Festool CTSC Extractor Overview

I have recently bought the Festool CTLC Sys extractor and thought that it might interest you. It is an excellent machine but buyers should be aware of the limitations due to its battery capacity.

[@drewk3402]

This was an excellent review, Peter. I bought the CTSC when it first came out because I wanted a more small, portable dust extractor with blue tooth but I have been very disappointed by the unit’s short battery life. It is the first Festool product I’ve bought that I’ve been disappointed with. This would have been perfect for me if it had a plug-in option to use with mains power. This is the same concern I have about the new CSC Sys saw. I would love to have the saw if it had a plug-in option. I think Festool, in what appears to be a drive towards offering only battery-powered tools, is making a mistake. Many people, myself included, would find plug-in options preferable for larger tools that draw a lot of power, like the CSC Sys and the CTSC. Having to frequently change batteries is a nuisance!!! Thank you, Peter, for the time and effort you put in to producing your excellent videos! They are greatly appreciated.

[@slhasebroock]

Agreed, great comment! There is NO reason the infamous Festool Engineers cannot design a cord option for many high drain cordless tools!

[@tobyhague5974]

Agreed this is the first Festool product I don’t like and have ‘range anxiety’ every job I take it on.

[@carbb5760]

The saw works, the vacuum does not. I would say 100% of my work days I will run a vacuum continuously for 10 minutes. Meaning you cannot even complete 1 task with the vacuum, the batteries take 30+ minutes to charge so you couldn’t get continuous runtime without 6 batteries. The saw is designed to make quick cuts, using the ts55k as an example, it’s nearly impossible to exhaust the battery faster than they can charge. Even with heavy use the saw is difficult to deplete the battery in a day. While I agree having a cordless corded combo option would be optimal, the saw works but the vacuum really doesn’t. This is just my experience though and I personally think the cscsys is a huge failure

[@Line-vw5io]

@@carbb5760 Why buy a ctsc only for BT? Just use your normal vacuum (or buy a smaler corded one) and buy the BT knob. I ordered the CSC saw without the standerd batteries and ordered the 8ah batteries instead. They come out beginning of september. So that would give me around 50% longer power.

[@carbb5760]

@@Line-vw5io ya I think the saw works as a BT cordless tool, the vacuum works much better corded imo

[@NWGR]

Thanks for the overview peter. I like the idea of these compact vacs (I have the M18 packout vac), but really festool made a mistake in discontinuing the corded version of this vac. They could have just updated it to match the current feature set (bt, variable suction) while also introducing the cordless variant. There's room on the market for both.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I think that you are right. Cheers. Peter

[@kevinwells768]

@@NewBritWorkshop I have the old CTL-SYS, which I rather like on its Systainer wheels, and last looked it still seemed to be available old stock?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Kevin, No, It is still being made as far as I know. Cheers/ Peter

[@davidgrover2665]

Peter doing a Festool video - what’s not to love! Nobody does it better! 👏👏👏

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi David, It is never a problem playing with Festool kit. Cheers. Peter

[@MrPatdeeee]

Thanks Peter; it's great to know. I don't take my vac from my shop. But I still like to see what Fesstool is doing. Thanks again kind Sir.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Pat, Good to hear from you. Many thanks and take care. Peter

[@MINGLE2008]

Good afternoon Hi Peter thanks for sharing

[@alansimpson596]

Thank you Peter for another excellent review. I'm keen to buy the CSC table saw from Axminster but they are out of stock at the moment but I am on their waiting list for notification when they have been re-supplied. I have the original extractor machine and found that the hose was of poor quality as it cracked in two places but the upgraded hose is just right. Also, I found that paper dust collection bags were limited so I bought the stronger extraction bag with a zip on the bottom and stand over my waste recylcing bin and empty it. I've been a convert to Festool for several years and appreciate the general high quality of all of their products.;

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Alan, Axminster will get stock back soon and, yes, Festool kit is superb. Cheers. Peter

[@bmartinot]

"It takes a lot to fill these bags" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@driftsmith117]

I have one love it

[@LDBecker]

Absolutely agree on the 2nd set of batteries. I wish they would have made the battery opening big enough to accommodate two 5.6 ah batteries. I have a Milwaukee vac that I use and like, and I can put a 12ah battery in it and it goes for quite a while. I tend to use the Milwaukee for cleanups. Also agree on FCPX for video editing. I changed to it several years ago and can easily do what I need to do with it.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Many thanks for this and great to hear your support for FCP. Cheers. Peter

[@MarkSidell]

Good editing😊

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Mark, Many thanks - I have a lot to learn but FCP is terrific. Cheers. Peter

[@CompassCustomCreations]

I too found the battery life to be shorter than expected in continuous use (such as general cleaning/post project cleanup). I bought it primarily for the Bluetooth, and, as far as that goes I'm pleased. For me the idea was to replace my DeWalt DCV580H portable vac. In general, the CTSC outperforms the DeWalt. But I gave up the much longer battery life and, more significantly, the dual power (the DeWalt has both 20v AND mains power). As a dust extractor the CTSC is far better than the DeWalt, quieter, better suction, better hose. When its all said and done the CTSC is the better vac but the DeWalt represents significantly better value due to it's longer battery life and ability to use mains power.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Yes, I understand. Peter

[@joegregory5515]

Great instructional video… I would rather have a corded vacuum, constant power means constant vacuum dust removal…

[@danthechippie4439]

Great review as always Peter, I though you ended your colabration with festool?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Dan, Festool no longer lend their kit out so I just buy the odd bit of kit now and then. I do take a lot of care choosing what I buy. Cheers. Peter

[@nickcosh5947]

Well done Peter thanks for this review, professional as always and perfect timing as I am in the market for a new cordless dust extractor. Do you think the M class version is worth the money (I am not using it professionally)...thanks again, Nick

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Nick, To a large extent the M class is just an umbrella for professional users who work on site or in customer's premises. It does specify a finer filter capability but many amateurs do not need this extra level of filtration as they are not working with hazardous materials or with other people. It is up to individuals to assess their own risk - I am happy with the L class. Peter

[@Jan_rebq]

Thank you for showing. I am considering buying one for addition to my CTL Midi. I also use the CT-VA separator and I wonder will it make good sense to use with a battery powered dust extractor?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

The CTSC eats batteries and so whatever you plan to do make sure that the CTSC is not expected to run for more than 14 minutes between battery charges and allow time for that charging. Peter

[@Jan_rebq]

@@NewBritWorkshop thank you for your quick response. basically I want so save bags, the CT-VA is already there, so I wonder if the ctlc is powerful enough. Mainly I will use the Bluetooth connection when drilling in walls or something like that and general dusting with the remote control would be comfortable. My midi is the old version without Bluetooth

[@NewBritWorkshop]

It should have the power to pull through the separator so as long as you are happy with battery life go for it. Peter

[@sierkdejongh8984]

I have an old mini, which is not upgradable to bluetooth. I do not need to use it cordless. I have found a handy thingy from Starmix, called the CoCo. It is in two parts; one goes between the plug of the extractor and the wall socket, the switch goes around the hose, similar to the Festool bluetooth switch. You switch the extractor to manual and the extractor will switch on when the switch detects vibration, or when you push the button. Very useful, and it was around € 100 in the Netherlands.

[@davidmatke248]

Final Cut Pro is awesome editing software!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi David, Yes, It is brilliant and I have only scratched the surface of its capabilities. Cheers. Peter

[@alexandervipach5255]

Does anyone know if it has the same bypass valve problems as the cable version or did they fixed it? (it acts like it's clogged)

[@fabian3265]

I got the sys for many years, what do you mean with ur question? Indent have issues on mine

[@NewBritWorkshop]

No, it is fixed. Peter

[@Line-vw5io]

if I'm not mistaking, the airstream does not start to charge a hot battery. The airstream is for cooling down the battery during the charging (faster charge) but it will not cool a hot batter first when starting the charge. Maybe take a dyson with you for cleaning up 😆😆

[@NewBritWorkshop]

When you power up the Airstream the fan starts and a connected battery will cool more quickly so that charging can start sooner. Peter

[@Line-vw5io]

@@NewBritWorkshop ach ok, I had the wrong info than. Thx

[@fabian3265]

I hope ur kidding with accessing the dust compartment. The old sys you can just flip the top one, you don’t have to remove the hose and all…

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Yes of course you can do it that way but I wanted the caddy out of the way for filming. Peter

[@autobargmann4036]

IInstead of constant new ideas, of whatever, it would also be time to reflect that the Parf Guide system has a weak point. Namely, no hole to hang it on. I bought it and am absolutely convinced it is fantaschtisch, but you can not hang it, which has led to the fact that it is now abused as a ruler and that is not the point. It is built of high strength steel and not easy to hole with normal drills. So a hole should be drilled at the top to hang it. Well I also use it for welding tables. Should also be mentioned that this system is not only good for wood but also for Metall..

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Many thanks for the advice and most interesting that you use it for welding tables. Cheers. Peter