Which CTL extractor to get?

[shed9]

Could I ask for a bit of advice from the CTL users?

I'm about to buy a CTL vac and as I have no experience of any of the Festool extractors I would appreciate a little guidance.

I already have a fixed dust extraction system, but now require something mobile around the shop. My budget is around £500 and my usual dealer has the following;

CTL 26 E      @ £388
CTL 26 E AC  @ £454
CTL 36 E      @ £464

My preference at this stage is the 36 E, however is the AC Auto Clean worth having even with the 10 litre capacity drop in the 26 E AC? Also should the CTL 26 be given equal consideration?

Anyone with experience or advice that may be relevant to my choices?

Thanks in advance  [smile]

 

[peter halle]

When you say mobile use around the shop, what tools and operations do you envision using your future CTL with?

Peter

 

[shed9]

When you say mobile use around the shop, what tools and operations do you envision using your future CTL with?

Peter

A valid question Peter, apologies should have stated this up there ^.

Tools I expect to be using away from the bench will be an EHL65, TS55, Domino (700 and 500), OF 1400 and possibly some sanders (Ro90 and / or Ro150).

Operations are likely to be rebating long 2m lengths, cutting all sizes of Domino, routing mortises and round overs whilst finishing 1x1m panels with the sanders.

I already have a set of Festool AS hoses in 27 and 36mm in use with my fixed system.

 

[AlexThePalex]

If you mainly use the vac for wood, forget about the AC model, you won't see much of an advantage and the extra noise of the electric filter shaker will probably annoy you quickly. The AC is more aimed at people who work with stone, sheetrock or plaster because that kind of dust makes your filters clog up a lot faster.

Leaves the question of the 26 or the 36, well, if you only cart the vac around your shop the 36 should be fine, more capacity means less changing bags and less cost on the long run. But if you mean to also take the vac with you on jobs outside the shop, a 26 might come in more handy because of the lower weight and the smaller package.

 

[wow]

If you mainly use the vac for wood, forget about the AC model, you won't see much of an advantage and the extra noise of the electric filter shaker will probably annoy you quickly. The AC is more aimed at people who work with stone, sheetrock or plaster because that kind of dust makes your filters clog up a lot faster.

Leaves the question of the 26 or the 36, well, if you only cart the vac around your shop the 36 should be fine, more capacity means less changing bags and less cost on the long run. But if you mean to also take the vac with you on jobs outside the shop, a 26 might come in more handy because of the lower weight and the smaller package.

I believe you can turn the auto-clean function off when it is not needed and use it as a standard DE? I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong.

 

[shed9]

Worth knowing about the AC function. I'm unlikely to use the unit out of the shop other than the occasional job in the house, so I'm leaning towards the 36 E at present.

Thanks everyone, advice appreciated as always.

 

[wow]

The 26AC is NAINA, but here's what the website says about the 36AC. I assume they are similar:

The CT AutoClean has an integrated filter cleaning mechanism that periodically knocks the dust free of the filter. This guarantees maximum air flow and prevents the filter from becoming caked with dust. The filter cleaning frequency is controlled by a dial and can be completely disabled. The CT AutoClean can be used as a regular dust extractor when run without the AutoClean enabled.

 

[shed9]

Bit late, it finally arrived, actually went for the CTL48 AC based on what I thought was a really good deal which went very west very quickly (hence the recent 'rewire a CTL question' thread). Anyhow all unpacked and I can confirm the AC can be turned off.

Tried a few test cuts with a TS55, more free dust than I expected but I'm sure I'll get it right. Thanks for all the advice again from everyone;

 

[BCConstruction]

Does the Non AC model and AC model come with the same filters in the UK?

Also don't forget to make sure you use it with a bag when extracting wood. Im sure you know that though

 

[shed9]

Does the Non AC model and AC model come with the same filters in the UK?

Also don't forget to make sure you use it with a bag when extracting wood. Im sure you know that though

To be honest BCConstruction I'm not sure if there is a difference as I don't have a non AC model to compare, however based on the literature I can find they appear to be the same.

Not sure what you mean about using a bag, are there instances where you wouldn't?

 

[Frank-Jan]

If you go to a festool website, and check the accessoires for an AC model or a non-AC model you'll find that the filters have a different partnumber.

The instances you shouldn't use a bag are when you are using the AC functionality. (or use the plastic bags which are open at the top).

The automatic filtercleaning is meant for heavy, fine dust as you get from grinding stone or concrete, or sanding drywall compound. If you would use a regular bag, the pores of the filterbag will clogg, and suctionpower will be reduced when the bag is only partially full. With a vac with automatic filtercleaning, you don't use a bag, and the filters themselves will clogg, but the automatic filtercleaning will unclogg them.
When using a bag the filters won't get any dust, so they don't need to be "unclogged", they mostly serve as protection for the motor, in case the bag fails.

(For the uses you mentioned the automatic filtercleaning isn't needed, as Alex stated in his reply)

 

[shed9]

Just to clarify, I didn't buy the AC version out of requirement, I bought it because it was actually cheaper than the non AC version in the 48 size - go figure!

I took on board the advice from people and initially steered clear of the AC versions, but as this one came up at a decent price and I knew the AC could be turned off it made sense to get it.

 

[Frank-Jan]

Thanks for clarifying, and congrats on the deal.

 

[wow]

Congrats! It sure feels good to get a deal, doesn't it?

I predict that you will be very happy ... unless you need to cart that thing up a set of stairs when it's full.

[big grin]