Planex: How to Stick to Ceiling?

[fp1337]

Got a Planex to help me prepare walls and ceilings before repaint. I do not deal with the drywall joint compound much, mostly paint. I sand off revious roller marks/texture.

Because I do not use it for drywall, I decided not to spend another million bucks on the special CT AC, and instead I use my existing CT36. According to the Festool customer service, this is the reason why I can't get it to stick to the ceilings. It feels heavy even at max suction on both the CT and Planex. He said this is due to stronger suction and lighter hose on the CT AC.

I went to verify these claims on Festool's website, and while I see that there is a different hose, the suction (and I assume motors) are exactly the same on the CT AC as on my CT 36.

What else than the motor is affecting the ability to stick/not stick? I can see where the hose is probably a little lighter, but surely not that much?? Also I think the CT AC does not have a HEPA filter, so maybe that affects things somewhat? Can the HEPA filter be removed to help suction?

 

[norm210]

I bought the harness support for that very reason. I have the ct26 /planex 225 sander.like you I bought this for my painting business  (36years)the office I am doing now required me to get off 2000sq.ft.of popcorn ceiling wet,got 98%off,still have to sand.i am having trouble with the harness, getting it set for the ceiling. I called festool, no reply.if you have gotten your delimited solved. ,reply back if you would. Thanks

 

[chippy]

Have they changed the Planex?, I used to have no problem with them sticking to the ceiling. But now I can not get them to do it. The users are now working the machine hard and burning out the armatures.

 

[flair woodworks]

First, make sure that suction is directed through the center holes of the pad. And make sure there isn't a blockage in the hose or Planex.

I haven't run the Planex with a non-auto-clean extractor, but the purpose of the auto-clean is to maintain suction during use. My guess is that the bag is loading up and reducing suction. You can try closing the blast gate or turning off the dust extractor to collapse the bag and restore some of the suction.

While you can remove the HEPA filter, I do not think it would help.

 

[leakyroof]

To add what Chris Wong said, also make sure the dial for suction control on the Planex itself is set to MAX Flow. After that, I would check your vacuum bag and vac since I have no problem with my Planex and Ct-Auto 36 for ceiling work suction.
Maybe you just have reduced suction on your vac due to a clogged bag.

 

[Saskataper]

I've been able to get it to stick with my midi, if you have the soft pad kit on it won't stick, and probably won't stick ever when its on. It just takes some weight off.

 

[Renovatedspaces]

I have a question for Planex fans. What would be a good price for a 1 year old planex with extension, harness, all pads, 2 boxes granat paper. In  very good condition. Any thoughts are appreciated. 

 

[Holmz]

2/3 of RRP is generally standard for "as new".

However Festool used pricing can be strange.