TS-75 cutting metal sheets, which vacuum works best?

[Ujipster]

Hello,
I am cutting thin ~1/16" long metal sheets about 25-30 cuts a day. The Festool works great except I need a new vacuum. Since there is no dust there is not reason to go with a Festool dust extractor and the CFM is low compared to let's say the Fein. What would you recommend from experience to help keep the metal shrapnel contained with a vacuum system that will work with the TS-75? Your advice is appreciated!

 

[Locks14]

I think the Fein Dustex you mention is a fantastic choice. The 25/35 Litre Fein is half the price of the CTL 26/36, respectively. The only significant differences I can see are the suction is controlled at the hose end by way of a release valve as opposed to electronically at the vac, and it won't hold a Systainer on the top.

 

[Cheese]

Just a FYI...Festool does recommend that a spark trap (484 733) be placed between the hose and the dust extractor when you're cutting metal materials.

 

[rst]

If you're cutting steel you should use a spark arrester, but if aluminum you do not have to contend with sparks.  I cut aluminum all the time with my Fein vacs.

 

[Locks14]

This is a good point, Festool do recommend a spark trap.

However, I've just had a quick glance on google for Fein, Makita, Metabo, Bosch and Milwaukee dust extractor spark traps/arrestor. Now, none of these appear to sell such an accessory.

So I am curious, has anyone ever had or heard of a dust extractor catching fire through cutting metal with a circular saw? Has Festool designed a $150 solution to a problem that doesn't actually exist?

Since there is no dust, just shards of metal, would a suitable precaution simply be to remove the bag and allow the waste to collect directly in the plastic tank of an extractor?

 

[tjbnwi]

I believe the spark arrestor is available because Festools are used most often with wood. If you don't change or pull the bag this could be a bad combination. Just my guess.

Tom

 

[Cheese]

So I am curious, has anyone ever had or heard of a dust extractor catching fire through cutting metal with a circular saw? Has Festool designed a $150 solution to a problem that doesn't actually exist?

Since there is no dust, just shards of metal, would a suitable precaution simply be to remove the bag and allow the waste to collect directly in the plastic tank of an extractor?

Here's in an interesting link...
http://www.us-duct.com/special-duct-fabrications/spark-trap

If it were me and I was just cutting a few sheets of steel on a now & then basis, I'd just pull the vacuum bag out and proceed.

However, if I was going to cut many sheets of steel on a continuous basis, I'd spend the money and install the spark arrestor. For me that'd be easier than trying to remember if the bag was in the vacuum or not. That would also allow me to vacuum up floor/shop debris and then immediately start cutting steel without having to remove the bag first. For me the convenience/safety factor is worth the additional cost.

 

[AlexThePalex]

So I am curious, has anyone ever had or heard of a dust extractor catching fire through cutting metal with a circular saw? Has Festool designed a $150 solution to a problem that doesn't actually exist?

I remember about 5 or 6 years ago somebody here posted his vac caught on fire because of metal. He even posted a video of it.

 

[Rip Van Winkle]

This is a good point, Festool do recommend a spark trap.

However, I've just had a quick glance on google for Fein, Makita, Metabo, Bosch and Milwaukee dust extractor spark traps/arrestor. Now, none of these appear to sell such an accessory.

So I am curious, has anyone ever had or heard of a dust extractor catching fire through cutting metal with a circular saw? Has Festool designed a $150 solution to a problem that doesn't actually exist?

Since there is no dust, just shards of metal, would a suitable precaution simply be to remove the bag and allow the waste to collect directly in the plastic tank of an extractor?

Wood dust isn't the only dust that can catch fire. Aluminum, iron, and magnesium dust could also be a problem, and something that might be sanded while using a vacuum. There are likely other dusts that might cause a problem as well, which no one would think of, but which might be found on a job site.

Nilfisk-Alto makes spark arrestors, and their main specialty is industrial vacuums.

 

[Locks14]

This is a good point, Festool do recommend a spark trap.

However, I've just had a quick glance on google for Fein, Makita, Metabo, Bosch and Milwaukee dust extractor spark traps/arrestor. Now, none of these appear to sell such an accessory.

So I am curious, has anyone ever had or heard of a dust extractor catching fire through cutting metal with a circular saw? Has Festool designed a $150 solution to a problem that doesn't actually exist?

Since there is no dust, just shards of metal, would a suitable precaution simply be to remove the bag and allow the waste to collect directly in the plastic tank of an extractor?

Wood dust isn't the only dust that can catch fire. Aluminum, iron, and magnesium dust could also be a problem, and something that might be sanded while using a vacuum. There are likely other dusts that might cause a problem as well, which no one would think of, but which might be found on a job site.

Nilfisk-Alto makes spark arrestors, and their main specialty is industrial vacuums.

Ah, so they do. It's a quite reasonable $45/£30.

But back to the OP's query, personally I'd spend £240/$300 on a Fein and just dedicate it to metal and never put a bag in it.  Rather than $650 on a CT26 and $150 on a spark arrestor and use the $500 for something else.

 

[DB10]

If like the OP, I was doing between 25 & 30 cuts a day with metal then, as Locks 14 mentioned, I would definitely spend $300 on a dedicated vac like the Fein.

 

[Ujipster]

Thanks for the input! I'll try out the Fein and I'll build something to rest the saw on top of it. Cheers!

 

[Mr Heavy]

... and I'd certainly use a cyclone pre-filter (DRust Deputy?)
After that, just use your regular DC. It'll remain shrapnel free.

Just a thought - if you're doing a lot of this it might be worth considering a passive ash vac - just a basic lidded bucket separator but they tend to come with a fire-resistant metal hose. Should be possible to knock up a neat, serviceable adapter/sparktrap with beer cans and duct tape.

Aldi and suchlike occasionally sell the tubs 'n' tubes; about fifteen of your earthling pounds but I once picked one up for a fiver.