Hi,

I'm a new Festool owner having recently purchased the TSC 55 K and OF 1400 along with various accessories. After reading the OF 1400 user manual I see they recommend using an anti-static hose (preferably their 36mm version) to prevent potential damage to the electronics. Until I can upgrade to a CT model I currently use a very basic wet/dry vac with a 2-1/4" (ID) port. I have two questions:

• Are anti-static hoses dependent on a specific vac feature that makes them anti-static?
• Will Festool hoses fit non-Festool vacs or do they require additional attachments?

Thanks

Welcome the the forum!  in order for an antistatic hose to work you will need to have a complete ground path.  Festool's fittings at the CT end on the CT couplet the circuit.  Most shop vacs will not.

Size wise it depends on the shop vac as to whether of not they will fit. My 36 hose fits my Rigid shop vac.

Hope this helps.

Peter

Thank you both.

@Peter I have a small 5hp Rigid with a 2-1/4" (ID) port.

  That should work. If not, well , you know, just get a new vac 

Seth

@SRSemenza

Well, an entry-level CT model is on my shortlist. Though I'm not sure spending $200 for an anti-static hose that won't actually provide anti-static protection without a properly configured vac is my best option. It's probably better to wait and get a CT that comes with an AS hose. Albeit a 32mm version which I hope would fit the OF 1400. I haven't looked into all that yet.

Yes, the 32mm hose fits the 1400. It is actually 32mm at the vac end and tapers to 27mm at the tool end. 27mm has been the standard Festool smaller / regular hose for decades (?). It fits all the tools and comes with all the vacs (27 tool end). The D36 does not fit the smaller tools. The tools that can benefit from a larger hose (D36) are capable of accepting the 32/27 or the 36.  They went to the taper to get more flow through the 27mm.

Seth

Though it has been covered above, yes the vac itself plays a part in the anti-static circuit. The CT is the ground. (Earth outside the US)
My reason for commenting is actually about the usefullness of antistatic in the first place. Some say that the never see the need or point, but as soon as you touch any kind of plastic, you'll know.
Whether you are routing, sanding or sawing most plastics, especially acrylics, the moving contact builds a charge. It will be discharged, as a shock, through you. Any dust that does escape will cling to everything, since it is now charged too.

@Crazyraceguy

I received several static shocks from my TSC 55 K the first few times I used it. I have no idea what the odds are of a static buildup being severe enough to damage the electronics but clearly the potential exists. If the worst happened I would be gutted having only had the track saw and router for less than a month.

Static build-up will vary wildly depending on type of dust and air humidity. More humid air will dissipate the build-up charge easier.

Also, the shock you get when touching depends on what type of ground path you offer yourself. Many types of safety shoes have a sole that is somewhat conductive to prevent the build-up of static charge on your body.

The shoes I wear in my free time are the perfect insulator... so I get easily charged and then get the static discharge thing at home in winter if I forgot to refill the humidifier and touch things like door handles, the tap, the fridge, etc (anything properly grounded), from the supermarket cart unless I keep touch with a metal part of it, etc.

Floors might also be designed to be anti-static.

Quote from: Eko on January 28, 2023, 07:26 PM

@SRSemenza

Well, an entry-level CT model is on my shortlist. Though I'm not sure spending $200 for an anti-static hose that won't actually provide anti-static protection without a properly configured vac is my best option. It's probably better to wait and get a CT that comes with an AS hose. Albeit a 32mm version which I hope would fit the OF 1400. I haven't looked into all that yet.

Yes, the 32mm hose fits the 1400. It is actually 32mm at the vac end and tapers to 27mm at the tool end. 27mm has been the standard Festool smaller / regular hose for decades (?). It fits all the tools and comes with all the vacs (27 tool end). The D36 does not fit the smaller tools. The tools that can benefit from a larger hose (D36) are capable of accepting the 32/27 or the 36.  They went to the taper to get more flow through the 27mm.

Seth

Some exceptions exist; the fence on the CMS/OF only takes the 36 hose-end. And some vacs are sold with the special 36mm Planex hose.

I still don't understand whey they had to make a separate hose for the Planex, but ok.

Running a router with the hose draped over the back of your neck to keep it up out the way is entertaining when it's not an AS hose... It certainly tests your ability to focus.