Festool CT 15 dust extractor

[David Sloan]

I knewI was in trouble earlier this year when I bought the Domino 500. I then bought a TS 55 track saw. Love them both. Now looking at the CT 15 dust extractor. I have one question. Will the ultimate dust deputy for Festool fit securely to it? I know it will fit the CT 26 nicely which I am also considering. Thanks and Merry Christmas!

[Rich Markiewicz]

Hi David - check out my reply to John Goodin's post. I like the CT26 a lot, it handles my DIY projects just fine. When needed, I hook up a Dust Deputy, no real problems there. -Rich

[Dave Sabo]

I knewI was in trouble earlier this year when I bought the Domino 500. I then bought a TS 55 track saw. Love them both. Now looking at the CT 15 dust extractor. I have one question. Will the ultimate dust deputy for Festool fit securely to it? I know it will fit the CT 26 nicely which I am also considering. Thanks and Merry Christmas!

No , the UDD will not latch onto a ct15. Neither will sustainers.

Your going to have to go with a Mini/ Midi for that ability. Unless you’re using the vac to pick up planer shavings or everyday floor cleanup , then a separator doesn’t make much sense. Especially for the hobbyist.

A mini or midi will have plenty of capacity for a domino and ts 55 and a sander.

[Charles P. Wright]

You might consider the MINI/MIDI for the Bluetooth feature as well.

[David Sloan]

Rich, I looked at your other post. I am leaning towards the CT 26.
Charles, I have looked at the mini and midi as well, not at all sure about the Bluetooth feature
Dave, you have confirmed what I thought about the inability to latch onto the CT 15. That was my primary question. Watching both the Dust Deputy and the Festool cyclone in action on YouTube makes it tempting. I already have the $100 dust deputy but it’s part of a fixed setup for my miter saw station. I just bought it because I was tired of always cleaning the vac filter. It works very well. The larger machines are served by a dust collector.
Thanks to all of you.

[Rod Sheridan]

I have a CT 26 and a Midi, wouldn't buy the 26 again, larger, heavier, more expensive.

The Midi has the same performance and is much easier to carry up stairs etc.

Don't forget that the Festool vacuums pack the dust in the bags to a density approaching what feels like concrete. The CT26 bag is bigger and heavier when near full.........Rod.

[Will Blick]

Yes, those bags get packed tight!
and yet, the vac still performs, quite remarkable.
The UDD, or any of the cyclones do an amazing job separating out 99% of what is fed to it.
If your vac use is limited to the Domino small shavings from drilling, etc. Its more of a hassle than its worth. And the savings in bags (which are quite costly) will take a long time to pay back the cyclone. OTOH, if you plan to vac up hand plane shavings off the ground, TS55 dust, router, then u will really appreciate the benefits of adding a cyclone. Keep the hoses / tubes as short as possible to maximize suction. Mine is stacked atop my CT so it travels easy...since I don't stack systainers, its a great addition.

[Dave Sabo]

It never ceases to amaze me how many guys who buy a $500-$1000 vacuum crainge at the thought of having to pay 7-10 bucks for vac bag to put in them. And then think to themselves - " I'll spend another $300-$400 so I don't have to buy bags" .
Showed them ! :rolleyes:

It's not as if Festool is gouging us on bags:

ridgid:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-High-Efficiency-Size-A-Dust-Bags-for-12-Gal-to-16-Gal-RIDGID-Wet-Dry-Vacs-2-Pack-VF3502/100390230

shop vac:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Shop-Vac-2-Pack-10-Gallon-Collection-Bag/1007633

makita:
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-W107418353-Fleece-Filter-VC4210/dp/B0859M67P3/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=makita+vacuum+bags&qid=1609095288&sr=8-5

fein:
https://www.amazon.com/Fein-BAGS-TURBO-Turbo-5-Pack/dp/B00K0KAKYG/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=fein+vacuum+bags&qid=1609095359&sr=8-2

[Will Blick]

Some years I was cutting and routing a lot of sheet goods. I also used the Festool vac to attach to the top of my TS dust collection. I would fill my cyclone bin min. 1x per week. That is prob. equal to 100 vac bags as the cyclone bin holds at least 2x more volume. Net $7 savings per bag = $700. Pretty fast ROI for me. YMMV.
In addition, the cyclone increases the lifespan of the HEPA filter.
Like all ww, what makes economic sense for some people, might not make economic sense for others.
Agreed on Festool bag cost, interesting to see the price for other makers.

[Dave Sabo]

Will - that's not a typical use of a shop vac for most guys. Especially with a festool vac. None of the FT vac features lend themselves to that application that I can see offhand. So, wouldn't a cheaper vac have been a more economical solution in general? And what were you using for for your primary DC hookup? Why didn't you just wye of of that and not have to fool with turning on two different collectors ? Agreed YMMV , and one solution is not necessarily for everyone.


In addition, the cyclone increases the lifespan of the HEPA filter.

Sure, but this seems a classic red herring. I've never had to replace a filter in any of my festool vacs over the years while using FT bags. Again, in certain extremely high production industrial settings I could see a benefit.

Maybe.

Even those with high production and duty cycle NEEDS, I'd argue there are better, more economical solutions than a CT and a separator.


How many times did you have to repalce your main DC's cartridge filter during that time frame ? How much did it cost ?

[Will Blick]

The reason I use Festool Vacs is due to the HEPA. All the true HEPA vacs are on par with FT pricing. Yes, I could have used a $99 super sucker Craftsman, but all it does is spew <15 micron particles into the airspace I am working in... confirmed by Dylos. So for me, my lungs are worth the extra $$. I do wear a dust mask btw, 3M 7500 with N95 filters (1 micron) But the dust remains in the air long after the cuts. I use an Powermatic PM1200 overhead air filtration also, and it helps for sure, but not immediately. But highly recommended.

During that run, I was working in a tight 500sf garage space while in transition to building a full size shop, and building lots of cabinets and built ins. The FT / cyclone was convenient and a workhorse.

For the TS, I had 1.5HP wall mounted vac that exhausted outside. (I believe in the Pentz theory on this) I could have Tee'd off this, but it was a long run, and the losses were too great...the FT followed me around allowing short hoses and better suction at the tool.

I later replaced the wall unit when motor died, with a Laguna PFlux 2HP, 240V, 22amp portable unit, that is pretty quite for 2HP. I started to tap off that for the FT 1400 / 2200 routers and FT track saws... but remarkably, once I transitioned from 4" down to 36mm hoses, the suction was much worse than the FT!!! Yeah, that one took me by total surprise. Tested with CFM meter at the end of hoses of equal runs. The larger units are really designed for TS, Jointer, Planers, etc, i.e. big chips w/ 4"+ inlets. So I still used the FT vac with the FT tools, cause the collection was superior.

This year, when setting up new shop, I will prob. go with a 5HP ClearVue (my 2nd), and exhaust outside. Then I can run branches everywhere as you suggest, prob. for the portable tools also...but not sure it makes sense to turn on that 5HP beast for light edge routing and thin dado tasks. The FT being so close and short hoses is an impressive sucker for a HEPA.

BTW, for those who work outside cutting down sheets, IMO, u dont need a HEPA unit, as u are blowing the large particles in the wind vs. trapping them in a small shop.

Never replaced the main DC cartridge, just blast it outside with compressed air for cleanings. The Laguna PFlux filter will last as long as you treat it right, and keep it clean... I imagine it might need replacing in 10 yrs? A very well built filter. But PITA to get it on and off the machine. My biggest issue with the PFLUX is the dust never wants to settle down from the cyclone, and too much ends up below the filter in a 5" tall fine dust collection bin. IMO, it needs turning vanes really BAD, as the cyclone is short and fat, not ideal for cyclone action. My UDD keeps dust in the cyclone till new dust comes in and pushes the swirling dust down. Truly remarkable how clean your vacs bags remain. I also bought a clearvue small unit which I will use with an outdoor vac unit.

BTW, its not just economics, although that often drives the purchase... if you put a 10gal pail under the Clearvue, you dont have to constantly change the vac bag, not exactly a fun part of ww ;)

[Doug Dawson]

Never replaced the main DC cartridge, just blast it outside with compressed air for cleanings. The Laguna PFlux filter will last as long as you treat it right, and keep it clean... I imagine it might need replacing in 10 yrs? A very well built filter. But PITA to get it on and off the machine. My biggest issue with the PFLUX is the dust never wants to settle down from the cyclone, and too much ends up below the filter in a 5" tall fine dust collection bin. IMO, it needs turning vanes really BAD, as the cyclone is short and fat, not ideal for cyclone action. My UDD keeps dust in the cyclone till new dust comes in and pushes the swirling dust down. Truly remarkable how clean your vacs bags remain. I also bought a clearvue small unit which I will use with an outdoor vac unit.


Did you install the baffle under the cone in the PFlux? It’s an oblong piece of metal that mounts between the cone and the bin, supposedly introducing turbulence into the flow and allowing more material to settle into the bin. If it wasn’t included in the package, Laguna will send you one. I’m not seeing the issues with the filter on my PFlux 1.

I agree with your points about the Festool vac.

[Will Blick]

Doug, funny u just mentioned that!
I finally contacted Laguna about this via email just recently...
they suggested if the baffle at the bottom of the cone is installed, then try removing it!
So if its installed (dont recall its been several years since assembled), I will remove it...
if its NOT installed, maybe it was not provided, then I will ask them to supply one, and try that!
Glad to hear yours is working well... if it was NOT for this ONE stubborn issue, I love the build quality and quietness of the machine as well as the easy change dust bin...but collecting dust properly is still #1 on priority list!
will report back once I get back in the shop...
BTW, how often do you have to remove filter and blast it clean?

[Doug Dawson]

Doug, funny u just mentioned that!
I finally contacted Laguna about this via email just recently...
they suggested if the baffle at the bottom of the cone is installed, then try removing it!
So if its installed (dont recall its been several years since assembled), I will remove it...
if its NOT installed, maybe it was not provided, then I will ask them to supply one, and try that!
Glad to hear yours is working well... if it was NOT for this ONE stubborn issue, I love the build quality and quietness of the machine as well as the easy change dust bin...but collecting dust properly is still #1 on priority list!
will report back once I get back in the shop...
BTW, how often do you have to remove filter and blast it clean?

I’ve never removed the filter (I’ve had the unit for about 3 years or so.) I just hook up the filter drain to the cyclone, turn it on, and blast the filter fairly evenly (and gently) with 40psi shop air from the compressor. Whatever dust remains at the bottom of the filter afterwards gets removed with, you guessed it, a Festool dust extractor (CT48 with an Oneida DD.)

This happens maybe every ten bins (because Laguna recommends that it be done.) It’s not self-cleaning, but it’s reasonably effortless.

[Will Blick]

thats great info, very encouraging....
I gotta get mine tuned, I hope its the baffles...
Festool CT to the Laguna clean up !
too funny, we have the same set up...
I was removing and blasting my PFlux filter every month...
the dust bin has a few inches of fine powder...
too much is getting through for sure...
maybe I should have got the 1Hp, we shall see...
thx for sharing...

[David Sloan]

You might consider the MINI/MIDI for the Bluetooth feature as well.

To close the loop, your comments were very helpful along with the CT 26 vs Midi thread. I just ordered the Midi. Good start to 2021!

[Will Blick]

for a small shop
what is benefits of BT?
I taped a remote control on my Festool, at end of hose, that starts and stops the vac, $30 type...
just so I dont have to reach to the ON OFF switch on the vac...
any other useful benefits?

[David Sloan]

for a small shop
what is benefits of BT?
I taped a remote control on my Festool, at end of hose, that starts and stops the vac, $30 type...
just so I dont have to reach to the ON OFF switch on the vac...
any other useful benefits?

I chose the Midi not for the Bluetooth feature ( although I think it’s pretty coolJ but for the following reasons (comparing it to the CT 26): smaller footprint, front control touch screen, lid that closes over the hose,cord holder on the back,
the way the filter is changed and it is less expensive. And I decided against the Festool separator after doing a lot of reading.

[Jim Becker]

for a small shop
what is benefits of BT?
I taped a remote control on my Festool, at end of hose, that starts and stops the vac, $30 type...
just so I dont have to reach to the ON OFF switch on the vac...
any other useful benefits?

Any advantage to BT is with the cordless tools that don't trigger the power automatically like corded tools do.

[Curt Putnam]

To close the loop, your comments were very helpful along with the CT 26 vs Midi thread. I just ordered the Midi. Good start to 2021!
You will like it. You can blow out the HEPA filter and gain life. It takes many bags to cover the cost of a Dust Deputy

[Doug Dawson]

You will like it. You can blow out the HEPA filter and gain life. It takes many bags to cover the cost of a Dust Deputy

Hooked up to a router, those bags will come quickly.

[Dave Sabo]

any other useful benefits?

besides not having to reach the switch, the BT will activate the vac when cordless Festool tools are powered up.


the filter is changed and it is less expensive.

Doubt you'll find this to be a factoras you aren't likely to be changing the filter often or anytime soon.


Hooked up to a router, those bags will come quickly.

No quicker than with a tracksaw . The same economics apply. A separator buys a lot of bags before paying for itself. If you're in professional seting , the customer is paying. If a hobbyist, buying a $700 vac and whining about a $5-$10 bag is not going to garner you a lot of sympathy.

[Doug Dawson]

No quicker than with a tracksaw . The same economics apply. A separator buys a lot of bags before paying for itself. If you're in professional seting , the customer is paying. If a hobbyist, buying a $700 vac and whining about a $5-$10 bag is not going to garner you a lot of sympathy.
No whining here. At the end of those 30 bags, I am smiling, while all you will have is misery and disappointment. :^)

[Will Blick]

Dave Sabo had a similar comment to me, in a current thread...
I demonstrated how the DD paid itself back in less than 5 months in bag costs for my use.
Obviously it did not influence his position, he must have stock in the bag manufacturers ;) JJ
In addition to payback, its the convenience of replacing one DD for ever 3 or 4 FT bags.
Dave Sabo's position is accurate for low volume users who extract very little dust.

[Dave Sabo]

Doug, I'm so impressed you are clarivoyant enough to divine my state of mind - especially as it pertains to thinking about someone's situation (whom I don't know) at some in the future. Hope I never play poker with you.


Will - I agree the seperator made some sense for your situaton, but you never answered my qustion as to why you didn't hook up your blade shroud to your central DC system and avoid the expense and complication of running a shop vac for collection there alltogether . I feel high volume situations warrant a more robust solution than a shop vac and a separator. But I recognize that your ideal may not be mine. I do think it telling that no voulme shop I've ever been in has shop vac hooked up to their saws. Perhaps it's an East Coast West Coast thing ?

[Will Blick]

> you never answered my qustion as to why you didn't hook up your blade shroud to your central DC system and avoid the expense and complication of running a shop vac for collection there alltogether .

I thought I did answer that question... simple, my central Vac, the PFlux 2 was hooked to the bottom port of the TS. The PM2K has such horrible dust collection below the blade, that I could not run a Y off the PFlux and expect to have much suction left at the top. Instead, the FT grabbed the top and offered way more suction than a Y off the PFlux. For a jury rig system, it works pretty damn good. I get a little dust at the beginning of the cut. I also use a ZCI, which makes top dust even harder to control.

> I feel high volume situations warrant a more robust solution than a shop vac and a separator.

I have experimented with a lot of vac set ups through the years. Of course, I am not running a production shop with 40 employees... I am a one man shop that when loaded with work will hire a helper. While running duct everywhere seems ideal and unbeatable, I don't find this to always work out well. Yes, to stationary machines, that is a no brainer, we rarely see Shop Vacs hooked up to BS, TS, Jointer, etc. A 4-6" dust collector is designed for this.
I have run extended lines from my main dust collector overheard, down to 36mm lines for my FT track saw and routers. The friction losses even with a 5HP clear Vue was significant enough, whereas, the FT located very close to my track saw and my router had greater suction. The suction at the tool is more effective with the FT and DD. YMMV based on run distance. That is what represents value of these shop vacs,... i.e. they are CLOSE to the tool, so suction can be surprisingly good, and if using a HEPA vac, u have safe exhaust air, often better than the larger stationary vac unless u are exhausting outside. This is no advertisement for FT, I am sure Bosch, Fein, no different. I will be looking at those makes for future purchases.

I did mention in the other thread... I ran an experiment with the Pflxu2 vs FT. I ran the PFLUx 4" hose half way, then connected to a 36" hose. For the FT I ran a 50mm hose transitioned down to 36mm at the half way point. The total run was 20ft from machine to end of hose for both. I used a CFM meter to read the end of each hose... the FT won by about 30%. Yes, that took me by surprise as the 2HP Pflux pulls 4x the amps. As with all fan systems, they all are designed to do ONE thing well, and nothing more. Larger units are primarily for 4"+ hoses direct to stationary machines high volume of air, lower air velocity. They perform well. But when you throttle down the hose size, they have no tolerance for such and suction falls off a cliff. The real reasons behind this are way behind the scope of these threads... fan curves, static pressure, friction effects, all play a variable in some serious engineering to fully explain it. In my younger days, I could actually do these equations, today, I just test the two and do what works best.

> I do think it telling that no voulme shop I've ever been in has shop vac hooked up to their saws.

I have seen some multi million dollar cabinet shops with super high end equipment throughout, still have stations set up with FT tools, and dedicated FT vacs right next to the benches. So I would not agree that you never see this... yes, to stationary tools, of course... in my case I was simply trying to get MAX suction from the top of my TS spewing dust at me, and FT and DD was the best solution as explained above... it was fast to implement, and no new equipment was required.

Is this more clear?

[Dave Sabo]

I said no shop vac atttached to saws - like your set up.

Let me be more specific and say they don't have them hooked up to their high volume stationary cutting tools rube goldberb style like you.

I'm also saying I think your way is daft for someone planning dust collection from the get go. Especially a high volume, high production situatiuon. Let me also say I would steer people away from any Laguna cyclone as they are great on the internet, less than great in the shop. This is the main reason you're in the vac attached to the saw guard situation in the first place. Happy there was a solution for you , but I cannot advocate telling a new guy to follow you down that path.


David will do what's best for him, and it appears he has chosen to bolster my stock portfolio and use bags. ;)

[Will Blick]

> Let me be more specific and say they don't have them hooked up to their high volume stationary cutting tools rube goldberb style like you.

I made it clear from my first post, the FT was only attached to the blade guard. TS produce so much dust, u do whatever is required. This method was the best I have experienced so far. I am sure on some TS, the dust collection is much better than the PM2K below the blade, i.e. less waste. That is the reason I am using two vac systems, NOT because of the Lag PFlux, its 2hp and right next to the TS, so plenty of suction. Sometimes the tool is to blame as their design is not efficient for dust collection.

Your comments on Laguna PFlux has been true so far, for me, but others have had excellent experience with the PFlux as discussed in previous post. I need to check the baffles at the bottom of the cyclone to see if this is a solution. Laguna tech support has tried to resolve it...time will tell.

I would not advocate anything specific for DC, as every shop set up is so different... the length of the runs, whether u exhaust outside, etc. Sometimes, it just takes some trial and error to find what works best for the small shop. Overall, my shop DC is superb, but I spend a lot of time getting it that way.

Hoping your stock portfolio rises as a result of this thread! ;)

[Dave Sabo]

others have had excellent experience with the PFlux

People in this catageory are usually igorant to how a properly designed cyclone preforms , so have no real idea. To them, their cyclone performs better than what they had before (which wasn't very good) so they are happy.

[Doug Dawson]

People in this catageory are usually igorant to how a properly designed cyclone preforms , so have no real idea. To them, their cyclone performs better than what they had before (which wasn't very good) so they are happy.

The bottom line is the dust level in the shop (as measured by a Dylos, say,) and the ergonomics of the operation. Not much else matters.

I would also include as an ergonomic advantage, not having the equivalent of a locomotive engine running in the corner of the shop. ;^)

And my dust control requirements are rather strict.

[Will Blick]

> dust levels as measured by a Dylos

Does not sound like an ignorant user to me?
I have two Dylos throughout my shop... my overhead dust filter, PM1200 runs till that number falls within acceptable range. I see it differently Dave....many readers on these forums pick up a lot of good tips and often well advised vs. those not on forums....

[Dave Sabo]

Fellas , those short cone lagunas just don't have the separation that a properly design cyclone does. Which means the pleated filters are getting clogged and worn faster. And ignorance in one area doesn't mean total ignorance or that you're a dummy.

But I'm glad you all are happy, you don't have to please me.

[Doug Dawson]

Fellas , those short cone lagunas just don't have the separation that a properly design cyclone does. Which means the pleated filters are getting clogged and worn faster. And ignorance in one area doesn't mean total ignorance or that you're a dummy.

But I'm glad you all are happy, you don't have to please me.

I asked recently about gluing a ClearVue to a piece of plywood and tilting it 30 degrees so it would fit under an 8 foot ceiling, and never got a satisfactory answer. :^)

The guy who invented the ClearVue, his qualifications always seemed a bit fuzzy to me. There have been long threads about this in the past.

[Will Blick]

I was always a bit suspect of the short stubby cyclone in the Laguna....
but from all the users I have heard feedback from, it does a great job... I seem to be the unlucky one here...till I investigate the baffles

I am curious about your comments regarding Bill Pentz? His papers seemed impressive to me. Any input would be helpful. He is the one that advocated to exhaust outside, which while it does not fit every application, but when possible, it is the safest of all options and maximizes suction. The last Clearvue I owned, the 5HP acrylic performed flawlessly.... yes the downside is, it takes a lot of height... but IMO, that is why it performs so well... the cyclone width to height ratio is ideal. Combined with the turning vanes dust settles quickly and never resides in the cyclone just swirling around.

If this damn Laguna had turning vanes, it would function fine. Dust needs to be nudged when it's in a static environment... i.e. in the cyclone its hard for gravity to have an effect when pressure is equalized, hence the constant swirling of dust in the cyclone. This is why Onieda has put a significant downward angle on their duct input, it provides the dust a downward trajectory at the entry point which starts the downward spiral into the bin. I would think this downward trajectory has a much better chance of settling into the bin vs continuously swirling in the cyclone. I never used the Onieda, but a friend has it, and it seems to perform very well... with no clear window, its hard to verify.

[Jim Becker]

While this discussion has gotten astray of the original OP's question (and should be in the Workshops discussion area), cyclone performance isn't "back and white". Yes, short-cone systems are not "technically" as efficient with separation compared to long-cone designs. But they do serve a purpose when a more compact system is a physical requirement. Folks who do not have physical limitations with a long-cone design absolutely should consider them over a short-cone design but many don't actually know the differences and are often buying on price and convenience. The only wrong answer is NOT having dust collection, IMHO.

[Dave Sabo]

The only wrong answer is NOT having dust collection, IMHO.

Amen to that !

Which is why there are many , many satisfied customers of both Laguna short cyclones and Harbor Freight bargain dust collectors.

[Doug Dawson]

Amen to that !

Which is why there are many , many satisfied customers of both Laguna short cyclones and Harbor Freight bargain dust collectors.

Whatever meets your requirements.

[Chris Flower]

I've got the CT15 and have been happy with it. Unlike the Mini/Midi, it lacks bluetooth, an "auto" filter cleaner, and the larger hose garage. I purchased the hose garage for the Mini/Midi direct from Festool (~$45) and it mounts to the CT15 after removing the little compartment that stores the CT15 accessories. The hose tucks away nicely and I can stash systainers on it.

Overall, I like it. Has plenty of suction for the track saw and sander. Using it with a router is so so for dust and chip collection.

[Dave Sabo]

I asked recently about gluing a ClearVue to a piece of plywood and tilting it 30 degrees so it would fit under an 8 foot ceiling, and never got a satisfactory answer. :^)


did you ?

i don’t see that in this thread.

and what does that have to do with my comment you quoted ?


Whatever meets your requirements.

a broom and dust pan met my requirements for a time.

then I saw the light and a mask was an upgrade.

later, I was delivered from ignorance via a Sears vac that was louder than a GE turbofan jet engine.

[Doug Dawson]

i don’t see that in this thread.

and what does that have to do with my comment you quoted ?



a broom and dust pan met my requirements for a time.

then I saw the light and a mask was an upgrade.

later, I was delivered from ignorance via a Sears vac that was louder than a GE turbofan jet engine.

Thanks for the opportunity to comment further. This is, of course, an issue of dust control. I have a Dylos operating whenever I’m in the shop, and one thing I’ve observed is that sweeping the floor is a _huge_ issue, causing the dust levels to skyrocket. You don’t need a meter to verify this, you can easily smell it. Dust mask, you say? What happens when you take the dust mask off, and what happens to other stuff in the shop that this dust is going to settle on. This is a really big deal for me, as woodworking isn’t the only thing I do in there. (You might say, have a separate shop. I say, give me one.:^)

One of the great blessings of having a Festool vac with a DD is that it allows guilt-free use of a floor sweep with it, the performance of which (as measured again with the Dylos) easily exceeds that of an older shop vac even with a CleanStream filter, which BTW is a pain to clean, and so often.

Sawing by hand is also a huge dust generator. This is often overlooked.

IMO the best system is a decent HEPA dust collector, a point-of-creation HEPA vac, an overhead powered filter (such as the Jet etc) and Powermatic’s electrostatic filter, along with a Dylos for monitoring, and some awareness. My shop is by _far_ the most dustless environment on the property.

[Will Blick]

> Did you install the baffle under the cone in the PFlux? It’s an oblong piece of metal that mounts between the cone and the bin, supposedly introducing turbulence into the flow and allowing more material to settle into the bin. If it wasn’t included in the package, Laguna will send you one.

Thx Doug for your valuable contribiution... I had no "cross bar" under my funnel, called Laguna, they sent me one NC. And Shaazaam! Wow, that little piece of metal made all the difference in the world! The dust settles in the bin within 2 seconds! My main filter is not getting clogged and virtually no fine dust in the the small bin!
Now, I can honestly recommend this machine to anyone. Its quiet, incredible filter (.3 micron IIRC) and is very mobile. Considering the quality, price fairly IMO.
While I thought this problem was a consequence of the stubby cyclone as others also thought also, that was not the case. A well designed stubby cyclone can be incredibly effective. Thx again Doug!

[Dave Sabo]

incredible ��

[Will Blick]

Thx Dave@!

[Dave Sabo]

any time !