Video Review of the CTL 26 Extractor

[Stone Message]

Hello Everyone

I have owned my CTL 26 for just over 6 months now and have made a short video review of this lovely extractor.

I am very pleased with this very quiet yet powerful machine. The self clean filter bags are amazing - when the machine turns off the bag collapses on itself and makes all of the caked dust fall into the centre of the bag. Then, when you switch on again, it is like having a new filter bag.

For those who are worried about the price of bags you can either use a Dust Deputy or find a clever way to empty the bags - it can be done but I would not recommend doing it too often as the bag will lose some of its efficiency after a while.

There are plenty of threads here on the FOG about hose sizes and Shane has provided some invaluable advice. I have found that the 36mm hose is essential for my Kapex, OF 2200 and my TS55. All three will work with a 27mm hose attached but not quite as well. My Rotex sander and domino work perfectly with the 27mm hose.

When Festool were offering some vouchers last year I saved mine up to buy a 5m x 36mm hose and have recently acquired a 3.5m x 36mm hose which I have shortened and is dedicated to my Kapex 120. This works really well and the dust collection is superb considering the difficulty collecting dust from mitre saws.

Festool CTL 26 Extractor Review

Peter

 

[Kev]

That Piano - aargh ... But I'll never mistake one of you vids  [smile]

The CT 26 & 36 are awesome units for sure. The bags are the key to getting the most out of them. I've seen a number of third party bags on offer ... I haven't tried them - but for anyone thinking about it, there's a lot more to these bags than their dimensions. Their self cleaning nature is their key.

Have you thought about the boom arm? I'm giving it serious consideration.

Kev

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Kev

If you produce videos for YouTube you have to own the copyright of every part - including the music. The music, written by Scott Joplin, is out of copyright and it is played by my son on his piano at home. I may have to get him to do something on his Les Paul just for a change and help you keep your sanity!

I have not yet considered the boom arm although I have made up a hose support from some aluminium tube with a curly piece on the end for the hose to pass through. I also have some hooks in my workshop ceiling and can attach a bungee to these and hook the hose through that.

The self clean filter bags are so clever - I am not sure how they work but they really do perform exactly the way that Festool claim.

Thanks for watching the video.

Peter

 

[GhostFist]

not owning a kapex, i was amazed to see the dust extraction on it without the use of a hood even. keen eye on that kapex i tell you, perhaps by the end of the year. over xmas i received a CT midi, which is the perfect size for my mobile tools at the moment, i had just finished doing some sanding on a red oak stool in my kitchen, sans dust mask and without the need to sweep up a spec. Completely happy with festool dust extractors.

 

[Stone Message]

Dear Ghost,

I am absolutely delighted with my CTL26. The demo with the Kapex is quite amazing. When I first bought the extractor I used the 27mm hose with the Kapex and was reasonably happy. Then, I read, here on the FOG, advice that the 36mm hose would be better and it should be kept as short as possible. With my setup I have just enough hose (about 2m) to allow the CTL 26 to be on the floor next to the Kapex bench.

In UK, last year, Festool had a number of voucher offers for £50 or £75. I should have used mine to buy a 36mm hose. I am sure that there will be other deals going and most dealers, if pushed, will offer some sort of 'arrangement' on accessory prices if you are also buying a machine. If you do buy a Kapex then shop around and see what dealers are allowed to offer on the 36mm hose.

Peter

 

[sancho57]

Peter,
Did the watch help you time your cuts with te Kapex?

Sorry but I love that watch video.

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Sancho - good to talk to you again,

As you know, the watch is amazing...I knew that it was about time to do a dust extractor video for people to watch and so I did not give it a second thought and got on with the job in hand.

Did you know that you can use a Festool watch for measuring distances? Using my watch, I set off with my back to the garden gate. After 1 minute and 20 seconds (measured on the watch) I reach the hedge at the bottom of the garden. Each pace is 70 cms and I walk at 90 paces a minute. From this I can deduce that...
   
  a. It is a long way to the bottom of the garden (but not as far as the pub which takes 10 minutes and 5 seconds to get there).

  b. It is lonely standing by the hedge.

  c. It is better to stay in the workshop when it is raining.

Now that is a huge amount of insight provided by just one little watch. Also, using the watch, I have discovered a discontinuity in the space time continuum as it takes 13 minutes and 45 seconds to get home from the pub despite using the same route.

Peter

 

[Kev]

I have discovered a discontinuity in the space time continuum as it takes 13 minutes and 45 seconds to get home from the pub despite using the same route.

The same timeline disruptions also seem to occur here. Maybe we need to organise an controlled experiment where we both walk to and from the local on different sides of the world and see if this time dilation affects us in exactly the same way.

Nothing like having a good scientific reason to drink whisky.

Kev.

 

[JPF Woodworking]

Dear Peter,

I thoroughly enjoy watching all of your videos, music not with standing of course (I actually enjoy Joplin and think this adds a personalized touch). If you don't mind to do have a couple of questions:

1. You mention the Dust Deputy and I was wondering what your think of this unit? It seems to make sense to add this to cut down on the amount of debris entering the dust extractor. The unit I was looking at nests quite nicely on top of the dust extractor and comes with all thenecessary hoses to connect to the Festool extractors.

2. One thing that stood out about your review was the second outlet. You said this was an option, is that correct? You need to order it special? If you wanted to connect a second tool to the dust extractor why wouldn't you use a Y-connection? Do you think the reduction in air flow would cut down on the efficiency of the unit (not sure I am making sense here). To bad Festool doesn't make a Y-connection that can switch between two tools sensing which one is being used to make a baffle close one way or the other....

Again, much appreciation for all of your reviews. I must add here that my wife doesn't appreciate them at all. I think this ought have something to do with my muttering "I need to get me one of those right away..." [big grin]

Best regards!  John

 

[Stone Message]

Dear John

I bought the basic Dust deputy from the US ($39) and made up my own drop box. I had no problems making the hoses fit by using some old bits of plastic pipe. My 'default' setup is to have the Kapex connected. I use a very short length of 36mm hose from the DD to the Kapex. I have a 1.8m length of 36mm hose from the CTL26 to the DD. I cannot detect any significant difference with the DD in the circuit - the dust collection is very good. When I use other tools I try to use a 36mm hose but with tools such as the Domino and Rotex 90 I have to use the 27mm hose. Even so I am delighted with the efficiency of the setup. I have attached a picture.

The second outlet is a Festool accessory which I fitted myself. I agree that one could buy a two-way adaptor to provide an extra socket but I wanted to keep things looking neat as things do get photographed and videoed quite a bit. I have read that the 'Y' splitter for the vacuum is not a good idea unless you make up some form of blast gate or are only using a sander where the extra suction is not so vital. Yes, it would be nice to have an automatic blast gate but this does detract from the portability/mobility aspect of the extractor.

I think that everyone knows that I adore my Festool tools but have only added the DD to keep running costs down. If the cost of the extra bags is not an issue then do not bother with the DD as it does complicate things a bit. If I am working away from home it has to stay behind as I do not have a van/truck.

Get your wife to read my book - that will keep her quiet for ages!!   www.amazon.com/dp/B004GUSDWW should find it in the US.

Peter

- I just noticed...With the 27mm hose (in the oicture) you do not need any extra plastic pipe to make it fit. But, with the 36mm hose you do need the plastic adaptor as the inside of the 36mm connector is bigger than the 27mm one.

 

[sancho57]

Peter,

I was reading your response and laughing out loud, good thing the wife is still sleeping or she would be looking at me crazy like for laughing at the computer.

I am going to another festool end users class in Apr. Im going to ask Steve where i can get me a festool watch. I will tell him the preciseness and accuracy of it will help my work improve 110%.

That as it is part of the system I will need  it to completely  integrate my current inventory of festools.

 

[Stone Message]

Thanks Sancho - better wake the wife now - take her a nice cup of tea.

Peter

 

[sancho57]

She got up I was out in the shop working on a project and I had to go buy some nore ply and I took her to lunch.

I couldnt tell you what time we left and got back

 

[Brice Burrell]

She got up I was out in the shop working on a project and I had to go buy some nore ply and I took her to lunch....

Did you make her earn that lunch by helping to carry the ply?? [tongue]

....I couldnt tell you what time we left and got back

[big grin]

 

[mastercabman]

Hi Sancho - good to talk to you again,

As you know, the watch is amazing...I knew that it was about time to do a dust extractor video for people to watch and so I did not give it a second thought and got on with the job in hand.

Did you know that you can use a Festool watch for measuring distances? Using my watch, I set off with my back to the garden gate. After 1 minute and 20 seconds (measured on the watch) I reach the hedge at the bottom of the garden. Each pace is 70 cms and I walk at 90 paces a minute. From this I can deduce that...
   
   a. It is a long way to the bottom of the garden (but not as far as the pub which takes 10 minutes and 5 seconds to get there).

   b. It is lonely standing by the hedge.

   c. It is better to stay in the workshop when it is raining.

Now that is a huge amount of insight provided by just one little watch. Also, using the watch, I have discovered a discontinuity in the space time continuum as it takes 13 minutes and 45 seconds to get home from the pub despite using the same route.

Peter

Peter,Have you gave any thought about doing stand up comedy? [laughing] [laughing] [laughing]

 

[sancho57]

She got up I was out in the shop working on a project and I had to go buy some nore ply and I took her to lunch....

Did you make her earn that lunch by helping to carry the ply?? [tongue]

....I couldnt tell you what time we left and got back

Of course, who do ya think held up the stack of ply on the rack while i was picking out the sheet I wanted.

[big grin]

 

[ToolHutt]

Peter, this video is fantastic. My CTL 26 AC just arrived this week and I am getting it set up.
One thing I am struggling with is how to determine the max amps it will draw.
All the best.
Bob.

 

[Stone Message]

Peter, this video is fantastic. My CTL 26 AC just arrived this week and I am getting it set up.
One thing I am struggling with is how to determine the max amps it will draw.
All the best.
Bob.

Hi Bob

The current will depend on whether you have a tool plugged into the power socket and, if so, what current it will draw. I am based in the UK and I can use all of my Festool kit (look at my info block at the bottom) and remain inside the UK 13 amp maximum. I have also used the Domino DF700 which I borrowed from Warren at Toolfest.

Thank you for your kind comments.

Peter

 

[Nareikuk]

Right, so not only do you cause my wife to complain about what I spend on festools, now I have to buy your book as well? I al ready have a CT Midi, very tempted to get a CT26 as well - not that I 'need' it yet, but I am planning on going the CMS router route and the '26 looks really useful as a more fixed vac, leaving my midi as the portable.

Your videos have been more or less responsible for me going for the MFT, domino, TS55, various bench dogs, etc. festool should be employing you full time as their main marketing guy!

 

[Stone Message]

Right, so not only do you cause my wife to complain about what I spend on festools, now I have to buy your book as well? I al ready have a CT Midi, very tempted to get a CT26 as well - not that I 'need' it yet, but I am planning on going the CMS router route and the '26 looks really useful as a more fixed vac, leaving my midi as the portable.

Your videos have been more or less responsible for me going for the MFT, domino, TS55, various bench dogs, etc. festool should be employing you full time as their main marketing guy!

I am sorry to have made your life so tricky...

Even though I say this myself (really - I am quite modest) the book is quite good. It may not be a piece of literary elegance but the story took a couple of years of research and the logic is spot on.

Now the Festool stuff...

The CT26 would be the perfect companion for your CMS-OF. You should get the sliding table (492100) and the dust extraction Set (488292) as well. I have always needed a second router table and in a small workshop a portable but accurate setup like the CMS-OF is ideal. So, I will probably get one very soon.

You have made some great choices with the CT, MFT3, Domino and TS55 (the core tools for anyone new to Festool). Bench dogs are a great help with an MFT3.

I love my Festool kit and I am not afraid to tell everyone. I love my Jet planer, my cast iron router table from Axminster, Osmo oil and many other things as well. My aim is to recommend the things that have impressed me so others can benefit.

Festool is special and I really wish that I had bought into the brand a lot sooner. It has changed the way that I do woodwork.

Peter