Should I Not Get a CT36 AC Instead of the CT36 E

[Kevin D.]

I've already got a CT22 which I am quite happy with but would like a second CT for a variety of reasons.  Although I originally wanted to get a MIDI, due to the MINI/MIDI being removed/recalled from the Canadian marketplace, that option is out, so instead I'm now looking at making my CT22 the "portable" unit for hauling around my house doing DIY jobs and also being a dedicated unit for a Kapex, and having the CT36 unit as my main unit at my workstation where the CT22 used to reside.

I know that the CT36 AC comes with a 36mm versus the 27mm on the CT36 E, and that's fine.  I know that the AC unit costs more, but has the Auto-Clean function which is really for when using with a Planex which I plan on buying for when I need a Planex.  But I have a few questions that I'm not clear or certain about that I want to clarify.

The 36 mm hose that comes with the CT36AC has a special end that is designed for connecting to the Planex.  Can other 36mm ready tools, such as the Kapex or my TS75 saw connect to this still?  Or does it need some kind of adapter possibly to do so?

Is the 36mm hose that comes with the CT36AC a special hose that is different from the other 36mm AS hoses, or is it just the tool connector end?

Is the Auto-Clean function of the CT36AC of any use for any other reason to use other than when dealing with drywall dust?  (I  do know that the Auto-Clean function is infinitely variable in frequency of when it comes on including that it can be disabled completely.)

And what does the Auto-Clean actually do?  Does it de-compact the drywall from the inner linings of the collection bag, or is it cleaning the filters because the bags tend to leak the fine drywall dust that end up clogging the filters otherwise without the Auto-Clean function?

Does it take the same filters and bags as the CT36 E?

Is there any reason I should not use the CT36AC versus the CT36E for certain applications?

And as an aside, I already have a regular 36mm AS hose.  Does Festool make and adapter to connect two 36mm hoses together that would each have the regular ends on each of them.  I'm thinking of taking my existing 36mm, cutting it to a shorter length to hook up my old CT22 to a Kapex, but still being able to bring it back to length for when I would need it via connecting it back togfether again.  The CT36AC hose that comes with the CT36AC would not be used except for with the CT36 AC vac.

 

[Locky]

I have the ct36ac and I use it on site everyday, the hose works on all my festool tools with out any adapters.in regards to the planex I thought about getting this for sanding plasterboards but found that the ct36ac worked brilliantly with my Rotex 150 as was much easier to get into the corners as well. The AC function I believe just bangs on the filter to clear the dust, which I find useful for the concrete dust also. There is only one downside that I have with the ct36 is that when it gets full it gets really heavy getting into the backseat of my ute, other than that I love it
In regard to the filter/bags  I believe they are the same as ct36, the only difference with the AC is that you can use it bag less
Which also helps on no buying bags all the time

 

[RC]

I have the CTL26AC and the only use I have for the AC-function which basically is a valve that blocks the airpath and generates a stronger vacuum in the vac which when the valve opens again results in a "bang" on the filter to shake any fine dust off it to keep airflow up. Now with wood dust from my TS saw or chips from my router you don't need the AC at all - I'll give it a pop every blue moon, but its a waste of space if you don't sand drywall.

To my understanding due to the AC function these vacs can not use either the normal filter (496170) nor the HEPA filters (498994) but use another type of filter that lets fine dust through and can take the AC beating called a High Performance filter (496172). Don't know exactly what are the differences between these different filter models since Festool doesn't publish technical details on their website nor in the catalogue.

The normal CTL36AC vac comes with the standard 27mm AS hose with normal connectors whereas the CTL36AC PLANEX comes with the 36mm AS hose and the Planex connector at the other end.

 

[woodie]

I don't have an AC series vac but it was my understanding that the HEPA filter fits you just need to disable the pulse feature while using it. The HEPA filter doesn't react well to the instant back pressure.

I do have a Planex AS hose and I have to say, I really like this hose! It's crazy flexible and doesn't seem to get snagged on guide rails and corners as easily as the standard AS hose.  The tool end on the Planex hose has an added flange that's designed to lock to the Planex sander but the inner diameter is the same as the regular 36mm tool fitting.  I've used it on various tools with no issue.  In fact I think it stays on the tool better, perhaps due to the added stiffness from the flange.

Here's a pic of the standard 36mm AS hose and the Planex AS hose side by side.

[attachimg=#1]

This one is the Planex hose attached to a TS75.

[attachimg=#2]

Last one is the Planex hose attached to a short 27mm hose/adapter and sander.

[attachimg=#3]

 

[promark747]

The tool end on the Planex hose has an added flange that's designed to lock to the Planex sander but the inner diameter is the same as the regular 36mm tool fitting.  I've used it on various tools with no issue.  In fact I think it stays on the tool better, perhaps due to the added stiffness from the flange.

Is that hose fitting available as a spare part?

 

[woodie]

Is that hose fitting available as a spare part?

I would assume so. The only marking I found on the fitting was "TPE 2".  The fitting on the standard AS hose reads "TPE 1".  It seems a bit short but perhaps that's the part number?

 

[atlr]

Festool 493047 Hose Sleeve, Antistatic Connector Sleeve
http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/hepa-dust-extractors/reducing-hose-sleeves/hose-sleeve-antistatic-connector-sleeve-493047

And as an aside, I already have a regular 36mm AS hose.  Does Festool make and adapter to connect two 36mm hoses together that would each have the regular ends on each of them.  I'm thinking of taking my existing 36mm, cutting it to a shorter length to hook up my old CT22 to a Kapex, but still being able to bring it back to length for when I would need it via connecting it back togfether again.  The CT36AC hose that comes with the CT36AC would not be used except for with the CT36 AC vac.

 

[Bikeboy80]

I got the 36AC to use primarily with the Planex. But I find myself using it all the time with other tools. The regular 36 bags and HEPA filter fit perfectly into the AC, but like it was already said don't use the auto clean function with the HEPA filter installed. And you should only use a HEPA filter if you have a traditional bag installed, using the plastic liner or bagless will clog the filter quickly.

That being said I use the plastic liners with the standard AC filter for everything, to switch back and forth would be too much of a pain. To give you an idea of my usage the full bags are usually 90-95% drywall dust and the ballance wood dust.

The Planex hose can be used with all of the tools that accept the larger hose except for the 850 planer. The cleaning sets also do not fit the hose, bit I believe can be modified to fit.

The AC function clears out the filter, but again only works with the open plastic liner, or bagless.