Author Topic: CTL SYS - Review. (Read 50326 times)

tjbnwi · « **Reply #30 on:** May 05, 2016, 12:13 AM »

Quote from: Edward A Reno III on May 05, 2016, 12:11 AM

@tjbnwi Why? Is the hose end fitting profile of the CTL-Sys different from that of the normal 27mm hose on the standard CTs?

Quote from: tjbnwi on May 05, 2016, 12:01 AM
You'd have to make a hose adapter for the CT Wings.

Tom

My mistake---I was thinking the VAC SYS. I'm old and easily confused.

Tom

ear3 · « **Reply #31 on:** May 05, 2016, 12:17 AM »

No worries.

dwillis · « **Reply #32 on:** May 06, 2016, 12:02 PM »

I'm using my CTL SYS for a non woodworking task, and probably way over engineered. Besides woodworking I do reloading for long range target shooting, and as such consume a significant amount of ammunition. In preparing rifle brass one of the many steps is to trim the brass to length and I use a Dillon 650 progressive press fitted with a case trimmer (basically a carbide tipped cutter on a motor). To collect the brass shavings I needed a vacuum and the Lowes model I initially bought for the task is akin to standing on the wrong end of a jet plane at take off. Hence my purchase of a CTL SYS, much quieter, and although it has a relatively small volume in the bag, I only generate a very small amount of brass shavings. It also fits nicely under my reloading table.

six-point socket · « **Reply #33 on:** May 19, 2016, 04:02 PM »

Hi,

Having the CTL-SYS since November '15 I thought I should add/share some thoughts of my longer term experience with it, especially since it is now also available in the US.

The CTL-SYS has become my most used vac during the last 6 months. I use it with my jigsaw, oscillating-multitool, rotary hammer and cordless drills/drivers. I use it to clean the cars and on various occasions as of lately also as an air blower. Whenever I need a vac I reach for the CTL-SYS first and only in a couple of cases where I needed more dust/debris-collecting-volume I reached for a bigger vac, never because the CTL-SYS lacked power/suction or for any other reason.

After what Brice said I didn't/don't use it without a filter bag. It's not that they would cost an arm and a leg anyway and if it saves me hassle/repairs later on - totally worth it. Plus it's a lot easier/cleaner to trash a sealed bag than the contents of a container.

What I didn't realize as special at first is that the vac runs a little longer after the tool stops drawing power from it in automatic mode, I kinda expect this because it if very useful - especially when drilling. But a pro who borrowed and used my CTL-SYS when he was working for me was actually pretty excited about that among other things like: size, weight, connectivity and power. Seems not every (shop) vac with integrated outlet runs a little longer than the tool does. I guess we have another convert, he definitely wanted to ask his boss to buy one.

The truth is that everyone who I showed this little vac to was pretty excited about it and I'm too till this day.

I really didn't come across anything new that I didn't like.

As I didn't use it yet while sanding/grinding I really can't tell if the lack of variable suction is really that much of a problem, sooner or later I will find out obviously and make my decision on that.

Until then I'm tempted to say that the CTL-SYS really is a perfectly well executed little vac.

Kind regards,
Oliver

ear3 · « **Reply #34 on:** May 21, 2016, 03:48 PM »

I have a little time left in the 30 day return window on my CT-Sys, and I am still on the fence about it. I got it as a more portable option for the occasional site work I do, and as a complementary vac in the shop to save time between switching the hose among various tools (especially when I'm moving back and forth between the 36mm and the 27mm hoses). The lack of variable suction is an issue for me as it prevents working effectively with the RTS400 and the HSK sanding block.

Just this morning, though, I moved a bit more into the pro/keeper column, when I did a quick cleanup in the house. I've previously hauled in the CT26 from the shop to do this, but thought I'd test out the CT-Sys for this operation. Hooked up to a 36mm hose it ended up having plenty of power to do all the necessary house cleaning tasks, and it was great to be able to carry it on my shoulder and maneuver around the tables and chairs instead of constantly banging into their corners as would happen with the CT26. I didn't get a chance to test out the turbo suction brush on the carpet, but am gonna try this later today and see how it goes.

L.J · « **Reply #35 on:** May 24, 2016, 03:43 PM »

Quote from: Edward A Reno III on May 21, 2016, 03:48 PM

I have a little time left in the 30 day return window on my CT-Sys, and I am still on the fence about it. I got it as a more portable option for the occasional site work I do, and as a complementary vac in the shop to save time between switching the hose among various tools (especially when I'm moving back and forth between the 36mm and the 27mm hoses). The lack of variable suction is an issue for me as it prevents working effectively with the RTS400 and the HSK sanding block.

Just this morning, though, I moved a bit more into the pro/keeper column, when I did a quick cleanup in the house. I've previously hauled in the CT26 from the shop to do this, but thought I'd test out the CT-Sys for this operation. Hooked up to a 36mm hose it ended up having plenty of power to do all the necessary house cleaning tasks, and it was great to be able to carry it on my shoulder and maneuver around the tables and chairs instead of constantly banging into their corners as would happen with the CT26. I didn't get a chance to test out the turbo suction brush on the carpet, but am gonna try this later today and see how it goes.

It does work with the CT Wings also.

ear3 · « **Reply #36 on:** June 02, 2016, 07:14 AM »

Ended up returning my CT-Sys yesterday to the dealer, a couple of days shy of the 30 days window.

I think the main thing is that looking ahead over the next year, I'm simply going to be too busy to take on much site work, and so I can't really justify having another CT for the couple of times when I might be called on site. If it had variable suction, I think I might have still kept it, as it would be a great adjunct for some of the regular sanding tasks I have in the shop. But the lack of variable suction limits which sanders I can use it with, and excludes the HSK in particular, which I use a fair amount.

fuzzy logic · « **Reply #37 on:** June 02, 2016, 10:21 AM »

Agree with all the comments made, across various threads, wrt inability to reduce suction.
Why, why, why - not included.

Richard (UK)

David Stanton · « **Reply #38 on:** June 10, 2016, 01:26 AM »

Quote from: Edward A Reno III on June 02, 2016, 07:14 AM

Ended up returning my CT-Sys yesterday to the dealer, a couple of days shy of the 30 days window.

I think the main thing is that looking ahead over the next year, I'm simply going to be too busy to take on much site work, and so I can't really justify having another CT for the couple of times when I might be called on site. If it had variable suction, I think I might have still kept it, as it would be a great adjunct for some of the regular sanding tasks I have in the shop. But the lack of variable suction limits which sanders I can use it with, and excludes the HSK in particular, which I use a fair amount.

Festool used to have small hose fitting that allowed you to manually adjust the airflow via a hole with a rotating cover. Wouldn't be hard to make one if variable suction was all that was holding you back.

ear3 · « **Reply #39 on:** June 10, 2016, 05:43 AM »

It's 496112, though NAINA (it would be fairly simple to import though through someone who ships to the US).

Quote from: Davesbuildtips on June 10, 2016, 01:26 AM

Quote from: Edward A Reno III on June 02, 2016, 07:14 AM
Ended up returning my CT-Sys yesterday to the dealer, a couple of days shy of the 30 days window.

I think the main thing is that looking ahead over the next year, I'm simply going to be too busy to take on much site work, and so I can't really justify having another CT for the couple of times when I might be called on site. If it had variable suction, I think I might have still kept it, as it would be a great adjunct for some of the regular sanding tasks I have in the shop. But the lack of variable suction limits which sanders I can use it with, and excludes the HSK in particular, which I use a fair amount.
Festool used to have small hose fitting that allowed you to manually adjust the airflow via a hole with a rotating cover. Wouldn't be hard to make one if variable suction was all that was holding you back.

kaseri · « **Reply #40 on:** June 12, 2016, 10:00 PM »

Here is my variable suction solution. I use PVC end caps which fit inside the Festool Y adapter. I have three caps each with a different sized hole. The larger the hole in the cap, the lower the suction is at the tool. Here are a couple of photos from a drywall repair/paint job. The hand sanding block works perfectly with a 1 3/8" sized hole in the cap. There is just enough suction to remove the sanding dust but not so much suction that the block sticks to the wall.

SRSemenza · « **Reply #41 on:** June 12, 2016, 10:04 PM »

Quote from: kaseri on June 12, 2016, 10:00 PM

Here is my variable suction solution. I use PVC end caps which fit inside the Festool Y adapter. I have three caps each with a different sized hole. The larger the hole in the cap, the lower the suction is at the tool. Here are a couple of photos from a drywall repair/paint job. The hand sanding block works perfectly with a 1 3/8" sized hole in the cap. There is just enough suction to remove the sanding dust but not so much suction that the block sticks to the wall.

Welcome to the forum!

There's one solution.

Seth

kaseri · « **Reply #42 on:** June 12, 2016, 10:09 PM »

Thanks for the welcome. Basically a lurker but felt compelled to join and show my solution for the lack of variable suction. It would be nice if Festool had a proper adjustable adapter but for now this works perfectly well for my needs. The caps were a couple of dollars in total and I had the Y adapter so it was an inexpensive fix for me.

SHJ NH · « **Reply #43 on:** November 05, 2016, 01:55 AM »

In the meanwhile, the CTL-SYS felt me so good I purchased another Festool extractor.
The little compact CTL-SYS is nice to have always in your car or van. I take it to all small jobs like to drill holes in a wall, sanding small things, holding things with CT wings etc etc. Personally I've no problem with not having the variable suction, the suction is low enough for sanding.

But for bigger and longer then one day jobs I've bought a CTL 26. Five reasons: better suction with woodwork, due two electric points two machines on one extractor, as extrator for mitre saw or table saw, I already had a very small extractor so didn't need a semi compact one and bags are per litre cheaper.

SHJ NH · « **Reply #44 on:** November 06, 2016, 01:41 AM »

Quote from: SHJ NH on November 05, 2016, 01:55 AM

In the meanwhile, the CTL-SYS felt me so good I purchased another Festool extractor.
The little compact CTL-SYS is nice to have always in your car or van. I take it to all small jobs like to drill holes in a wall, sanding small things, holding things with CT wings etc etc. Personally I've no problem with not having the variable suction, the suction is low enough for sanding.

But for bigger and longer then one day jobs I've bought a CTL 26. Six reasons: better suction with woodwork, due two electric points two machines on one extractor, as extrator for mitre saw or table saw, I already had a very small extractor so didn't need a semi compact one, bigger wheels as the Mini/Midi and bags are per litre cheaper.

leakyroof · « **Reply #45 on:** February 17, 2017, 03:50 PM »

Quote from: kaseri on June 12, 2016, 10:00 PM

Here is my variable suction solution. I use PVC end caps which fit inside the Festool Y adapter. I have three caps each with a different sized hole. The larger the hole in the cap, the lower the suction is at the tool. Here are a couple of photos from a drywall repair/paint job. The hand sanding block works perfectly with a 1 3/8" sized hole in the cap. There is just enough suction to remove the sanding dust but not so much suction that the block sticks to the wall.

But you already have the adjustable valve at the end of your sanding block. Was that not enough or did you not want the noise of escaping suction right next to you with the port open on the sanding block?

kaseri · « **Reply #46 on:** February 19, 2017, 07:33 AM »

Wasn't quite enough for the hand sanding block. It was sticking a bit even with the valve fully open.

leakyroof · « **Reply #47 on:** February 19, 2017, 08:47 AM »

Quote from: kaseri on February 19, 2017, 07:33 AM

Wasn't quite enough for the hand sanding block. It was sticking a bit even with the valve fully open.

. That makes sense...

Henrik R / Pingvinlakrits · « **Reply #48 on:** February 25, 2017, 05:00 PM »

Quote from: SRSemenza on June 12, 2016, 10:04 PM

Quote from: kaseri on June 12, 2016, 10:00 PM
Here is my variable suction solution. I use PVC end caps which fit inside the Festool Y adapter. I have three caps each with a different sized hole. The larger the hole in the cap, the lower the suction is at the tool. Here are a couple of photos from a drywall repair/paint job. The hand sanding block works perfectly with a 1 3/8" sized hole in the cap. There is just enough suction to remove the sanding dust but not so much suction that the block sticks to the wall.

Welcome to the forum!

There's one solution.

Seth

Looking at the CTL SYS with the wheel board and the contrapment I can't help but think a CT MINI would be a better option for a lot of reasons. With the wheel board you are approaching same overall dimensions, price - not sure about weight and the MINI is for sure more capable. I was an early adopter of the CTL SYS but didn't keep it in the end. I did get a MIDI and then purchased the bottom tub for the MINI as a spare part so I now rock both a MINI/MIDI.

papasteve · « **Reply #49 on:** November 11, 2020, 02:05 AM »

I just bought a CT sys and a couple of sanders. I noticed right away that the orbital palm sander was jittery from too much suction. I found a quick, inexpensive fix which I haven't seen elsewhere in my searches.

Ridgid makes a "2 1/2 inch hose grip accessory with bleeder valve" for its wet-dry vacuums. It only costs $10.97. The vacuum end of the 27 mm hose perfectly fits the "attachment" end of the Ridgid grip, and the other end of the grip fits the CT SYS perfectly -- and stably. No additional fiddling required. Sanding control MUCH better. I also like that the fix is at the vacuum end and not the tool end, so the ergonomics of the sander is not compromised.

The only drawback I can see is that the Ridgid grip (I presume) is not antistatic. Maybe that can be addressed as well?

Bob D. · « **Reply #50 on:** November 11, 2020, 06:34 AM »

Central vacuum systems have a relief valve so that if the vac is dead-headed it will open and relieve the suction. These are normally set to some value (which I don't know off hand) but they can be adjusted to open sooner (at lower vacuum pressure).

Here is an example of one. Just using this as an example, I know nothing about this particular item or the seller.

https://builtinvacuum.com/product/air-relief-valve-for-central-vacuum-systems/

Also available from Amazon and many other sources for less than $20.

I have one on our central vac system, it works great. I also use the central vac as my vacuum source in my basement shop, with an Ultimate Dust Deputy in line to capture all the debris. This combo works great and there is no noise in the shop as the vac is outside in the garage. I have checked multiple times and nothing gets past the UDD and into the central vac dust bin.

SRSemenza · « **Reply #51 on:** November 11, 2020, 10:39 AM »

Quote from: papasteve on November 11, 2020, 02:05 AM

I just bought a CT sys and a couple of sanders. I noticed right away that the orbital palm sander was jittery from too much suction. I found a quick, inexpensive fix which I haven't seen elsewhere in my searches.

Ridgid makes a "2 1/2 inch hose grip accessory with bleeder valve" for its wet-dry vacuums. It only costs $10.97. The vacuum end of the 27 mm hose perfectly fits the "attachment" end of the Ridgid grip, and the other end of the grip fits the CT SYS perfectly -- and stably. No additional fiddling required. Sanding control MUCH better. I also like that the fix is at the vacuum end and not the tool end, so the ergonomics of the sander is not compromised.

The only drawback I can see is that the Ridgid grip (I presume) is not antistatic. Maybe that can be addressed as well?

A simple solution for the AS is to run a jumper wire between the connections. I have done this for part of my shop set up. Been using it for many years. It doesn't even really need to be attached . Fan out the end of a piece of stranded wire and it will fit in with the fitting. Just push it in with the vac fitting. It could be taped on or twisted through a small hole for as well.

Seth

Bob D. · « **Reply #52 on:** November 11, 2020, 10:52 AM »

For a short run you could use a foil tape like alarm tape or copper tape used for leaded glass construction which you can probably find at hobby or craft shops or online.

Lowes has a roll of 1" x 66 feet copper foil tape for less than $15. You can find smaller amounts on Amazon and other places for as little as $5.

Author Topic: CTL SYS - Review. (Read 50326 times)

six-point socket