Planex "vacuum support" question

[Huanu]

Good afternoon.
I just started using the planex and I had some mixed results.  I know it has to be operator error.  I watched the Festool video setting up the planex but I still have a couple of questions involving the "vacuum support" mechanism on the planex.

1) When sanding just face on direct, I seem to have really good dust control when the vacuum support is off and the lever switch appears to be in the locked position.  Icon indicates dust moving up the middle of the planex head.  However, upon inspection, it seems that this is not really the case.  It looks like the lever locks a position where the vacuum is able to have suction to the outer rim of the planex head.  I set the vacuum control suction to "6."  Is this correct?

2) When sanding inside corners, this is where I know I had operator error... :  I switched the vacuum support to the unlocked position and removed the front brush.  I set the vacuum control suction to 2.  But dust seemed to be flying everywhere.  It seems counter to my understanding of the icon.  Switching the lever to the unlocked position show the icon with what appears to be air movement on the outer diameter.  Yet, the lever closes off the vacuum outer rim support.... What am I missing here?  The manual is not very helpful to me.  The video is short and concise.  Maybe I missed something. 

Thank you for your help! [smile]

 

[batcave]

I believe you should just use the first mode you described. The outer suction is for large pieces, like ceiling popcorn. The vacuum 1 to 6 setting will determine how much suction there is. As with all festool sanders, use as much as you can without the sander sticking to the surface.

Kevin

 

[Saskataper]

Yeah the icons aren't very clear. Position 1 is center suction with some perimeter suction, position 2 (locked position) is just perimeter suction.
I am changing settings as I go depending on what I'm sanding (flats, angles, corner bead, etc.) position 1 is more aggressive because the suction. Is forcing the sander to the wall and you need to set your suction right (usually around 3 or 4 on the dial) position 2 I always run at six as it doesn't affect the way it sands, just better dust collection.

 

[leakyroof]

Funny, I ran into this with those not so clear graphics on the Planex I was trying out at my local dealer this morning .
To fully understand where the air or suction is going to be, try this, which worked for us while in the store.
Turn your CT on in the manual position so you have air flow but no sander running . Turn the vacuum or suction dial on the Planex to 6 and make sure your CT is either at max vacuum power or close to it.
Now place your hand over the dust collection holes in the center of the sanding pad.
If you have the Planex Slider control set to center collection, you'll feel the strong vacuum suction at those holes. If you had the slider set to the other position, air will be rushing in along the outer rim and next to nothing at those center holes.
You either remember which position is which from this exercise, or, and this is what I plan to do with mine when I buy it next week... Discreetly draw a C  with a Sharpie marker next to the graphic symbol that actually gets vacuum to the center of the disc, and an O for the outer/other graphic so you don't have to translate the IKEA type symbols all the time... [embarassed] [embarassed] [embarassed].  At least that's how I'm going to deal with it.........