Planex 2 + CT36 AC oddities

[eschumac]

I picked up a Planex 2 + CT36 AC combo last month to remove ceiling stipple on 2800 sqft of ceiling. Works great. Love it. Worth every penny. BUT, there are some weird minor problems I haven't sorted out yet.

The systainer for the Planex does not mount on the CT36 AC. Very confusing why the ideal combo doesn't connect.

The 496911 Planex Drywall Sander Support Harness does not seem to work with the Planex 2. The pole hits the hose. You have to mount it on the back side of the rig opposite of all the photos and video of it being used with the older Planex. Doesn't work quite right in this orientation. WHen you mount the pole that way you have to mount the handle on the Planex and not the pole. Perhaps everyone needs to update their description of the harness to exclude compatibility with the Planex 2 OR Festool to need to figure out how to make these two things compatible.

Anyone else have the Planex 2 with the harness? Any tips for making it work?

 

[guybo]

Hi, I dont have the planex 2 I have the ez,the systainer only mount with a smaller sys3,I think you need this hose clip for the other problem.guy

 

[eschumac]

Thanks.

I have the hose clip and a spare. Works well. The problem is that the hose on the Planex 2 no longer comes out of the end of the tool (thank goodness) so the hose angle is now in the way of the pole. Like this:

[attachimg=1]

 

[afish]

I'm pretty sure the systainer does does mount on the CT36 but it needs to hang off one end in an awkward way but pretty sure it does.

 

[eschumac]

I'm pretty sure the systainer does does mount on the CT36 but it needs to hang off one end in an awkward way but pretty sure it does.

I fumbled around for a while looking silly trying to get the thing to attach in any way possible. I'll give it another go.

 

[eschumac]

Looking at the tool now I think the solution that would make the tool a lot more usable for extended ceiling time and the use of the harness is a short section of the tube, like the extension, that does a 180. Internal to the sections is the power and and the channel for the vacuum. If you had a 180 tube the handle and hose etc would be better positioned and the harness would work.

 

[afish]

Looks like you may need to connect another systainer first then the xxl attaches to that.  check out the video around the 10min mark I couldnt listen with sound so Im not sure what was said verbally.

 

[eschumac]

Looks like you may need to connect another systainer first then the xxl attaches to that.  check out the video around the 10min mark I couldnt listen with sound so Im not sure what was said verbally.

Thanks! Ok. That's hilarious. Totally Tetris.

[attachimg=1]

 

[afish]

I knew I remembered seeing it on the ct and it looking a little funky.

 

[eschumac]

I wrote to Festool USA support and got a response.

Thank you for contacting Festool. The Harness will connect to the Planex2. There is a consideration since the new Planex2 has a the hose connection so close to the post. The hose has to be installed first with the latch secured, after that, the post and clamp can be installed on the handle. This will require to push the hose to one side so the post and clamp can reach the handle. Note that the post will contact the black hose. Please see pictures below.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]

I feel like this is an oversight and there will be unneeded stress on the hose end and connection. I shared my thoughts on a 180 extension to correct a few issues.

I'll give it a whirl now that Festool says I should use it this way...

 

[afish]

Yea, I agree.  Festool should have done better there.  Did you consider the Mirka Leros?  Why did you choose the P2 ?  I will eventually be getting one and leaning heavy towards the Leros even though I have never owned anything Mirka before. 

 

[eschumac]

Yea, I agree.  Festool should have done better there.  Did you consider the Mirka Leros?  Why did you choose the P2 ?  I will eventually be getting one and leaning heavy towards the Leros even though I have never owned anything Mirka before.

I considered the Mirka and the Hilti (Mirka with some changes). I was about the buy the Hilti because the Planex was out of stock, but I was lucky to get some stock arrive so I bought it.

The light on the Planex is a total game changer. You can hack a light onto the Mirka and Hilti, though. If you have it on you add a battery or some wires to power the light.

There are a few youtube videos showing the differences. You may want to both depending on your needs. I have a specific need and the Planex is the best for that need.

If you are not a Drywall contractor get the Planex. If you are a Drywall contractor you will want both, but the free tilting head on the Mirka might be attractive depending on how you like to move. On a smooth ceiling the planex will attach to the ceiling with vacuum suction so it's very light to move around. There is ZERO dust with the Planex 2. I mean it. It surprised the heck out of me. I'm sanding plaster stipple off ceilings with 80 grit and there is no dust on the floor. 35lbs of dust in the CT36 AC, but none on the floor. Totally worth the money. Buy both and try them and return what you don't click with...

 

[Sulzu]

I’m essentially in the same boat with CT36 and Planex 2. I picked up the harness 496911 and that has the old style Systainer. This doesn’t want to stack with any of my gear. I noticed however that there is also a 576802 that comes in a systainer 3 that at least will much more easily stack. Any thoughts from anyone on that one? It looks like the 576802 is an older one that isn’t made anymore but a few stores still carry it, both appear to have very similar contents.

 

[eschumac]

I’m essentially in the same boat with CT36 and Planex 2. I picked up the harness 496911 and that has the old style Systainer. This doesn’t want to stack with any of my gear. I noticed however that there is also a 576802 that comes in a systainer 3 that at least will much more easily stack. Any thoughts from anyone on that one? It looks like the 576802 is an older one that isn’t made anymore but a few stores still carry it, both appear to have very similar contents.

Man. I wish I had seen one with the systainer3. I have the other one with the maxi and I cursed when I got it.

I love the Planex 2. Works great. I very much dislike the containers.

So far a have a love hate relationship with the harness. I like that it sort of works. I obviously have issues with the pay it works with the Planex 2. Pushing the hose to the side sort of works, but after an hour or so the pole has slipped to the side. I'm not convinced this is the best approach. So much so I am thinking of getting an extension and hacking down to 180 the handle.

I want to like how this thing rigs up, but it needs some design changes. It needs some quick adjusts. Like a drop for the cup to get the tool loaded and then pull up into position.

I want a quick release on the handle or a way to adjust it up and down while working. Pain to put the whole thing down and make micro adjustments for comfort over time. I don't like the screw attachment.

There should be a quick release way to slide the pole up and down the Planex to adjust reach. You have to break the whole thing down to move the pole.

For typical US 8' ceilings it's easier to put the handle on without the pole and stick the butt of the handle on your hip. Hurts after  while, but its more maneuverable and fluid. With the harness you feel like you are using all of your limbs to move the Planex around. It's both easier on your back, but at time having to dip and pivot is harder on your lower back.

So far I think I like the harness for removing stipple or doing anything that easily forgives some gauges. The risk of divots is 5x with harness because you use some leg movements for pressure and walking and moving perfectly is hard.

I used it on a few walls. If I were going to do more walls I'd want the head to pivot like the Mirka/Hilti. Could be I need to spend more time with it to understand how to get a full ceiling to floor stroke.

 

[afish]

Yea I really want to like the P2. On paper it looks like the better unit.  LED light, adjustable length, hard case even if it is a little funky, plus its a Festool.  That head on the Mirka though... just looks so fluid and easy.  Everyone I have heard that has tried both say the MIrka is much more user friendly and leaves a better finish and less fatiguing to use. Which is a little surprising seeing how the P2 is supposed to support most of its own weight. Its unfortunate that Festool hasnt addressed the harness issue better.  looks like a little tweak with a HF tube bender might fix the hose/post issue but Festool should have at least made offered a modified pole for the P2  I dont have to mess with to much texture, popcorn etc. and if I do I typically tear it down and hang new and fix any insulation issues while IM there.  I do hate sanding lids, which is why the P2 originally grabbed my attention along with DC.  I can pole sand walls all day long but hate the dust. 

 

[eschumac]

If you can afford both buy them both. I've been happy with the CT36 AC. I don't think there is a clear choice. There are only a few youtube vids showing the comparison. Not enough in my book. I think this kind of tool is a person preference and even sometimes you want the cheaper or lesser featured tool because it feels better.