I'm new here and I tried to search for this but couldn't find anything. I have a planex with the CT36 AC. It worked as expected with one exception. There was more drywall dust coming out the exaust on the sides of the collector than I expected. I did a small section of popcorn ceiling (approximately 100 SF) and there was a considerable amount of dust in the air. It wasn't coming from the planex. It was coming out the sides of the CT36 AC. I could see it blowing out the sides. Is this normal? Most of the dust was collected when I opened it up to check.
Planex with ct36 ac dust problem
- Thread starter Lazy
- Start date
Thanks for the warm welcome. I have no bag installed at all. I was going to use the plastic disposable bag but figure what's the point. I can just empty the container. I noticed that when the auto clean function cycles a puff of dust shoots out both sides of the CT36 AC.
Welcome to the FOG and to the joys of festools.
If you install a bag and use it for drywall the bag will rapidly clog and the auto clean function won't do much.
Is the auto clean filter correctly fitted?
Is the dust coming out of the vents in the sides of the top of the CT or between the top and bottom?
If you install a bag and use it for drywall the bag will rapidly clog and the auto clean function won't do much.
Is the auto clean filter correctly fitted?
Is the dust coming out of the vents in the sides of the top of the CT or between the top and bottom?
OK, I've decided to return it. If the filter is working as well as is shown in my picture they would not have designed a way for the dust to simply bypass the filter through the housing. At least I don't believe that to be the case. The little bit of dust particles shown under the filter were from the actual removal of the filter. Those particles did not pass the filter.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2007
- Messages
- 11,163
This is not normal. I would suggest fanning through the filter to make sure it hasn't been compromised with a hole. Also, the Festool support team is great, give them a buzz.
If you look at the pictures closely the problem is obvious. There's nothing wrong with the filter or the way it is seated. It was hospital clean under the filter when I lifted it. The housing behind the filter which I assume houses the motor is the culprit. You can see where the popcorn got sucked into the edge.
Part of me is obviously disappointed but another part is happy that this thing should work better and was not designed to blow dust into the air. I hope I don't get another bad unit on Monday. When I get the new one I'm going to test the seals with tissue paper before I run dust through the motor.
Happy to report that I received another CT36 AC and it works like a champ so far!
The problem with the first unit was in fact a missing gasket. I would send a picture but I have already handed the new unit off to my lead man so he can get started in the morning. I had him demo the unit under my supervision and then he went on his way. He was happy. I'll take pictures before I send back the first unit and then we can close the thread. Thanks for all the input and support.
The problem with the first unit was in fact a missing gasket. I would send a picture but I have already handed the new unit off to my lead man so he can get started in the morning. I had him demo the unit under my supervision and then he went on his way. He was happy. I'll take pictures before I send back the first unit and then we can close the thread. Thanks for all the input and support.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2007
- Messages
- 11,163
Glad to hear the good news that the new unit is working to your satisfaction. Remember that Festool has a great tech support team if you ever need quick answers or help in the future too.
Here it is 2023, and I received a ct 36 missing the gasket. I called Festool Customer Support and discussed the problem. The gentleman suggested I return the unit as "it was not designed to have sheet rock dust sucked through the motor". What I really wanted was the seal kit, a part of which was missing. But no dice on that, so maybe, they replace the vacuum unit.
I return shipped the vacuum unit on or about 5/5/2023 and got it back 5/18/2023. The Festool service card that was retuned with the unit included the note, "no seals missing". Really?
The only place (mmtoolparts.com) I can find that sells that kit wants $40.60 for it and they do not stock it. It has to be ordered from Festool and it takes 7 to 14 days to get it. The Seal kit is 496250.
So, should I be happy? The $x,xxx tool with be down for over a month because a seal was not included at the factory. The factory service department seems to think I do not need a critical seal that keeps dust from blowing out of a HEPA filter vacuum device.
Regardless, I fabricated a temporary seal out of some weather stripping that seems to stop the dust from spewing out of the motor vents. I will suck it up and pay the $40 and post the experience here as I have now done.
Cheers.
I return shipped the vacuum unit on or about 5/5/2023 and got it back 5/18/2023. The Festool service card that was retuned with the unit included the note, "no seals missing". Really?
The only place (mmtoolparts.com) I can find that sells that kit wants $40.60 for it and they do not stock it. It has to be ordered from Festool and it takes 7 to 14 days to get it. The Seal kit is 496250.
So, should I be happy? The $x,xxx tool with be down for over a month because a seal was not included at the factory. The factory service department seems to think I do not need a critical seal that keeps dust from blowing out of a HEPA filter vacuum device.
Regardless, I fabricated a temporary seal out of some weather stripping that seems to stop the dust from spewing out of the motor vents. I will suck it up and pay the $40 and post the experience here as I have now done.
Cheers.
Attachments
Posting my short term fix until I get the seal kit. On the left, the longer seal that nests in the cover. On the right the weather stripping I trimmed to fit in the groove that nests in the vacuum unit. This fix stops (in my case sheet rock) dust from being pumped into atmosphere.
Also, I previously posted an incorrect p/n for the seal kit. The correct p/n is 496256.
As listed in the Festool Catalogue of parts the seal kit is $25.40. Hopefully they will sell me one, $25.40 < $40.60. To bad you have to call to order parts. Wait until Monday I guess.
Cheers
Also, I previously posted an incorrect p/n for the seal kit. The correct p/n is 496256.
As listed in the Festool Catalogue of parts the seal kit is $25.40. Hopefully they will sell me one, $25.40 < $40.60. To bad you have to call to order parts. Wait until Monday I guess.
Cheers
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