TS55 + Festool Dust Extractor Question

[gtbuzz]

I've got a question about how the Festool dust extractors perform with my TS55.

I recently came along a great deal on a Fein Turbo 2 vacuum (the one with the VS). Yeah, it's not a CT26, but I was able to get a brand new unit (albeit open box) for almost $400 less than the CT26 so I figured I'd give it a shot. When I plug my TS55 into the auto-sensing port, I notice that when the saw is running, I don't get full suction. The Fein has 5 speed settings and I'd say based on sound it's only about speed 1/5 to 2/5. When the saw turns off the vacuum speeds back up to full speed for a few seconds while the hose clears out.

I measured the power draw on the vacuum and saw. The Fein vacuum pulls 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 amps for each of the 5 speeds (so at 120v and 10 amps, 1200 watts, which is the same spec listed on the CT26). The TS55 alone, depending on the speed seems to pull anywhere between 5-8 amps (initial draw is 10-15 though). I'm running the vac on a 20 amp circuit, so I suppose that it makes sense that with 7ish amps on the saw, the vac can't run at a full 10 amps. On a 20 amp circuit, you've about maxed out the head room and seems like you'd ask for trouble on a 15 amp circuit. I'm slightly disappointed that at the lowest speed on the TS55 (with a 5 amp draw), the vac doesn't automatically speed up to speed 3 or 4. Could just be the nature of the beast though.

Having said all of that, how does the TS55 work with one of the Festool dust extractors? Do the Festool units also slow down when a high amp tool is plugged into it? Will they automatically adjust to provide the max vacuum power available?

Right now with the Fein I'm just not using the auto start on the vacuum and plugging the saw into a separate outlet, but it sure would be nice if I didn't have to do that with a CT26. Would it be worth the $400 (and getting to stack my systainers on top) though? Decisions, decisions...

 

[Jaybolishes]

My ac36 doesn't get phazed at all by my ts55.  It's cord is extremely thick to handle the power needed to run both the vac and the saw.  I've plugged into so many different outlets, never pops the breaker and always works flawlessly. The suction is always constant even when using the saw.

 

[Dogwood]

All I can say is that with my midi and sanders hooked up the suction seems to be very consistant. I've never measured the draw mind you, only observed the tone of the extractor to be the same regardless of whether a tool is plugged into it or not.

Maybe someone has an idea what could be wrong, but if you bought it for such a great deal you could probably sell it for no loss.

 

[Stone Message]

My CT26 works brilliantly with both my TS55 and my TS55R (and all my other stuff of course!) - there is no change of speed/suction when the saw is going.

Stick to Festool!

Peter

 

[nickao]

Your Fein may be messed up in some way.

I have 4 Fein vacs and 2 Festool CT 36 and NONE, Fein or Festool are effected by plugging in a tool.

I think it may be more the wiring where you are. Have you tried it in a different home or office?

My Fein's do not react to plugging in a tool at all.

 

[gtbuzz]

Thanks for all the replies. I thought I'd also mention that I have an RO90 that works worderfully with it. Speeds 1-5 all work fine with the auto trigger port. That's why I was thinking that it may have something to do with high current draw tools.

I haven't tried a different house, but I've tried a couple of different outlets in my house (all on different circuits). Some 15 amp, some 20 amp, all the same behavior. I suppose a call to Fein is in my future. Or maybe just a CT26...

I am curious though. I couldn't find a spec on the Festool website, but according to the Amazon page, the CT26 consumes 1200 watts. At 120V, that's 10A, right? If a TS55 uses 8A, how is that possible on a 15A circuit without the breaker tripping? Seems even on a 20A circuit, you're pretty darn close to the max. I'm not an electrical engineer or electrician though so my train of thought could be completely wrong.

 

[dmc123]

Festool may throttle the current (MMC?) to limit the surge, or perhaps not go to full capacity.  The devices can't know what size breaker it's plugged into (they're smart but not that smart).  I'd like to know if the FULL vac rating is met under load for both tool and CT.  The sum amperage of the CT and one(or more) tools can't possibly always be met with large demand.

For example,  I thought I read somewhere that it's recommended to put your Kapex and CT on different circuits and switch to manual for "full capacity".  Does a TS-55 perform better ripping hardwood when plugged into a dedicated circuit?  I've never worried too much about full vac performance...

 

[Stone Message]

Hi DMC

In the UK, where we have 240v mains, there are no issues plugging things like the Kapex or OF2200 into the CT - I run all of my Festool kit through the CT with no problems at all.

Peter

 

[dmc123]

Right.  No problems, and I don't have one, but on a 120v system -  say 13.3a for the Kapex +  about 8.3a for CT26 = 21.3a through a tool-triggered CT.  If you can't draw 20a through a 15a breaker, then something isn't running at max power or suction.  On top of that, the "total connect load max is 12a/1440w"

I looked on festoolusa and the Kapex is 1600w.  TS55 is 1200w.
And this is for the CT26 (probably all the same)

Dust extractor CT 26 E, CT 36 E
Power consumption (dust extractor only)  2.9 - 8.3 A (350 - 1000 W)
1.)
Total connected load max. 12 A (1440 W)
Max. rating of connected Power Tool 3.7 A
2.)

And here are the footnotes:
1.)  8.3 A (1000 W) is the medium value for different operation conditions, a maximum power consumption of 10 A (1200 W) is possible.
2.) When the suction power adjuster [1-7] is adjusted to the lowest suction power (see page 10, chapter Settings - Adjusting the suction power) the maximal rating of a connected power tool can be 9.1 Amps.

 

[semenza]

Thanks for all the replies. I thought I'd also mention that I have an RO90 that works worderfully with it. Speeds 1-5 all work fine with the auto trigger port. That's why I was thinking that it may have something to do with high current draw tools.

I haven't tried a different house, but I've tried a couple of different outlets in my house (all on different circuits). Some 15 amp, some 20 amp, all the same behavior. I suppose a call to Fein is in my future. Or maybe just a CT26...

I am curious though. I couldn't find a spec on the Festool website, but according to the Amazon page, the CT26 consumes 1200 watts. At 120V, that's 10A, right? If a TS55 uses 8A, how is that possible on a 15A circuit without the breaker tripping? Seems even on a 20A circuit, you're pretty darn close to the max. I'm not an electrical engineer or electrician though so my train of thought could be completely wrong.

Hi,

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

The CTs, regardless of model,  will run at full power with the TS55 connected. And even with Kapex connected.  I don't know about the Feins, but dovetail said his work at full power.  My thinking is that something is wrong with the one you have. Could be thats why it was an open box    (return) ?

Seth

Hi,

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

The amp draw rating on the

 

[gtbuzz]

So I was able to talk to some people at Fein and they what I'm seeing is exactly what's supposed to happen. On a low power tool, such as my RO90, the vacuum will happily delivery both full suction (not that I would want it) as well as full power to the tool. The issue comes in to play when using a high power tool such as the TS55. The Fein is designed to draw a max of 15 amps, so they say that the motor give power to the tool if required. I suppose it's kind of the same thing as when Festool says the onboard power plug only delivers 3.7A but can deliver up to 9A at lowest suction.

All things being equal, I'd probably still go for the CT26, but I'm quite happy with it in the end. Much quieter than my old Ridgid shop vac and the money I saved (even with adding a HEPA filter and buying some bags) pays for most of OF1400  [smile]

 

[Stone Message]

....All things being equal, I'd probably still go for the CT26, but I'm quite happy with it in the end. Much quieter than my old Ridgid shop vac and the money I saved (even with adding a HEPA filter and buying some bags) pays for most of OF1400  [smile]

My CT26 is the silent hero of my workshop - it helps to make all my other Festool tools perform really well. Good decision.

Peter

 

[robertscraft]

The CT26 tool outlet is rated at 3.7 amps. This rating may be some sort of disclaimer by Festool in the event of an overload condition. I never overload a circuit on the job site. I use two separate circuits. I do not want the added responsibility or an unhappy customer in case something goes wrong.

 

[Corwin]

My CT26 is the silent hero of my workshop

Maybe I need to upgrade from my CT22, as mine isn't silent when in use.  Hero, yes -- just not silent.   [tongue]

 

[3PedalMINI]

Ive got the CT-26 for the shop and recently the CT-Midi for working onsite. I can say without a doubt these vacuums dont get the praise they deserve. To have the suction and superior filtration is incredible, Coupled with that a HEPA certification  [smile] For the longest time i had such a hard time swallowing the price tag of these gems but im glad i took the plunge.

Honestly, ive noticed that customers get intimidated when you drag a standard shop vac into their home but thats besides the point lol! Ive had a few of my customers catch the HEPA sticker on the side and  comment that my "shop vac" is probably cleaner then their home vacuum cleaner  [tongue]

And to answer the OP's question i have never had a power fluctuation with a multitude of tools ive had plugged into the CT"s