Author Topic: Festool CT15 (Read 7574 times)

Fotis_S · « **on:** March 12, 2021, 08:58 PM »

Hey people,

I was just wondering if you have any experience with the festool CT15 and if you think it's a tool worth investing in? I currently own the TS55 and the DF500 so that's what I will be using it with if I decide to purchase it. Please share your knowledge with me.

Thanks,

Fotis S.

ChuckS · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2021, 09:32 PM »

Go for it if you don't need the blue tooth feature.

Since I got it a month ago from Lee Valley Tools, I've used it several times with my DF500 faultlessly. I bought it for the DF500 as well as the Pro5 Ltd sanders, but it also works great for cleaning my workbench with its included accessories.

The dust bags are affordable in a pack of 4. If you make a lot of sawdust, consider using it with a Dust Deputy. But this video seems to suggest that each bag will last quite a bit of time:

As I noted elsewhere, the CT15 has the same cfm as the Midi. The bag is super simple to install -- once you find out how to do it the first time from the instructions printed on the bag.

Eric J · « **Reply #2 on:** March 12, 2021, 09:58 PM »

I use mine with a TS55, RO90, and Bosch router, and it's great. I'm absolutely satisfied with its performance. The cleanup attachments come in handy as well.

Fotis_S · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2021, 10:05 PM »

Thank you very much guys. I really appreciate the input!

Coen · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2021, 10:15 PM »

Depends if you need the antistatic hose. If you do... buy the midi.

Also smooth vs ribbed hose

ChuckS · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2021, 10:27 PM »

Speaking of the hose, the CT15 hose is unbelievably light-weight and very easy to handle than the CT26's that I used to own. I won't have to fight the hose when I use the DF500 for delicate milling in a vertical position as seen in the sample image.

I haven't tried it with a sander yet, but I believe the hose won't put a drag on the PRO5 when I hold the sander with only one hand.

Fotis_S · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2021, 10:56 PM »

Quote from: Coen on March 12, 2021, 10:15 PM

Depends if you need the antistatic hose. If you do... buy the midi.

Also smooth vs ribbed hose

Is there an option to upgrade to an antistatic hose in the future if I chose to?

Fotis_S · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2021, 10:58 PM »

Quote from: ChuckM on March 12, 2021, 10:27 PM

Speaking of the hose, the CT15 hose is unbelievably light-weight and very easy to handle than the CT26's that I used to own. I won't have to fight the hose when I use the DF500 for delicate milling in a vertical position as seen in the sample image.

I haven't tried it with a sander yet, but I believe the hose won't put a drag on the PRO5 when I hold the sander with only one hand.

I might sound like a newbie but what's the difference between the antistatic hose and the regural one? All I have found through my research is that the antistatic reduces the chance of a fire starting up?

ChuckS · « **Reply #8 on:** March 12, 2021, 11:03 PM »

Quote from: Fotis_S on March 12, 2021, 10:56 PM

Is there an option to upgrade to an antistatic hose in the future if I chose to?

Yes, but not cheap.

ChuckS · « **Reply #9 on:** March 12, 2021, 11:56 PM »

Quote from: Fotis_S on March 12, 2021, 10:58 PM

Snip.
I might sound like a newbie but what's the difference between the antistatic hose and the regural one? All I have found through my research is that the antistatic reduces the chance of a fire starting up?

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/static-and-anti-static-hoses/

Related but about the new and old anti-static hoses (not much difference on the inside): https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/festool-antistatic-hoses-what-are-the-differences-here/

I'm not aware of regular hoses causing fire, and had only used an anti-static hose for a brief period of time. All hoses in my shop are non-anti-static.

Fotis_S · « **Reply #10 on:** March 13, 2021, 12:11 AM »

Quote from: ChuckM on March 12, 2021, 11:03 PM

Quote from: Fotis_S on March 12, 2021, 10:56 PM

Is there an option to upgrade to an antistatic hose in the future if I chose to?
Yes, but not cheap.

I see. I will look into the midi as well. Thanks

Fotis_S · « **Reply #11 on:** March 13, 2021, 12:12 AM »

Quote from: ChuckM on March 12, 2021, 11:56 PM

Quote from: Fotis_S on March 12, 2021, 10:58 PM
Snip.
I might sound like a newbie but what's the difference between the antistatic hose and the regural one? All I have found through my research is that the antistatic reduces the chance of a fire starting up?

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/static-and-anti-static-hoses/

Related but about the new and old anti-static hoses (not much difference on the inside): https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/festool-antistatic-hoses-what-are-the-differences-here/

I'm not aware of regular hoses causing fire, and had only used an anti-static hose for a brief period of time. All hoses in my shop are non-anti-static.

I see. Thank you very much for the information

Coen · « **Reply #12 on:** March 13, 2021, 09:13 AM »

Quote from: Fotis_S on March 12, 2021, 10:56 PM

Quote from: Coen on March 12, 2021, 10:15 PM
Depends if you need the antistatic hose. If you do... buy the midi.

Also smooth vs ribbed hose

Is there an option to upgrade to an antistatic hose in the future if I chose to?

Sure. But price of CT 15 + AS hose might exceed the Midi price.

Quote from: Fotis_S on March 12, 2021, 10:58 PM

Quote from: ChuckM on March 12, 2021, 10:27 PM
Speaking of the hose, the CT15 hose is unbelievably light-weight and very easy to handle than the CT26's that I used to own. I won't have to fight the hose when I use the DF500 for delicate milling in a vertical position as seen in the sample image.

I haven't tried it with a sander yet, but I believe the hose won't put a drag on the PRO5 when I hold the sander with only one hand.

I might sound like a newbie but what's the difference between the antistatic hose and the regural one? All I have found through my research is that the antistatic reduces the chance of a fire starting up?

The antistatic hose is slightly conductive, preventing the buildup of static electricity. So it not only prevents sparks when you touch it, but also prevents dust from sticking to the hose surface (inner and outer..). Depends on local humidity and material you work with if you can get away without anti-static.

Cheese · « **Reply #13 on:** March 13, 2021, 09:50 AM »

Quote from: Fotis_S on March 12, 2021, 10:58 PM

I might sound like a newbie but what's the difference between the antistatic hose and the regural one? All I have found through my research is that the antistatic reduces the chance of a fire starting up?

Fires are not an issue it's more the case of being zapped if you touch or even come close to something that's grounded. For instance, vacuuming around the band saw and then your arm comes within 1/8" of anything metal on the saw...ZAP. It's not lethal but it is annoying.
I have both a Milwaukee and a Fein that zap me on a regular basis. The work-around is to touch something that's grounded first and then continue to touch the grounded item while you vacuum using the other hand.
On the other hand, if you vacuum the floor or the stairs and there aren't any grounded items nearby, nothing will happen other than you may feel the hair on your arms start to rise.

jussi · « **Reply #14 on:** March 13, 2021, 10:39 AM »

I always thought the claim was that it may damage the electronics of the machine.

Alex · « **Reply #15 on:** March 13, 2021, 11:20 AM »

Quote from: jussi on March 13, 2021, 10:39 AM

I always thought the claim was that it may damage the electronics of the machine.

No, it is mostly for user comfort. If you work with a sander or a saw and you touch the hose when the vac is not grounded, you get zapped all the time. It isn't hurtful, but it is pretty irritating.

That doesn't mean that too big of a static charge can't be harmful to your vacs' electronics. According to Festool there was an issue with static when using the first Dust Deputys in the past, because the conducting path of the hose was broken by the DD. Static build up could become very large when using the DD, frying the vacs' electronics when released. This is of course an extreme situation. After getting aware of the problem, Dust Deputy adjusted their design to prevent this.

ChuckS · « **Reply #16 on:** March 13, 2021, 11:25 AM »

Quote from: jussi on March 13, 2021, 10:39 AM

I always thought the claim was that it may damage the electronics of the machine.

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/ask-festool/anti-static-or-non-anti-static-hose/

None of the hoses I use are anti-static (more or less been like that for the past 2 decades), and I have never had an incident of shock to my body or to a machine in my shop. Dust particle buildup is a zero concern to me, So for me (only), I see no need for the more expensive hoses. Each shop owner should evaluate their own needs.

Cheese · « **Reply #17 on:** March 13, 2021, 11:44 AM »

I've even gotten zapped a couple of times when using a TS 55 and a CT 22 outside. I just figured it was because the outside outlet wasn't grounded.

ChuckS · « **Reply #18 on:** March 13, 2021, 11:52 AM »

On a related note about fire but unrelated to anti-static hoses: I have two fire extinguishers in my shop. Touch wood, they have never been called to service. About time to get them recharged in the spring.

Cheese · « **Reply #19 on:** March 13, 2021, 12:01 PM »

Quote from: ChuckM on March 13, 2021, 11:52 AM

On a related note about fire but unrelated to anti-static hoses: I have two fire extinguishers in my shop. Touch wood, they have never been called to service. About time to get them recharged in the spring.

One in the shop and one in the kitchen.

Coen · « **Reply #20 on:** March 13, 2021, 12:06 PM »

Quote from: ChuckM on March 13, 2021, 11:25 AM

Quote from: jussi on March 13, 2021, 10:39 AM
I always thought the claim was that it may damage the electronics of the machine.

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/ask-festool/anti-static-or-non-anti-static-hose/

None of the hoses I use are anti-static (more or less been like that for the past 2 decades), and I have never had an incident of shock to my body or to a machine in my shop. Dust particle buildup is a zero concern to me, So for me (only), I see no need for the more expensive hoses. Each shop owner should evaluate their own needs.

Static buildup is more likely in dry climates.

I want the AS hose, and if that means paying €100... well, so be it. I absolutely HATE to get zapped. Also don't like the rising hairs thing with household vacs. Most of those btw have a metal strip in the elbow piece, so at least that part is at the same potential as your body.

Coen · « **Reply #21 on:** March 13, 2021, 12:08 PM »

Quote from: Cheese on March 13, 2021, 09:50 AM

It's not lethal but it is annoying.

Well depends. If you drop down the ladder as a consequence of being startled by the ZAP it might still be lethal. But no way the coroner will ever find that, so working at height without fall protection will still get the blame.

ChuckS · « **Reply #22 on:** March 13, 2021, 12:10 PM »

Quote from: Cheese on March 13, 2021, 12:01 PM

Snip.

...one in the kitchen.

(Attachment Link)

Absolutely. I also made sure that my family know where it's put (and how to use it)!

ChuckS · « **Reply #23 on:** March 13, 2021, 08:14 PM »

Quote from: Fotis_S on March 13, 2021, 12:11 AM

Quote from: ChuckM on March 12, 2021, 11:03 PM
Quote from: Fotis_S on March 12, 2021, 10:56 PM

Is there an option to upgrade to an antistatic hose in the future if I chose to?
Yes, but not cheap.

I see. I will look into the midi as well. Thanks

The video could have been much shorter (say, under 10 mins in duration) but I believe it would answer most, if not all, of the questions you may have about the CT!5 vs Midi:

nicholam77 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 13, 2021, 11:52 PM »

I recently got a CT15 as my first Festool vac. I am happy with it. Uses are with ETS 125 REQ, track saw, and biscuit joiner, pocket hole jig, other small tools. I didn’t need Bluetooth, wheel brake, or manual filter clean. I did order the MIDI hose garage which is compatible, but have not received yet. That’s really my only complaint - the cord and hose storage on the CT15 leaves a bit to be desired out of the box. I will second that I love how light weight the CT15 hose is. I’ve never been zapped by a vacuum so not worried about antistatic at this point. Tool activation and variable suction are awesome.

I suggest make sure you know the differences the MIDI gains you, and if they matter to you. If price is important (it was for me), in my opinion the CT15 is a great value.

Fotis_S · « **Reply #25 on:** March 14, 2021, 05:37 PM »

Quote from: Coen on March 13, 2021, 09:13 AM

Quote from: Fotis_S on March 12, 2021, 10:56 PM
Quote from: Coen on March 12, 2021, 10:15 PM
Depends if you need the antistatic hose. If you do... buy the midi.

Also smooth vs ribbed hose

Is there an option to upgrade to an antistatic hose in the future if I chose to?

Sure. But price of CT 15 + AS hose might exceed the Midi price.

Quote from: Fotis_S on March 12, 2021, 10:58 PM
Quote from: ChuckM on March 12, 2021, 10:27 PM
Speaking of the hose, the CT15 hose is unbelievably light-weight and very easy to handle than the CT26's that I used to own. I won't have to fight the hose when I use the DF500 for delicate milling in a vertical position as seen in the sample image.

I haven't tried it with a sander yet, but I believe the hose won't put a drag on the PRO5 when I hold the sander with only one hand.

I might sound like a newbie but what's the difference between the antistatic hose and the regural one? All I have found through my research is that the antistatic reduces the chance of a fire starting up?

The antistatic hose is slightly conductive, preventing the buildup of static electricity. So it not only prevents sparks when you touch it, but also prevents dust from sticking to the hose surface (inner and outer..). Depends on local humidity and material you work with if you can get away without anti-static.

Fotis_S · « **Reply #26 on:** March 14, 2021, 05:39 PM »

Quote from: Coen on March 13, 2021, 09:13 AM

Quote from: Fotis_S on March 12, 2021, 10:56 PM
Quote from: Coen on March 12, 2021, 10:15 PM
Depends if you need the antistatic hose. If you do... buy the midi.

Also smooth vs ribbed hose

Is there an option to upgrade to an antistatic hose in the future if I chose to?

Sure. But price of CT 15 + AS hose might exceed the Midi price.

Quote from: Fotis_S on March 12, 2021, 10:58 PM
Quote from: ChuckM on March 12, 2021, 10:27 PM
Speaking of the hose, the CT15 hose is unbelievably light-weight and very easy to handle than the CT26's that I used to own. I won't have to fight the hose when I use the DF500 for delicate milling in a vertical position as seen in the sample image.

I haven't tried it with a sander yet, but I believe the hose won't put a drag on the PRO5 when I hold the sander with only one hand.

I might sound like a newbie but what's the difference between the antistatic hose and the regural one? All I have found through my research is that the antistatic reduces the chance of a fire starting up?

The antistatic hose is slightly conductive, preventing the buildup of static electricity. So it not only prevents sparks when you touch it, but also prevents dust from sticking to the hose surface (inner and outer..). Depends on local humidity and material you work with if you can get away without anti-static.

I see. I will look into the price difference between the CT15+AS hose and the MIDI and see which one is more affordable. Thanks for your input

Fotis_S · « **Reply #27 on:** March 14, 2021, 05:42 PM »

Quote from: Cheese on March 13, 2021, 09:50 AM

Quote from: Fotis_S on March 12, 2021, 10:58 PM
I might sound like a newbie but what's the difference between the antistatic hose and the regural one? All I have found through my research is that the antistatic reduces the chance of a fire starting up?

Fires are not an issue it's more the case of being zapped if you touch or even come close to something that's grounded. For instance, vacuuming around the band saw and then your arm comes within 1/8" of anything metal on the saw...ZAP. It's not lethal but it is annoying.
I have both a Milwaukee and a Fein that zap me on a regular basis. The work-around is to touch something that's grounded first and then continue to touch the grounded item while you vacuum using the other hand.
On the other hand, if you vacuum the floor or the stairs and there aren't any grounded items nearby, nothing will happen other than you may feel the hair on your arms start to rise.

I get it. Yes, that would get annoying very fast. I will look into the antistatic hose for sure. Thanks for your post.

Fotis_S · « **Reply #28 on:** March 14, 2021, 05:44 PM »

Quote from: ChuckM on March 13, 2021, 11:52 AM

On a related note about fire but unrelated to anti-static hoses: I have two fire extinguishers in my shop. Touch wood, they have never been called to service. About time to get them recharged in the spring.

Safety first! I have one in the kitchen but not in the shop. I should go get one to have a piece of mind

Fotis_S · « **Reply #29 on:** March 14, 2021, 05:48 PM »

Quote from: ChuckM on March 13, 2021, 08:14 PM

Quote from: Fotis_S on March 13, 2021, 12:11 AM
Quote from: ChuckM on March 12, 2021, 11:03 PM
Quote from: Fotis_S on March 12, 2021, 10:56 PM

Is there an option to upgrade to an antistatic hose in the future if I chose to?
Yes, but not cheap.

I see. I will look into the midi as well. Thanks

The video could have been much shorter (say, under 10 mins in duration) but I believe it would answer most, if not all, of the questions you may have about the CT!5 vs Midi:

Funny thing is this video popped up as a suggestion right after I made this post just to make me feel stupid for not looking it up first

Fotis_S · « **Reply #30 on:** March 14, 2021, 05:50 PM »

Quote from: nicholam77 on March 13, 2021, 11:52 PM

I recently got a CT15 as my first Festool vac. I am happy with it. Uses are with ETS 125 REQ, track saw, and biscuit joiner, pocket hole jig, other small tools. I didn’t need Bluetooth, wheel brake, or manual filter clean. I did order the MIDI hose garage which is compatible, but have not received yet. That’s really my only complaint - the cord and hose storage on the CT15 leaves a bit to be desired out of the box. I will second that I love how light weight the CT15 hose is. I’ve never been zapped by a vacuum so not worried about antistatic at this point. Tool activation and variable suction are awesome.

I suggest make sure you know the differences the MIDI gains you, and if they matter to you. If price is important (it was for me), in my opinion the CT15 is a great value.

I'm leaning more into the CT15 now that I Know I can just get the AS hose in the future. I don't care about the other features like you said.

binettea · « **Reply #31 on:** March 14, 2021, 06:14 PM »

I agree the AS hose is ridiculously expensive, but the smooth exterior instead of the typical ribs is very nice when sanding a finished work piece, or even when sawing where it doesn’t tend to catch as much on the track.

FestitaMakool · « **Reply #32 on:** March 14, 2021, 06:39 PM »

Snip:
“Funny thing is this video popped up as a suggestion right after I made this post just to make me feel stupid for not looking it up first”

Most likely not a coincidence, you’re being tracked.

ChuckS · « **Reply #33 on:** March 14, 2021, 07:16 PM »

I haven't seen this mentioned: the first 1100mm (or so) section of the CT15 hose is slimmer than the rest; approx 36mm vs 41mm in OD. That makes the hose lighter as well as more easy to bend or handle.

If I still had the TS75 to use with this extractor, I'd definitely go with a hose sleeve to attach the power cord to the outside of the hose. something like this: https://www.hosewraps.com/

ChuckS · « **Reply #34 on:** March 17, 2021, 02:02 PM »

I got a clamp meter from Amazon, and measured the current draw on the CT15:

Lowest setting: 4.68
Max setting: 8.24
Start: 12.83

I'll do the same on the DF500 used with the CT15, & then the Kapex EB alone. So far the starting and use of the CT15 and DF500 plus two lights (0.34amp in total) on the same circuit hasn't tripped the 15amp breaker. Perhaps the DF500 draws 1 to 2 amp only?

Related thread: https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/amp-draw-on-festool-dust-extractor-vacuum-outlet-65827/

mino · « **Reply #35 on:** March 17, 2021, 06:57 PM »

Quote from: ChuckM on March 17, 2021, 02:02 PM

... plus two lights (0.34amp in total) on the same circuit hasn't tripped the 15amp breaker.

Amp breakers are about sustained use, for a start they can take 5x or 10x times the current depending on the breaker type.

Ref breakers you need to worry only about the averaged (over 5+ seconds or so) power use, not the momentary max values.

ChuckS · « **Reply #36 on:** March 17, 2021, 08:55 PM »

An electricity dummy here.

No wonder why the saw didn't trip the breaker until the board was fed for a little while

Coen · « **Reply #37 on:** March 17, 2021, 09:06 PM »

Momentary max is only relevant for the magnetic trip. It's probably similar in the US, but in NL we have the B characteristic as most common; tripping instantly when current is >3-5 times the nominal rating, C-char. for >5-10.

If you go below that, you have to wait for the circuit breaker's thermal trip device to heat up. This is depended on the ambient temperature, available cooling, etc. Double the rated current can take something in between 10 and 50 seconds. 1.5x nominal current... 40 to 400 seconds.

You might even get away with hours + at 140%

DeformedTree · « **Reply #38 on:** March 17, 2021, 09:58 PM »

I went digging for it before when breakers came up, but yes, we have a similar trip curve to what you describe. A little bit over will go basically indefinitely. I've measured circuits before that would run over 16 amps basically endlessly (things running a microwave or similar).

Hard to find one for typical breaker, but looks like they can do 2X current for about 8-25secs, 1.5X for up to 90s, and 1.25x for basically forever. So 15A circuit could do 18.8A basically forever, an OF2200 takes 18.3A peak. So thus why folks aren't kicking breakers. Wire house with 20A circuits, and no problems at all.

Typical Breaker I found this one, which is a common breaker here. It's an old curve, I'm not sure if things have changed since 1980, there might be higher temp requirements now, which would shift times down.

They all work to the same curve here. I wouldn't be surprised if the breakers in Europe use the same or very similar curve.

ChuckS · « **Reply #39 on:** March 17, 2021, 10:01 PM »

Quote from: DeformedTree on March 17, 2021, 09:58 PM

Wire house with 20A circuits, and no problems at all.

I'm adding two 20amp outlets to my shop.

ChuckS · « **Reply #40 on:** March 19, 2021, 09:35 PM »

Festool Kapex EB Alone

Start: 15 - 16 amp; Running 8.5 amp or so.

Given the motor history for the EB model, the Kapex and shop vac/dust deputy are connected to two separate 15A circuits via an auto-start switch.

Cheese · « **Reply #41 on:** June 13, 2022, 09:38 AM »

Just ran across this new item from Milwaukee. It could be used to add Blue Tooth functionality to the CT 15, CT 22, CT 33, early MINI and early MIDI.

https://www.toolnut.com/milwaukee-0950-20-wireless-dust-control-adapter-remote-kit.html?trk_msg=KGVFNMVO5ISKT6N191C7TE1DQS&trk_contact=HKJ3MFS9LFAOUHBO19A55TAV7K&trk_sid=QUBJO7VS4U1LVMKIDJGT9OF6EO&trk_link=5EDTC0GGFE9497CKHR71TKMIFG&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Instant+Dust+Control+Kit&utm_campaign=%5bNEW%5d+Wireless+Dust+Control+%2f%2f+Compatible+with+All+Corded+Vacuums

[ Specified attachment is not available ]

[ Specified attachment is not available ]

LsDelancy · « **Reply #42 on:** June 13, 2022, 03:13 PM »

If you unplug the CT15 while it's running and then plug it back in is it still running?
If so, that would work.
If not, the nit would not.

I was completely convinced that I was going to buy the Ct15 when I got my DF500.
But I really wanted to add the hose garage so I could stack systainers on top of it.
And I kind of did want the better hose.
Ultimately I ended up getting a MIDI I.

ChuckS · « **Reply #43 on:** June 13, 2022, 03:32 PM »

You made the right choice as the features you need/want aren't included in the CT15, or will come at quite an additional cost.