Save 150.00+ and build the BEST cyclone for your Festool Vac!!!

[Woodworkingnut]

Just started reading the Blog and found people have the same need that I had. Here's a list of why I made this addition to my vac. Tired of the tool cord disconnecting from the vac, can't seem to get all the power cord on the holder, trip on the hose when not using, tired of replacing bags, Hose gets caught on edges (looks like I'm reeling in a big fish-how about a smooth outside layer), plugging and unplugging tools, laying sanders on the floor and bending over to get the next one and also plugging in the wrong one. Lastly I wanted better dust collection. So here's my idea I tried it with a systainer box first but too many leaks and walls were flexing in.
Power strip I plug in three sanders and put cord through holder no more accidental unplugging, Vac power cord wraps up easily, hose is off the floor no more tripping, All tools are up on top waist level (tool station), added tool shelf below, Whole unit attaches to the existing festool hold downs, Sight window for dust level, cyclone use less bags$$$ I spent less than 100.00 to build this, I do have a Power point if anyone would like it. I wasn't able to add any pictures getting memory errors. But I will describle it and send pictures to anyone who asks. Dust box is the size of the saw systainer box. On top of it is a rectangle 16" wide by 28" in length the cyclone is towards the middle back and a hose connects through the top down to the vac (keeps it close to side of vac) the front of the top has a tool hold area with power strip, the power strip connects to the vac front through a hole which p-revents it from unplugging. Right side has hose holder. the back has pwr cord holder.
send me an email and I will send you the PP selanac325@comcast.net

 

[josephgewing]

Sounds like something I want, please send info.

Joe

 

[Alan m]

id like more info two.
email them to me if you want.

private message peter hally abou the pic issues. he understands those things and will talk you threw it

 

[mlfaber]

Just started reading the Blog and found people have the same need that I had. Here's a list of why I made this addition to my vac. Tired of the tool cord disconnecting from the vac, can't seem to get all the power cord on the holder, trip on the hose when not using, tired of replacing bags, Hose gets caught on edges (looks like I'm reeling in a big fish-how about a smooth outside layer), plugging and unplugging tools, laying sanders on the floor and bending over to get the next one and also plugging in the wrong one. Lastly I wanted better dust collection. So here's my idea I tried it with a systainer box first but too many leaks and walls were flexing in.
Power strip I plug in three sanders and put cord through holder no more accidental unplugging, Vac power cord wraps up easily, hose is off the floor no more tripping, All tools are up on top waist level (tool station), added tool shelf below, Whole unit attaches to the existing festool hold downs, Sight window for dust level, cyclone use less bags$$$ I spent less than 100.00 to build this, I do have a Power point if anyone would like it. I wasn't able to add any pictures getting memory errors. But I will describle it and send pictures to anyone who asks. Dust box is the size of the saw systainer box. On top of it is a rectangle 16" wide by 28" in length the cyclone is towards the middle back and a hose connects through the top down to the vac (keeps it close to side of vac) the front of the top has a tool hold area with power strip, the power strip connects to the vac front through a hole which p-revents it from unplugging. Right side has hose holder. the back has pwr cord holder.

I am interested in this as well

 

[Stone Message]

Hello Everyone

I bought a $39 basic Dust Deputy and then used about $8 of MDF to make my dust interceptor for the CTL 26. It works well and should save on bags etc. Here are some pictures...

The first is the base to fit on top of the CTL 26 (this is screwed to the dust box) and the second shows the whole thing. I painted the dust box off white.

Peter

 

[mikeneron]

Looks like a nice setup.  I just have a steel trash can with one of those Lee Valley cyclone lids and have that all mounted on top of the vac.  I do lose a bit of suction though, but just have to empty the trash can into a garbage bag.  Does your setup reduce the suction?

How hard and messy is that to empty?  The only reason the Dust Deputy for Festool intrigued me was that you can put a garbage bag right inside so the cleanup is easy and pretty much dust free.  But after reading all the posts on people that have it, I think they still have some things to work out...so I will be waiting for the next version, if that even happens.

 

[bw44]

i also would really appreciate a set of plans. thanks a lot.  bw

 

[ejfud]

Interested to see your solution.

Thanks

 

[sancho57]

Hey peter,

How did your festool watch help in the design and manufacture?

Sorry but I know that is on everyones mind and I ust had to say it :>D

But it does look like a great design.

 

[wetndry]

I would also like the info on your project.  I have an original clearvue mini that I have been looking to attach to my new midi.
thanks Craig

 

[Stone Message]

Hey peter,

How did your festool watch help in the design and manufacture?

Sorry but I know that is on everyones mind and I ust had to say it :>D

But it does look like a great design.

Hi Sancho

The watch was really important... I worked quite hard to make this in a short space of time but at least I did not miss my coffee break...Thanks to the watch!!

The issue with plastic bags inside these dust boxes is that they get sucked into the workings and must be held in place. I have thought about this but will first see how awful emptying the box is going to be. If it is really nasty I have a solution which will fix a bag in place without having to have anything trapped inside the bag. I will let you know in due course.

Peter

 

[madmaguire]

I am also interested
Cheers,
John

 

[semenza]

I am also interested
Cheers,
John

Hi madmaguire,

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

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Looks like people are responding, wanting info on two similar but different projects in this thread... Woodworkingnut, or Stone Message. Or did Stone Message build Woodworkingnut's design?  In anycase might replies might want to specify  who they are asking  for info/plans from.

Seth

 

[Stone Message]

Looks like a nice setup.  I just have a steel trash can with one of those Lee Valley cyclone lids and have that all mounted on top of the vac.  I do lose a bit of suction though, but just have to empty the trash can into a garbage bag.  Does your setup reduce the suction?

How hard and messy is that to empty?  The only reason the Dust Deputy for Festool intrigued me was that you can put a garbage bag right inside so the cleanup is easy and pretty much dust free.  But after reading all the posts on people that have it, I think they still have some things to work out...so I will be waiting for the next version, if that even happens.

Mike, I am so sorry that I did not reply to you...

I cannot detect any loss of suction but I have no measuring instruments just the old Mark 1 eyeball.

I still have not emptied it for the first time yet but will probably do that in the next couple of days. If it is messy I propose to make a frame from metal tubing or rod that fits inside the bottom part of the drop box. I would then place a garbage bag over the frame, put it into the drop box and put the lid on ensuring that the bag comes out through the join all around and is trapped tightly. In this way the frame will stop the bag being sucked up and the only mess when emptying occurs when the metal frame is taken out from the bag. I suspect that would be far better than just trying to empty the box into a bag.

Since I bought the Dust Deputy I have found a UK company, Cyclone Central, that supply cyclone kits here in Europe in a variety of sizes. I now have their 100mm cyclone and it really is brilliant and I have it permanently connected to my NVD 750 extractor. They asked me to do a review of the cyclone and allowed me to keep the finished product after it was assembled and tested. You can see my review by looking at the 'Other Tool Reviews' here on the FOG.

Although I only paid $39 for the Dust Deputy, I did have to make arrangements to get it to the UK. If I was in that situation now I would take the easy route and shop at Cyclone Central.

I should also add that the Festool CTL 26 is the 'Rolls Royce' of workshop vacs - it is very powerful, is quiet and beautifully made. The self clean bags are amazing and really do what Festool claim and collapse on themselves each time you switch off thus maintaining the efficiency of the bag and the power of the vac. If Festool made a 100mm extractor I would have one straight away.

I hope that this helps.

Peter