Newbie CT36 questions on operation

[fcmcommw]

Hi,

I just purchased  a new CT36 and have a few questions on operation.  I wish this was covered under the owners manual.  I did do research on the forum to see if these questions have been asked so I apologize if its repetitive. Thanks in advance for the help

Questions

When doing basic sanding on wood projects do I install the filterbag that came with the vacuum and leave HEPA filters in place? or should I use the filter bag and install a different filter in my vacuum since HEPA is not needed in this case?

I'm worried that I'm not operating this vacuum properly and just want to check on the best way to run this vacuum.  I'm mostly using the CT36 with my 55eq when ripping sheet goods or sanding with my ro125.  All on wood projects.

Thanks for the help
Mark

 

[Stone Message]

Dear Mark

Always use the filter bag and keep the HEPA filter in place. After over 6 months with my CTL26 I had gone through about 6 bags and when one looks inside the machine (where the dust bag is found) it is as clean as a whistle - the self cleaning bags are brilliant.

Peter

 

[greenMonster]

Leave the filters in place, you'll find they don't get very dirty as the bag gets most of it

 

[fcmcommw]

Thanks for the quick response.  Do you use the self cleaning filter bags even for larger particulate such as when I'm ripping down sheet goods?  The reason I ask is that I will probably need to order a bunch more of the self cleaning filter bags because ripping sheet goods with my 55eq would fill these bags rather quickly.  Sanding on the other hand will probably take a while to fill this bag.

A 5 pack of the self cleaning bags are only like 30 bucks or something so all in all not really that bad.  A lot cheaper then replacing the HEPA filter

 

[tbellemare]

The bags filter down to 5 microns, the HEPA filters go down to .3 microns.

You always want to use a filter bag and a filter unless you're picking up water. Then, take the bag out and change to the foam filter.

You won't fill up the bags very fast with the saws but you can with the planers or big router bits.

Tom

EDIT: Also, turn down the suction when using the RO 125. It can pull that sander in to the work.

 

[Corwin]

When doing basic sanding on wood projects do I install the filterbag that came with the vacuum and leave HEPA filters in place? or should I use the filter bag and install a different filter in my vacuum since HEPA is not needed in this case?

You should only need to remove the HEPA filters when vacuuming liquids.  Otherwise, leave in place.

I'm worried that I'm not operating this vacuum properly and just want to check on the best way to run this vacuum.  I'm mostly using the CT36 with my 55eq when ripping sheet goods or sanding with my ro125.  All on wood projects.

For most tools, you will want to run the CT at full suction.  However, you will want to run at a reduced suction when using your sander(s).  You want the sanders to float on the surface without being pulled into your material.

Do you use the self cleaning filter bags even for larger particulate such as when I'm ripping down sheet goods?  The reason I ask is that I will probably need to order a bunch more of the self cleaning filter bags because ripping sheet goods with my 55eq would fill these bags rather quickly.  Sanding on the other hand will probably take a while to fill this bag.

A 5 pack of the self cleaning bags are only like 30 bucks or something so all in all not really that bad.  A lot cheaper then replacing the HEPA filter

You may want to check out the cyclones or separators that some here install inline before the CT.  This will greatly reduce the number of bags you will use.

 

[greenMonster]

+1 on cyclone/ dust deputy.
It'll pay for itself in short order

 

[fcmcommw]

Thanks for all the replies and the info on the dust deputy.  I should be all good now.

Thanks again,
Mark

 

[semenza]

Hi Mark,

You already got your answers so I will just say .... welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

Seth