Planex, thinking of taking the plunge

[Greg M]

If all you did was drywall, than maybe I could see springing for the AC, but if you are not a drywall contractor than why would you buy a vac of such a limited use nature?

Haven't heard anyone suggest the AC36 makes a great general purpose vac, but you certainly do hear that about the ct26 or other ct series.

Julian

How is the CT36 AC limited?  It's actually more flexible then any of the other CT's unless you have to have one approved for HEPA filtration.  I have one and use it with the stock filter when I need to use the AC function.  When I don't need the AC function I use a regular hose, bag and HEPA filter.  You just have to be careful when turning the switch between manual and auto.  If you turn it too far it will engage the AC for 1 knock of the filter.

 

[WelshWood]

Just a quick note.. If your sanding down any existing walls, it's worth looking into it whether they contain asbestos or not.. I know alot of products that were used to coat walls contained it, and no matter what extractor you use with it, it doesn't eliminate the threat of being contaminated with the vile stuff.

~WW

 

[aptpupil]

Any advice on using the planex for drywall? Seems there is usually a learning curve with these tools. How do you get it to stick to ceiling if it's running?

 

[xtrememtnbiker]

Any advice on using the planex for drywall? Seems there is usually a learning curve with these tools. How do you get it to stick to ceiling if it's running?

I'll just pass on the advice Tom gave me and you can tweak as needed. Use BR2 paper either 180 or 220 depending on your drywall skills for sanding drywall. Full auto clean, full suction on the vac, sander suction around 4 or 5 for drywall and speed around the same. Move really fast... it sands in a hurry. It's weird getting used to handling such an aggressive sander but you start to get the hang of it.

If you're sanding paint for prep before painting, speed 5-6 and full suction. Again, these are just passing on what Tom said. I've played around with settings. Getting it figured out still.

Haven't sanded a ceiling yet but the way it sticks to walls I think when you put it up to a ceiling it will stick.

Ordered the 36ac as well. Been busy lately and I have the money now so may as well invest while I can. What bags will I need for the vac?

You will need the disposable liner for use sanding drywall.

http://www.bobmarinosbesttools.com/disposable-liner-ct-ac-5x-ct-ac/p/496215/

If you're also wanting to use it for woodworking things, you want the self cleaning filter bag.

http://www.bobmarinosbesttools.com/self-cleaning-filter-bags/p/496187/

 

[Saskataper]

Here's a vid I did a while back on sanding with the planex.


First off you NEED the soft pad kit, in my opinion it should be the stock set up. For paper I'd start with 220 granat, it is much better than the brilliant.

 

[aptpupil]

Used it today for first time, thanks for the tips. Used 120 granat on speed of 1. Seemed to work well for me.
This thing needs like four LEDs. Work light helps but as soon as you move past that says you need to set up the light again. I just did the whole room then marked spots I missed with a pencil and went back over them, but a built in light would have been even better.
Led was flashing a few times because the motor filter (?) was getting clogged. Other than that it went well.