Festool CT-VA-20 Cyclone System

THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOL IN YOUR WORKSHOP

What is the most used power tool in my and maybe your workshop?

Actually, it’s the portable dust extractor – used whenever I am on any other power tool like the drop saw, sander or router.

So, this makes it a real workhorse and a critical tool – and it’s worth getting a good one.

Most major power tool makers have at least one extractor model to suit woodworkers’ needs. There are three class ratings for extraction and filtering – L is low risk for hardwoods and H is high risk being for silica, asbestos and lead. For general woodwork an M rating is usually a good pick to shield you from woods which are possible irritants.

Most extractors have an internal bin with a removable inner bag. When full, the bag is sealed and disposed of, or you can just empty the bag and re-use it. The bags can however be costly over time if you run a busy shop. Many of these power extractors you can also run without an internal bag and just let the waste collect in the bin.

“The design is an elegant solution"

Raf Nathan
Australian Wood Review

There is a way to make these portable extractors work better by adding on a small cyclone to increase efficiency immensely.

A cyclone has a cone inside to create air force that makes the larger wood shavings and dust fall down into the bin, whilst the very fine particles pass on into the original internal bag. The bulk of the waste collects in the large bin which is emptied as needed. A plastic liner makes it easier to empty.

If you can, dump you organic ‘shavings’ into the earth. Because this is so efficient you will only occasionally need to empty the original bag. In fact, once every six months is often enough.

“I highly recommend you consider an upgrade like this for your extractor."

Raf Nathan
Australian Wood Review

However, Festool now have their own cyclone designed to fit their extractors. Despite being stated to fit the larger Festool extractors the CT-VA-20 slotted straight onto my smaller CT Midi machine. I just needed to feed the main inlet under the handle back into the lower extraction point, whilst the hose from my power tools fixes to the top front inlet.

The design is an elegant solution with the cyclone fully enclosed and the clear plastic middle sections showing how much waste has been collected. A plastic liner is fitted into the large collection bin which holds 20 litres. The unit is securely fastened to your extractor with the Systainer hooks and is a small compact size weighing 7kg.

Modular Design of the CT-VA Cyclone Pre Separator

It is easy to access for emptying waste, although I paused to note that the whole design and build of the unit is all high-tech, and yet the hold-down straps that keep it all together are two simple Velcro straps.

I like the unit a lot with its seamless fit, practical operation and improved performance for my most used power tool.

I highly recommend you consider an upgrade like this for your extractor.

“I see these units being picked up by tradespeople seeking the very best for jobsite work"

Damien Fauser

APPLICATIONS:

Mineral particulates

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH THE CT-VA CYCLONE PRE-SEPARATOR

Constant, high suction power

Quick and easy disposal
Removal of load from main filter
Work without interruptions
Up to approx. 80% of dust extracted

Typical applications
Ideal in combination with the CTL/CTM* 26/36/48 mobile dust extractors with AUTOCLEAN function and with the following tools:

Long-reach sander
PLANEX

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Long-reach sander
PLANEX Easy

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Diamond grinder
RENOFIX RG 130

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Coarse dust (sawdust/shavings/chips)

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH THE CT-VA CYCLONE PRE-SEPARATOR

Constant, high suction power
Quick and easy disposal
Removal of load from filter bag
Up to 95% of dust extracted

Typical applications
Ideal in combination with the CTL/CTM* 26/36/48 mobile dust extractors with or without AUTOCLEAN function and with the following tools: