Setup And Operation; Usage And Configurations - Festool CT Mini Instruction Manual

Setup and Operation

Usage and Configurations

The CT-series dust extractor is a true multi-purpose vacuum
cleaner with a broad range of capabilities. In its standard
configuration it is excellent for routine house cleaning,
workshop cleaning, and very effective for power tool dust
control. With a couple of quick changes, the vacuum is
ready for damp, wet, or full liquid collection. Even though
all models are capable of handling ultra-fine caking dusts
such as drywall sanding, the AutoClean models are specifi-
cally suited to the task to maximize operation time without
clogging.
Manual and Automatic Modes
The main power switch has three positions: Off, Manual,
and Automatic. In the Off or Manual positions, the electrical
receptacle on the front of the vacuum is disabled. In the
Automatic mode, the receptacle will have power, and the
vacuum will automatically turn on when the vacuum detects
that the connected tool is turned on.
Variable Power
The CT-series vacuums have variable suction power by
reducing the speed of the blower motor. Most tasks are best
suited for full power, but some uses, such as dust collection
with sanders, are best suited for lower powered suction.
Self Cleaning Bags
Typical paper-based collection bags tend to cake with fine
dusts. This reduces the air flow through the bag. The self
cleaning, woven fiber, Cleantex bags are designed to break
up the caked dust and reduce the amount clinging to the
bag surface.
Long Life Bags
Long life filter bags are available for the CT-26 through
CT-48 vacuums. The long life bags are best suited for the
collection of large volume, non-fine dusts. The bag can be
emptied and reused.
Dust Liners (CT-AC Only)
Vacuums equipped with the AutoClean feature do not rely
on the first-stage filtering normally afforded by collection
bags. Instead, they permit the ultra-fine dust to reach the
main filter, where it can be periodically and automatically
shed from the filter. The dust liners line the interior of the
canister for easy disposal of ultra-fine dust without picking
Main Filter
Caked
Drywall
Dust
Supplemental Owner's Manual
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Inlet
up and dumping the canister.
Damp and Wet Extraction
It is important to isolate dry and non-dry collections. More
specifically, avoid extracting wet or even damp material if
the vacuum already contains dry dust or dirt. The incoming
moisture will dampen the existing dust inside the collection
bag and main filter, and create a mud-like hard cake on the
surfaces. This will reduce the usable life of both the collec-
tion bag and the main HEPA filter. (Refer to
on page 9.)
Full Unit HEPA Certified
All CT models except the AutoClean models are Full Unit
HEPA Certified in accordance with 40 CFR Part 745 for
EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, & Paint (RRP) activities. The
vacuum will maintain certification as long as the HEPA filter
and filter seal are properly maintained in accordance with
this manual.
AutoClean Operation
CT-AC (AutoClean) models function like any other model,
but they are also specifically designed for use with ultra-
fine dusts, such as drywall dust. Under normal conditions,
drywall dust would cake the inside of a filter bag long before
the filter bag was full. Instead, the AC models permit the
fine dust to reach the main filter element, where it can be
automatically sluffed off.
In AutoClean mode, the vacuum will periodically reverse
flow through the filter with a high-speed impulse of air
to dislodge the caked material. The frequency of clean-
ing cycles can be automatically controlled or manually
controlled.
When a cleaning cycle is initiated, the CT-vac will abruptly
release vacuum pressure on the clean-side of the main filter.
Because the collection canister has a negative pressure (a
vacuum), air will quickly rush into the canister backward
through the main filter. This sharp backflow of air through
the filter will dislodge caked on dust from the filter.
During a manual cleaning cycle, the vacuum's inlet should
be blocked for best results. This creates a stronger vacuum
inside the canister, which results in a larger backflow pulse.
The AutoClean function will also cycle several times, mak-
ing the manual cleaning cycle more aggressive deeper filter
cleaning.
2
AutoClean
Backflow Pulse
"Wet-vac Setup"
3
Video stills courtesy Scott Montgomery
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