the PLANEX is coming, the PLANEX is coming!
- Thread starter tbellemare
- Start date
Allthough sometimes I feel very old, I didn't have a clue; but it gave me an opportunity to try out the google goggles app on my phone ;D
Fantasy Island
Fantasy Island
Jason Kehl
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I have the same question as Bob, will the standard CT work with the Planex and not cause damage to the CT? Along with this, from the CT Autoclean video it looks like the main filter is what gets cleaned with the autoclean feature.
If we are using bags in the CT (as we always should) would the main filter see very little, to no drywall dust and therefore cleaning not be an issue? The video, as nifty as it is, does not show a bag in the CT; this is not to suggest that we sand drywall with no collection/filter bag installed correct? I can't imagine that this would be a good idea.
j
If we are using bags in the CT (as we always should) would the main filter see very little, to no drywall dust and therefore cleaning not be an issue? The video, as nifty as it is, does not show a bag in the CT; this is not to suggest that we sand drywall with no collection/filter bag installed correct? I can't imagine that this would be a good idea.
j
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The standard CT's should work but supposedly not as well due to the volume of dust from sanding drywall.
Tom
Tom
EWTHeckman
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Jason Kehl said:
Here's what Shane had to say on the subject in a different thread:
Shane Holland said:
He also stated in another post that the volume of dust produced by the Planex can choke a standard CT. (I presume that's even with a bag.) Given what he said, it seems to me that there are really two reasonable choices for dust extraction with the Planex:
1) Use the CT 36 AutoClean
2) Use a standard CT with a prefilter, such as a Dust Deputy
There seems to be a lot of good info about the Planex getting scattered around several threads. I think it might be a good idea of someone could collect all the tidbits into a single location.
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I think what Shane meant to state was RRP work where lead-based paint could be disturbed.
The current configuration of CT's in NA can handle drywall work. With the new, self-clean bags, each time the unit is shut off, the bag deflates and knocks the "cake" off inside. The bag acts as a filter down to 5 microns and keeps almost all of the dust from entering the filter.
My understanding of the utility of the CT 36-AC over the CT 36 is the AutoClean feature and its ability to allow you to keep working continuously. The CT 36-AC can be set to clean the filter at varying intervals with a puff of air so you don't have to stop what you are doing and will still maintain maximum performance. The dust is not pre-filtered by a bag, however. It's apples and oranges.
Tom
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Please direct all future questions that you would like to have answered by Festool about the Planex or CT AC here:
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/consolidated-qa-for-planex-and-ct-autoclean
Thank you.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/consolidated-qa-for-planex-and-ct-autoclean
Thank you.
Frank Pellow
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EWTHeckman said:
This is exactly what I was about to suggest.
Julian Tracy
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As great as all that sounds, within this semi-promotional thread, there's been a few inaccuracies in regards to the PC 7800 unit.
Using PC'S foam backed discs, Ive experienced no built up at all of compound dust on the sanding pad - literally using the same pad for an entire 1200 sqft finished basment and its ready to do another job. They may be expensive, but Ive found they last a long time. I also use my sander for roughing and smoothing of previously painted walls - the discs do build up when using them for that, so I imagine some of Festool's alternative sandpapers would be an improvement over the PC's.
The PC hose does in fact "lock" into the sanders pole handle. It may not be a bayonet style locking mechanism, but it uses a standard 1 1/2" rubber gasket that compresses and grips the hose as you tighten the locking ring. Absolutely holds tight.
The on/off switch and variable speed settings are fairly well erganomically placed, can't say Ive ever missed them in use. Certainly easy to adjust and reach when sanding.
In ten plus years of using mine, I can say assuredly that Ive never found the handle's design slippery in use. I guess the fact that he dust collection works so well is why I dont sand with dusty hands! And while I could see the ability to make it shorter or longer to be handy, it fits in tight spaces by simply adjusting your hold on it, you simply use it in a sideways manner.
Longevity? I bought mine used over ten years ago and have had no downtime in all the time Ive used it for countless kitchens, baths and basement new drywall work in addition to much use prior to repainting.
Who am I fooling though, nobody here wants a $450 PC sander when Festool has one for $1000. But for those with slimmer wallets, its a great unit and has excellant dust collection and not as many downsides as havue been presented here.
If they handed me a full UG Kapex stand Id be the first to tell you how much better it was than my sawhelper. If they handed me a Festool drywall sander Id be telling you what a piece of crap my PC unit was.
But if I'm spending the money, I get a little more picky about value/cost propositions.
FYI though, Ive been using mine with a Fein vac years ago and a CT22 vac for the last few years with no issues. To think Id buy a $700 vac only to use for drywall work is a trip.
Bad enough Ive got a hepa vac that apparently isnt hepa enough...
Julian
Using PC'S foam backed discs, Ive experienced no built up at all of compound dust on the sanding pad - literally using the same pad for an entire 1200 sqft finished basment and its ready to do another job. They may be expensive, but Ive found they last a long time. I also use my sander for roughing and smoothing of previously painted walls - the discs do build up when using them for that, so I imagine some of Festool's alternative sandpapers would be an improvement over the PC's.
The PC hose does in fact "lock" into the sanders pole handle. It may not be a bayonet style locking mechanism, but it uses a standard 1 1/2" rubber gasket that compresses and grips the hose as you tighten the locking ring. Absolutely holds tight.
The on/off switch and variable speed settings are fairly well erganomically placed, can't say Ive ever missed them in use. Certainly easy to adjust and reach when sanding.
In ten plus years of using mine, I can say assuredly that Ive never found the handle's design slippery in use. I guess the fact that he dust collection works so well is why I dont sand with dusty hands! And while I could see the ability to make it shorter or longer to be handy, it fits in tight spaces by simply adjusting your hold on it, you simply use it in a sideways manner.
Longevity? I bought mine used over ten years ago and have had no downtime in all the time Ive used it for countless kitchens, baths and basement new drywall work in addition to much use prior to repainting.
Who am I fooling though, nobody here wants a $450 PC sander when Festool has one for $1000. But for those with slimmer wallets, its a great unit and has excellant dust collection and not as many downsides as havue been presented here.
If they handed me a full UG Kapex stand Id be the first to tell you how much better it was than my sawhelper. If they handed me a Festool drywall sander Id be telling you what a piece of crap my PC unit was.
But if I'm spending the money, I get a little more picky about value/cost propositions.
FYI though, Ive been using mine with a Fein vac years ago and a CT22 vac for the last few years with no issues. To think Id buy a $700 vac only to use for drywall work is a trip.
Bad enough Ive got a hepa vac that apparently isnt hepa enough...
Julian
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Again, the abrasives is where your true cost of ownership lies. Here are some numbers for you.
You buy 180 sheets of PC abrasives at (on the very low side if you buy online) $20 for a box of 5 sheets, total cost $720. If you buy locally, you can expect to pay closer to $35 per box of 5 sheets.
You buy 180 sheets of Planex abrasives at $30 for a box of 25, total cost $216.
You've paid for the difference in the cost of the sanders right there. So, how long does it take you to use 180 sheets of abrasives, which don't last nearly as long on the PC. We have a commercial drywall crew on the east coast that's been running the Planex for a few months. Their feedback was that they use one PC abrasive sheet per hour on average. The Festool abrasive lasts 5 hours per sheet under the same conditions, same crew. So, it only takes a few weeks to pay the difference in cost for the Planex. After that, you're saving $500 every few weeks. That's not even taking into consideration that our abrasives last longer. That's just sheer purchase costs. So, divide the 180 by the factor by which our abrasives last longer.
I know I'm not going to change your mind, Julian. This information isn't really directed toward you. It's to share with those members who wish to make an educated purchasing decision. It's simply a smart business decision making you far more profitable than competitors running the PC unit in a very short period of time.
Sorry, I was mistaken about the hose. It does have a screw on collar. The information I had must have been dated because I watched a video review of the PC unit and that was a complaint. I will edit my original statement. I have ran the PC unit but the hose was already attached when I picked it up. My apologies for the error in my statement. I don't intend to debate the topic. For those considering a drywall sander, go look at them in person and compare them side by side. Use the 30-day money back guarantee and run the Planex. I have complete confidence that its a far superior drywall sanding solution, hands down.
Shane
You buy 180 sheets of PC abrasives at (on the very low side if you buy online) $20 for a box of 5 sheets, total cost $720. If you buy locally, you can expect to pay closer to $35 per box of 5 sheets.
You buy 180 sheets of Planex abrasives at $30 for a box of 25, total cost $216.
You've paid for the difference in the cost of the sanders right there. So, how long does it take you to use 180 sheets of abrasives, which don't last nearly as long on the PC. We have a commercial drywall crew on the east coast that's been running the Planex for a few months. Their feedback was that they use one PC abrasive sheet per hour on average. The Festool abrasive lasts 5 hours per sheet under the same conditions, same crew. So, it only takes a few weeks to pay the difference in cost for the Planex. After that, you're saving $500 every few weeks. That's not even taking into consideration that our abrasives last longer. That's just sheer purchase costs. So, divide the 180 by the factor by which our abrasives last longer.
I know I'm not going to change your mind, Julian. This information isn't really directed toward you. It's to share with those members who wish to make an educated purchasing decision. It's simply a smart business decision making you far more profitable than competitors running the PC unit in a very short period of time.
Sorry, I was mistaken about the hose. It does have a screw on collar. The information I had must have been dated because I watched a video review of the PC unit and that was a complaint. I will edit my original statement. I have ran the PC unit but the hose was already attached when I picked it up. My apologies for the error in my statement. I don't intend to debate the topic. For those considering a drywall sander, go look at them in person and compare them side by side. Use the 30-day money back guarantee and run the Planex. I have complete confidence that its a far superior drywall sanding solution, hands down.
Shane
Julian Tracy
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One sanding pad per hour!??!
Seriously? Ok guys, those that have used the PC, Please chime in. I mean, we're talking drywally dust here, and good dust extraction.
Anyone going through one pad an hour is making a cut on the materials or taking a break everytime they switch it out.
If I did only drywall, Im sure itd be worth it, but this being a primarily woodworking forum, I'm betting theres not too many commercial drywallers in the house here.
Im just a lowly remodeler, and Im pretty sure after 10 years or so, I sand about the same as the big crews. One big basement, 8 buckets of green mud, a few bags of brown and white durabond, and a weeks and a half of on again, off again sanding and I didnt wear out one pad. (space cut up into many rooms with different finishing schedules)
I did walk out with 2-3 bags of drywall dust and none on the floor.
Tell us it's pretty and shiny and well made, but dont use rediculous expendable charts to justify the price.
Pad an hour? They must be sanding cement or foam, not drywall compound...
OK - Im all done with the green downer party - continue with the hype. I should mention again, I'm no hater - I have near $10k of fancy green tools myself, But please, lets be realistic...
Julian
Seriously? Ok guys, those that have used the PC, Please chime in. I mean, we're talking drywally dust here, and good dust extraction.
Anyone going through one pad an hour is making a cut on the materials or taking a break everytime they switch it out.
If I did only drywall, Im sure itd be worth it, but this being a primarily woodworking forum, I'm betting theres not too many commercial drywallers in the house here.
Im just a lowly remodeler, and Im pretty sure after 10 years or so, I sand about the same as the big crews. One big basement, 8 buckets of green mud, a few bags of brown and white durabond, and a weeks and a half of on again, off again sanding and I didnt wear out one pad. (space cut up into many rooms with different finishing schedules)
I did walk out with 2-3 bags of drywall dust and none on the floor.
Tell us it's pretty and shiny and well made, but dont use rediculous expendable charts to justify the price.
Pad an hour? They must be sanding cement or foam, not drywall compound...
OK - Im all done with the green downer party - continue with the hype. I should mention again, I'm no hater - I have near $10k of fancy green tools myself, But please, lets be realistic...
Julian
Ken Nagrod
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Here's a little more from my personal experience using the PC7800 I used to own and use for around 9 years (?) My sanding discs typically lasted through a half days use each, but that's also dependent on factors like the grit size, the kind of wall finish/compound type, how dry the compound is ( I can load a disc up and kill it with wet compound in a minute ) and the tool's operator. I haven't had a chance to use the Planex system, so I don't know how much longer the paper holds out on equivalent work that I normally do.
There are 2 hoses on a Porter Cable drywall sander. the main suction hose off the handle to the vacuum is held in by a screw-on floating clipped collar. Sometimes people have the metal clip pop out on them and the hose no longer stays in place. It's there to allow rotation of the hose. The PIA hose is the smaller one at the sanding head. Even with new plastic clips and a replacement hose, it frequently popped off and then you get drywall dust flying out. It usually pops out from flexing the head a lot. I was able to see how it slowly works itself off. Poor design.
Julian, it sounds like you got yourself a good PC unit. Few and far between from my experience and others I've talked with that owned and used them. Not trying to pressure you into buying the Planex or making you feel like the outcast, but like I said before. If you have the opportunity to try one, I think you should. You may be a convert. [unsure]
There are 2 hoses on a Porter Cable drywall sander. the main suction hose off the handle to the vacuum is held in by a screw-on floating clipped collar. Sometimes people have the metal clip pop out on them and the hose no longer stays in place. It's there to allow rotation of the hose. The PIA hose is the smaller one at the sanding head. Even with new plastic clips and a replacement hose, it frequently popped off and then you get drywall dust flying out. It usually pops out from flexing the head a lot. I was able to see how it slowly works itself off. Poor design.
Julian, it sounds like you got yourself a good PC unit. Few and far between from my experience and others I've talked with that owned and used them. Not trying to pressure you into buying the Planex or making you feel like the outcast, but like I said before. If you have the opportunity to try one, I think you should. You may be a convert. [unsure]
Julian Tracy
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Yep - must have a good one, cause that little hose has never budged on mine, and it sees a lot of use in general over the course of each year.
If he Festool was closer to $650-700, id seriously talk myself into one, but the $1000 mark is over my reasonable limit - we are talking about drywall here, and the PC unit sands pretty darn fast as it is, i can't see there being a huge productivity improvement.
I like my tools to match ALMOST as much as most here....
Jt
If he Festool was closer to $650-700, id seriously talk myself into one, but the $1000 mark is over my reasonable limit - we are talking about drywall here, and the PC unit sands pretty darn fast as it is, i can't see there being a huge productivity improvement.
I like my tools to match ALMOST as much as most here....
Jt
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