Festool is coming out with a new dust collector pre-separator accessory package, called CT Cyclone, part no. 204083.
There are various types of 3rd party pre-separators that can be used, such as the Dust Deputy which can be used independent of the vacuum type, and there’s a special Ultimate Dust Deputy that was designed specifically for Festool dust extractors ($270-299 via Amazon).
Cyclones and dust separators work by collecting larger dust and debris before they can reach your dust extractor’s collection container or filter. Usually, this helps to keep suction power constant, and it helps lengthen the lifetime of filters and filtered collection bags.
When used with their HEPA-certified CT dust extractors, the new Festool CT Cyclone is compliant with OSHA’s Table 1 rule for silica dust.
The CY Cyclone is said to have a unique flat cyclone design, for minimizing necessary space, and is fitted within a Systainer-compatible housing.
The CT Cyclone comes with a single removable collection container, and you can buy more. They’re easily stacked.
Product specs say that the dust collection containers measure 15-5/8″ long x 11-1/2″ wide x 14″ tall, with max capacity of 5.3 gallons.
Clear disposable dust liners are available, with a 10-pack priced at $20.
The base unit and top cyclone component can be docked together for storage. You can also use the CT Cyclone in this manner, if you needed a shorter form factor.
Here’s everything you get – the cyclone top module, with inlet and outlet, the bottom base unit, a single collection container, a single disposal bag, and a short anti-static connection hose, for attaching the unit to your CT dust extractor.
Compatibility
The CT Cyclone is NOT compatible with the CY SYS, CT MINI, or CT MIDI models. In other words, it’s only compatible with the CT 26, 36, and 48 vacuums.
Pricing and Availability
Price: $375
ETA: Oct 1st, 2018
Buy Now(via Festool Products)
Disposable liners are $20 for 10, and collection bins are $70 each or $180 for 3. (Most users probably won’t ever need more than just the one collection bin that comes in the set, but it’s good to have the option for more.)
Compared to Oneida Ultimate Dust Deputy
Compared to the Oneida Ultimate Dist Deputy, the CT Cyclone is said to offer a couple of advantages. According to a chart on Festool Products (a recommended dealer and affiliate partner):
- Clear container for checking remaining capacity
- Anti-static from end-to-end
- Fully modular with Festool classic or T-Loc systainers and CT docks
- Containers have lids and can be swapped out easily
- Can be used with or without a container or liner
- Compact form factor with container removed, and with the container it’s still shorter than the Ultimate Dust Deputy
- Compatible with CT accessories (such as the CT handle, boom arm, and WCR workcenter)
- No assembly required
- Will not void Festool warranty
On that note, I should mention that I do like the Ultimate Dust Deputy – a lot – but it is a pain to get it set up and working. You have to apply a PSA foam gaskets, and if you damage it, it’s not an easy time sourcing a replacement. I obtained a replacement anti-static cyclone component, but have not yet swapped the included hoses and their anti-static accoutrements for a Festool anti-static hose. I had to modify part of the container for it to properly latch to my vac’s Festool Systainer base.
The Ultimate Dust Deputy is a great product. But if this new Festool CT Cyclone provides comparable performance, it might be superior. We’ll have to see.
Price-wise, the CT Cyclone is more expensive than the Ultimate Dust Deputy. But the Oneida solution has risen in price over the years. It also has more parts, or at least mine does, with metal sleeves, copper tape, and an equalization tubing.
The Oneida Ultimate Dust Deputy is compatible with the smaller CT vacs, but not the CT SYS.
Until now, it was the only cyclonic dust separate product designed to work with Festool CT vacs. Despite my minor frustrations with it at times, it is a fantastic product, and one that many people have had great experiences with. I’d definitely buy mine again.
It will definitely be interesting to see how the CT Cyclone compares to the Ultimate Dust Deputy, and perhaps against other non-Systainer-compatible 3rd party solutions.
With Oneida commanding this niche market for so long, it will be interesting to see if they will update their product in response. Or, maybe we’ll see a price reduction?
Compare(Ultimate Dust Deputy via Festool Products)
Additional First Thoughts
I wonder how many users will actually require multiple collection containers. I do like the idea, but couldn’t someone pull out a disposal bag, place it in a trash bag, and then load up a new disposal bag to continue working? Multiple collection containers might make more sense for when working with different materials.
If one container collects wood chips, perhaps another could be used for drywall dust? Metal chips? Can the CT Cyclone even work with metal chips?
The CT Cyclone is pricey, especially when you consider that a compatible CT dust extractor now starts at $730 (CT 26, 2018 edition). Filters are $42 for 5. In other words, it’ll take a lot before the CT Cyclone saves you its money’s worth in replacement filters.
I really want to see what the cyclonic component looks like!
Overall, I’m quite interested in the new CT Cyclone, and am strongly leaning towards ordering one. This will let me keep my Ultimate-Dust Deputy-equipped CT 26 in the basement for the work I like to do there, and I can equip my (Festool-provided) CT 26 in the garage with one of these. Maybe. I barely go through enough bags to make my Ultimate Dust Deputy a worthy investment.
