I have a 4 year old CT-Midi that is starting to "suck". Sorry, bad pun, I know, I know. Anyway, the problem is that it's starting to lose suction. I've checked the filter, the bag isn't full, and the hose isn't blocked anywhere. So, I'm trying to figure out what things I can do short of taking it apart entirely to get it back up to full speed.
old ct-midi
- Thread starter b_m_hart
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Brice Burrell
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- Mar 13, 2007
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- 7,385
I know you're not a Festool rookie so you probably already tried all of these things.
First, be sure to check the suction knob is set all the to the rabbit/full suction.
Next, check the filter bag to see if its full or just plugged up with fine dust. Fine dust can plug up the pore in a filter bag long before it's full. Not so much with the newer self cleaning bags but definitely with the older paper bags. Try tapping the top of the bag to knock lose any cake built up that might be plugging the bag or replacing the bag.
If it's not the bag check the main filter. Generally the main filter dosen't see much dust but it will need cleaned out from time to time. I hesitate to use the term "clean" since all you really want to do is gently tap any dust out. Do not use high pressure compressed air. If you do use air, use a low pressure and blow from the inside (motor side) of the filter out (to the dust bin side). Also, do not use water to wash the filter, that will ruin the HEPA filters. Unless you've put a lot of miles on your vac or you've experienced numerous filter bag blow outs don't bother changing the main filter.
If these simple things don't solve the problem it's time to call Festool service. They're very friendly and will likely walk you through several trouble shooting steps on the phone to determine if your vac needs service.
First, be sure to check the suction knob is set all the to the rabbit/full suction.
Next, check the filter bag to see if its full or just plugged up with fine dust. Fine dust can plug up the pore in a filter bag long before it's full. Not so much with the newer self cleaning bags but definitely with the older paper bags. Try tapping the top of the bag to knock lose any cake built up that might be plugging the bag or replacing the bag.
If it's not the bag check the main filter. Generally the main filter dosen't see much dust but it will need cleaned out from time to time. I hesitate to use the term "clean" since all you really want to do is gently tap any dust out. Do not use high pressure compressed air. If you do use air, use a low pressure and blow from the inside (motor side) of the filter out (to the dust bin side). Also, do not use water to wash the filter, that will ruin the HEPA filters. Unless you've put a lot of miles on your vac or you've experienced numerous filter bag blow outs don't bother changing the main filter.
If these simple things don't solve the problem it's time to call Festool service. They're very friendly and will likely walk you through several trouble shooting steps on the phone to determine if your vac needs service.
Ken Nagrod
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- Jul 15, 2010
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- 3,431
I will just add to Brice's post. Put in a brand new bag (if you haven't already) and pull the motor filter completely. Put the vacuum back together and without the hose connected and the speed control turned fully clockwise to it's highest setting, turn on the vac and put your hand over the hose opening on the vac. Take it off, put it back on. How does the suction feel? Turn the vac off when done and open it back up to put the motor filter back in. Repost your findings.
tjbnwi
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- May 12, 2008
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As Brice and Ken stated.
I had seen a 27mm hose plugged by a piece that acted as a valve. Had to take the ends off the hose and run a piece of EMT through the hose to dislodge the debris. From the size of the piece it should have never entered the hose, but it did. With the vac on it would pivot and block the flow. You can isolate this by using another hose or checking at the vac, then the end of the hose.
Tom
I had seen a 27mm hose plugged by a piece that acted as a valve. Had to take the ends off the hose and run a piece of EMT through the hose to dislodge the debris. From the size of the piece it should have never entered the hose, but it did. With the vac on it would pivot and block the flow. You can isolate this by using another hose or checking at the vac, then the end of the hose.
Tom
