Testing the suction on a Festool CT26E vacuum cleaner

[derekcohen]

My CT26E is about 5 years old now. Until recently, I had no reason to question how well it sucks (it is almost always set to full suction). However, I wanted to connect it to a drill press outlet (to suck up shavings), and it struggled. Videos of similar set up do not struggle.

I checked the bag. It is clean as I use a Dust Commander (same as a Dust Deputy), and this does a good job. I tried the set up by-passing the Dust Commander. Same results. I cleaned out the HEPA filter - they were not bad (after 5 years!). A little dust, but nothing to write home about. The hoses are 27, 35, and 50mm, and they do not appear blocked.

The CT26E has good suction with a hand against the nozzle. It will lift a short board. But a few inches from the nozzle there is little "pull". How does yours perform? Is mine seriously deficient and time to be serviced?

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[AstroKeith]

I would replace the HEPA filter. After 5 years it will be clogged with very fine dust, so fine you cant see it. That is what HEPA's do!

That said, I do find performance on my drill press variable. Drilling slowly with a forstner bit can be spectacular. Using a hole saw not so! I have an adjustable nozzle on my set up and I need to get it within 1-2cm of the cutting edge for really effective pick up.

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

Check you hose too, could be partially blocked.

 

[xedos]

Anemometer.

 

[AlexThePalex]

But a few inches from the nozzle there is little "pull". How does yours perform? Is mine seriously deficient and time to be serviced?

Mines are just like that, and so is any other Festool vac I've used. I find Festool's vacs severely underpowered compared to the competition. It is as if they only have proper suction for working with a tool connected, a small air stream through narrow channels which are almost always completely covered, but as soon as a gap has to be overcome, they just lack the power and suction drops dramatically.

I find this very disappointing, they work will with tools connected, but they just suck for general clean up. I have a household vac of €70 with a motor that's 1/4th the size of those of my €450 Mini and Midi, but it has almost double the suction. I don't get it.

 

[Rob Z]

Derek,

My observations are along the same lines as Alex.  The CTs are remarkable when connected to a tool, or with the hose placed just a few inches at most from a source of dust, but past that...not noteworthy.  I always figured this was some part of the design.

If your fleece bags have been installed correctly, then I wouldn't think that your filter is in need of replacement just because it has been 5 years.  I gave a Midi to my Dad about five years ago and he is still on the same filter and he reports the performance is still fine (I've offered to send a new filter to him when he needs it).  He has been using it for sanding and also with the cleaning kit.

 

[derekcohen]

I should add that I have always used a long life bag rather than the replaceable bags. This rarely has any shavings or dust in it, which is expected owing to the Dust Commander doing its job. However, I now suspect that the pores of the bag are blocked with fine dust, and need to be cleaned. I can only get to this on the weekend, so have some time to reflect and check with others .... how many have washed a long life bag? Is this recommended, it is it enough to beat it into submission?

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Peter_C]

Put your hand over the end of the hose as-is for reference. Pull the bag out, pull the filter out, and put it back together. How is the suction now? If great put the filter back in, and check it again. With the bag back in, remove the filter; how is it now? You get the idea.

 

[Gregor]

I should add that I have always used a long life bag rather than the replaceable bags.

I turn mine inside out and vacuum it (with another vac) from time to time.

 

[derekcohen]

Peter, Gregor ... thanks. That is what I shall do this weekend.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[derekcohen]

Reporting back ...

Cleaning the long life bag made a different, not huge, but definitely there. The hoses were checked for blockages (none, and then tested again. Both can lift shavings, etc about 3" away from the nozzle now, where before it had to be at the nozzle.

Regards from Perth

Derek