Please tell me!

[Jason W]

I've tried to get a straight answer to this in the past and I'm still not clear if this has ever been addressed. Can I use my CT-33 vac for EPA lead safe work or not? I do see that they have new vac's out that are OK for this work but does this mean my CT-33 is not OK?

 

[mastercabman]

If your vac has a HEPA filter then it is ok.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I think the CT's got sent back from the epa because they said they said they don't test vac's.

I think there are much worse choices out there.  Chairmon was using the cordless dewalt vac that had a hepa filter in it.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Jason, unfortunately there's isn't a official answer to your question.  The EPA doesn't certify any vacs for RRP work, nor does any other organization.  There in lays the problem, no one knows what which you can use. All you can do is try your best to follow the EPA's rules. 

 

[Jason W]

I bring this up because their is a thread at JLC right ow where some are believing only the new vac's are good for RRP.

I'm going to have to take a good look at what the benefits are of the new vacs. I really haven't paid attention to them because I'm happy with my 33. I would find it awkward if they make a claim of being approved by them for RRP work, yet not make that claim with the older one's.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Jason,

It sounds like there are members on JLC (I'm one, but not on right now) that are just throwing trash around and confusing people.  I've posted the info in a number of threads on here, but to sum it up, just refer to Brice's post above.

 

[Jason W]

Jason,

It sounds like there are members on JLC (I'm one, but not on right now) that are just throwing trash around and confusing people.  I've posted the info in a number of threads on here, but to sum it up, just refer to Brice's post above.

No, they aren't throwing trash at anything (yet). Some guy is needing to buy an vac for RRP work and I just find it interesting what the beliefs are and why they think this.

I tend to be in the camp of what Brice said as well. I sure as hell wouldn't want to be caught with a cordless DeWalt vac though, lol.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I think the main difference is the self cleaning bag.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I bring this up because their is a thread at JLC right ow where some are believing only the new vac's are good for RRP.

I'm going to have to take a good look at what the benefits are of the new vacs. I really haven't paid attention to them because I'm happy with my 33. I would find it awkward if they make a claim of being approved by them for RRP work, yet not make that claim with the older one's.

For the record, Festool has never stated that any of their vacs are certified for RRP work.  As far as I know only Fein has made that claim.  I don't know what Fein has based their decision on that make this claim.  What's interesting is no one else has dared follow Fein's lead, that speaks volumes to me.....

 

[batmanrobin]

When the Festools are made in China then they will be okay to use. You know , just like our babys toys.  Ha Ha

 

[Wonderwino]

There are no "certified" RRP vacs.  I feel confident that  Festool HEPA equiped vacs will meet the standards laid out in the regs.

I use my CT33 for lead work, although I only work on my own rentals.  I have seen it suggested that one should keep a single vac designated for RRP and use another for standard dust collection so as not to risk cross-contamination.  I change the HEPA filters and bag in my CT33 when I take it back in the shop and don't feel unsafe.  I keep one set of filters for each task, stored in their own zip-lock freezer bags.  The filters always look clean when I pull them.

 

[mastercabman]

There are no "certified" RRP vacs.  I feel confident that  Festool HEPA equiped vacs will meet the standards laid out in the regs.

That's right!!    It would be crazy for any manufactuer to put a "certified sticker" on their vacs

 

[paul_david_thomas]

Crack ANY vac hose next to your work, the VAC itself as far away as possible (outside if possible), so you can but a cheap non-static hose ext. Then you don't really care as it will just remove the fumes to stop you getting them. If you are in a workshop doing it, then just make up a hood over the area where you work with some ply with a hole in the top where you put the vac hose.

I would suggest a Y connector near your work area, so you can split where the suction is occurring from, you'll get more that way. Get a small smoke pellet (hardware store - oh, how american am I) and it will show you what's being extracted and what's not.

Equally, have a laugh and set a smoke pellet off in your house - amaze the neighbours as you open your front door and walk out as if a rock star entering the stage... Get the kids to hold torches on the floor, to really make the effects look super cool...

Oh.. no... I think I'm going to have a silly day now... I'm so glad I've got a warped mind !

p.s. make sure the kids wave the torches.

 

[paul_david_thomas]

I don't have kids. I have dogs, unfortunately, they are not as adept at waving torches as they are deer, sheep, rabbits.. Perhaps I could adapt a torch to look like a rabbit.

Along the smoke pellet line... For halloween, I was sooooo tempted to buy an industrial smoke machine, until I realised it would have totally filled the whole STREET with smoke.... I thought better of it !