Over the last couple years, I have been developing a product that controls the suction going to two ports. Though the working name has changed over the course of development, I am currently calling it “Suction Controller”.
Primary Purpose
The Suction Controller is designed to be used with a vacuum and two hoses, and its primary purpose is to allow a user to rapidly control suction between the two hoses. This is useful when a single operator is switching between two tools with two different hoses (e.g. saw and sander).
Secondary Purpose
The Suction Controller can also be set to split the suction between both ports in any ratio. This is useful to one user operating a tool with two dust ports (e.g. router with above and below dust shrouds), or two users operating two tools simultaneously that do not require the full force of suction (e.g. sanders). It can also be used to “bleed” excess suction away from the one hose being used if the suction produced by the vacuum is too strong.
Known Compatibility/Non-Compatibility
I have been testing it with my Festool CT 26 dust extractor, which uses 50 millimetre fittings.
Sampling has also indicated that it works with many 2-1/2 inch vacuum fittings, for example, Lee Valley’s 2-1/2 inch EVA Hose and Splice fit very well.
On the other hand, due to the size and shape of its body, the Suction Controller does not fit directly into the older style of Festool CT Midi with a port in the corner.
How to Become a Tester of the Suction Controller
If, after reviewing the above information, you feel that you would be a good tester, please send me an email and I will be in touch with the next steps. You can also write with any questions you have. My email is flairwoodworks@gmail.com.
Thanks for reading!
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This post is a great opportunity for innovators. Flair Woodworks’ suction controller prototype sounds like a fascinating project, and it’s exciting to see them seek feedback.
This is such an exciting innovation. I appreciate the opportunity to test the prototype vacuum controller. It’s great to see companies like Flair Woodworks pushing the boundaries of technology and craftsmanship.