the Dust Deputy is a cyclone, the issue is the same. If the bag doesn't fill frequently anyway, then I wouldn't buy it. Spend the money on replacement bags or a new tool. I did not buy one made just for the CT vacs so it was always in the way. Since you aren't using the CT with stationary tools, the Festool vac was definitely the way to go; not a dust collector. Just my perspective, not necessarily what will work for you.

 

[IanB]

I have and like the Dust Deputy.  I believe in addition to using the black conductive plastic, they added a grounding strap part way through production, electrically bonding the box to the lid.  I disagree that it reduces mobility of the vac - it sits securely on top, so it doesn't take up more space, or impede moving it.  The downsides are that you then can't use the top for storage, it makes the unit so high it won't fit under things it otherwise would, and of course the added expense.  The positive is that bags last much longer.  So as grbmds notes, it's a question of how many bags you will go through.

 

[routermaniac]

Ive got the 36 and bought the longlife bag.  I havent used it yet as the original bag is still going strong. This is hobby use only.  The only reason I can see why you would get a dust deputy is daily use of the vac which will cut down on bag costs longterm,  otherwise its probably overkill.

 

[grbmds]

I still say see how long it takes you to fill a bag. Then do the math on cost of just buying replacement bags versus the long-life bag versus a dust deputy. Another factor for me was that one of the great things about the CT's from Festool is they are HEPA. Opening the long-life bag to empty creates dust in the air as does emptying the Dust Deputy. In the end, it still comes down to how often you fill the bag which would also lead to emptying if you used long-life or the Dust Deputy.

 

[elfick]

I disagree that it reduces mobility of the vac - it sits securely on top, so it doesn't take up more space, or impede moving it.

I also have the UDD, but when you are discussing the reduced mobility, make sure you aren't just considering rolling it around but also lifting it, carrying it upstairs, and loading it in a vehicle. It definitely reduces the mobility. As a test, pick it up and carry it around. Empty it first if you want a more even comparison. Then take it off and pick up your CT and carry it around again. Unless you have it on a CT48, it's a world of difference.

That being said, I think the UDD is awesome for the same reason a cyclone is awesome on a dust collector. It keeps your first stage filter (the bag, in the case of the CT) from clogging up as often. Plus, when the UDD fills up, I replace a $0.20 plastic bag instead of a $5 filter bag.

BTW, my UDD is on a CT26 which stays in my shop. I just ordered a Midi that won't ever be connected to the UDD because it is primarily for portability.

 

[IanB]

You are of course correct elfick.  I only use mine in my shop, so I meant it doesn't impede rolling it around.  The third dimension never entered my mind.  The models that do not connect to the vac have to be lugged around separately unless they are mounted with it on a rolling platform/cart (taking more floorspace), so I've read that people often just leave it in one place.

 

[Jamestoolie]

Thank you everyone for your input.  It makes sense to wait and see how often I have to change the bags before purchasing a vacuum accessory.  I could get a DTS 400 instead!

 

[grbmds]

Thank you everyone for your input.  It makes sense to wait and see how often I have to change the bags before purchasing a vacuum accessory.  I could get a DTS 400 instead!

You could and that would be a great purchase. I'm thinking of one right now. Of course you would have one more tool to fill your CT26 bag up with.