Remote Control for CT dust extractor

VesaS

Member
Joined
Jul 30, 2012
Messages
73
When I use power tools I often need to clean up some dust/chips from bench or floor. CT has automatic power-on, but changing to manual and back (walk to CT and reach to controls) is not fun in long term.

Does anybody know a good system for starting the CT remotely?

Master-Slave extension cord + 100W light bulb is not a good system in my opinion. I'm looking something more sophisticated.

Vesa
 
There are some remote control on/off devices on the market that are designed to work with anything plugged into them. But I don't think they will do exactly what you want.

That would be a great feature to have added to the CTs hopefully someone knows of a solution. But please don't post any solutions that modify the outlet/ wiring of the vacuum. Or that could end up accidentally turn a tool on remotely.

Seth

 
I have a switchable wall outlet that I installed within easier reach where I'm located and usual work 90% of the time in my shop than where the CT unit is located for switching on and off the power to the CT.  But it really doesn't get that much use as most of the times I simply have the Auto-On so the unit gets activated by the tool being turned on.  It's more for when I want to use the unit on a regular basis for a while as a straight vac for cleaning up and the CT is set to Manual, so I still end up having to reach under for the CT's AUTO/MANUAL switch, all I've done is lessen the amount of times that I may have to by having the switchable wall outlet.
 
Going back to when I started using my first CT22 with my TS55, OF1010 router and Festool sanders, I concluded that sometimes I wanted to start the CT22 before I started the tool and also wanted to run it after I stopped the tool. Then when I bought my first OF2200 router I wanted to run it on a separate circuit than the CT22.

My solution was to buy a foot switch with a toggle feature. The first tap turns on the CT22 (set to Manual) and the next tap turns the CT22 off. I run the tools directly from an outlet.

Once the Domino 500 arrived, I found that usually I keep its motor running between plunges. However, if I feel the need to shut it off without reaching for the Domino's switch, I use a second toggle foot switch.

I always position the CT22 foot switch convenient to my left foot. If I am using a foot switch for the tool, I put it near my right foot.

My experience has been the sanders do not need extraction before I start them nor after I stop them, so those I plug into the CT in the Auto mode.

Using the toggle foot switch also improves effectiveness with the Kapex. I can pre-start extraction and let it run after the cut. However, I also have found with the Kapex there is no disadvantage to simply letting extraction run during the entire sawing session. Still, if I do want to shut off the vac, a tap on the left foot switch does that.

Such toggle foot switches cost less than USA$20 at such firms as Granger. Some costing a bit more, have safety covers so they will not toggle if something falls on them.
 
Nestor said:
The CT already has an auto start feature. Seems redundant.

As redundant as in any vac.
I personally like that feature a lot. Question is if it could improved for my needs.

Vesa
 
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