Using lower speed on dust extractors?

[jmatz]

Just wondering what situations would benefit from dialing down the suction control on any of the Dust extractors.  As far as I can tell, my saw, router and domino get the best dust-free performance with my CT33 set to full suction.

Anyone dial it down for any reason, other than making it quieter?

Thanks for any insight.

JM

 

[Dan Lyke]

I've had sticking issues with both the OF 1010 router and the ETS 150/5 sander with the suction dialed up too high, in one case I thought I had kickback or something 'cause my (small piece that I was cutting bolt head recesses in) disappeared from the table when I lifted up the router, only to have it fall off as the dust collector slowed down.

Kinda disconcerting and made me feel silly, but no harm done...

 

[Bob Marino]

  I have only dialed it down when using the RS 400 and ES 125 sanders. Too much suction tends to make the pads stick a bit.

Bob

 

[pteubel]

I find the slow speed is also good for vacuuming out tool drawers. Keeps small parts from being sucked up into never-never land.

 

[jmatz]

Thanks everyone.  Those reasons all make sense.  I haven't used any of my tools much yet... as I ease in to a large project I'm starting this week, I'll monitor what settings seem best.

 

[Bob Childress]

I find the slow speed is also good for vacuuming out tool drawers. Keeps small parts from being sucked up into never-never land.

Ditto for vacuuming tabletops, etc. where tools and parts are lying about. It's a PITA to dig in the dust bag for a hinge screw. DAMHIKT. 

 

[Matthew Schenker]

The only time I have turned down the dust extractor speed is when I was using it to clean up debris on a table top.  But even then, I often use it at full speed.

I do wonder whether full speed is always needed.

Just the other day, I was cutting with my TS55 and noticed that on some cuts I could actually feel some resistance as I pushed the saw along the guide rail, due to the suction of the dust extractor.  Sometimes, I get the same sensation with the sanders.  This is a good sign, I think!

Matthew

 

[mastercabman]

one reason why you want to reduce the speed is that,when it is reduced,less amps is use to run the vac.that means,if you plug a 13-15 amps tool to the vac,you can pop the breaker.especially if there a lots of other things on the same circuit.so by reducing the speed you can use your tool without tripping a breaker.but i think the main reason why they put a speed control is because of the hard suction with sanding.to much suction makes the pad to stick.digging into your workpiece

 

[ejantny]

I have a mini dedicated to the Domino and leave it on the low setting without problems. I also have the CT33 which is left on full power most of the time.

 

[Tinker]

I have a mini dedicated to the Domino and leave it on the low setting without problems. I also have the CT33 which is left on full power most of the time.

That's interresting. The lowest powered vac set lowest speed while highest powered vac set highest.  Anyhow, I have both the33 and 22.  for most operations, i use each @ full speed.  I do slow them down where I am apt to pick up solid pieces such as screws & nuts. For the most part, if I am apt to run into those problems, i have an old Milwaukee shop vac that i use.  I would hate to damage one on my CT's.  i have not tried slowing them down for sanding as others have suggested, but will try next time. 
Tinker

 

[ejantny]

Tinker I do the same, I have an older Rigid that I use for general stuff where large amounts of stuff is being picked up.

I also have a Fein dedicated to my Incra/Woodpecker table.

 

[EdL]

For sanding or jigsaw work I run my ct22 at 50%. Of2000 router and circ saw are run wide open with the larger vac hose.
I haven't used the Domino enough yet to really determine the best setting.

Ed