Show notes
Jumping straight into the demos, the first item we looked at was the new Autoclean Cleantex. Looking very much like the CT36 with the extra dimension that it can put itself through a filter cleaning cycle.
The Autoclean (with superflex hose)
Demoing the Machine
The cleaning cycle can be dialed in so it happens at a frequency that suits the job being done. If doing a lot of heavy sanding of a powdery surface, you want a very frequent cleaning cycle, and it can become as infrequent as once every 2 1/2 minutes, or off altogether.
SSYTC040 Well that sucks
The cleaning cycle does disrupt the suction, but it is very quick so it is not an issue. There are a couple of parts to the cleaning. The airflow is momentarily reversed to blow through the filter, and at the same time there is a valve that literally thumps directly above the filter.
That is the theory – in practice I almost jumped out of my skin the first time the cleaning cycle activated! It is surprisingly violent (although it makes sense when you normally see a filter covered in caked plaster, MDF dust etc, just how hard it would be to get it off by being gentle). Given the airflow does reverse, it is more effective if the air doesn’t flow back up the tube, and as such there is a manually operated valve that can be attached to the front of the vac, so at the end of a dusty session, you can close the valve then activate the cleaning cycle to leave the vac ready to go the next time.
The first time I saw it activate, the vac had the new super-flexible hose that Festool have also just released, and seeing it jump significantly when the cleaning cycle hit is probably what added to the surprise just how violent the cycle is! I am very curious just how much wear and tear it places on the machine and the components. The filter is unique to the Autoclean as well – very flexible to get the maximum benefit from the heavy thump the Autoclean cycle imparts.
Flexible Filter
I did come away with two thoughts: first, the autoclean is impressive for those that need it – especially those doing sanding of plaster for example, and second, when I heard there was an Autoclean version (and not that long after I got the CT36), I thought it was a shame to miss out on that. Not any more – I don’t need that sort of self-cleaning vac for the work that happens in my workshop. The CT36, which is still one of the very latest models, is still my ideal solution. If I was doing concrete grinding or cutting, plaster work etc, then sure – the Autoclean would be invaluable.
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