Just got home and unpacked my first CT.  Went with the CT26 as it can still be moderately portable need be but still has decent capacity for less empties.  Right now I only own an OF1400 but have plans to soon add a Domino DF500.  I'm under the impression that the 36mm hose is the way to go (over the 27mm that came with the unit). Excited to finally be using my Router with some dust collection!  Horray for new toys

Thanks for the reply.  Would you say that the 27mm hose is plenty sufficient when used in conjunction with the domino?

Tim,

I think you missed what he was asking.  He was not asking about a CT 26 vs. CT36. H was asking about the hose size.... 27mm vs 36mm.

Cheers,
Steve

I totally agree with Steve about the hose size issue(s). The 36 mm hose will give you significantly more flow, both air and chips but it is also much stiffer.

With the OF 1400 and bits that produce small chips, you probably won't notice a real difference. When you start making larger chips and lots of them, you'll want the 36 mm hose.

The Domino, in my opinion, doesn't need or want the bigger hose. The 27 mm hose is, also in my opinion, what you want with it (and all the sanders and jigsaws).


Tom


EDIT: Nigel posted almost simultaneously with me and we both agree that the 27 mm hose is what you want with the Domino 500. I have some experimentation to do with the Domino XL to determine if there is value in upgrading the hose. I have only had one in my hands for a short while so I don't have an informed frame of reference yet.

36 mm hose works much better for routers and saws, but you'll need some kind of adapter for sanders, OF-1010, MFK-700 and Domino. As cheap solution you can buy non-antistatic Festool hose. Festool does produce 36/27 reducer, but it's NAINA accessory.

VictorL

Great, thanks everyone.  Think I'll stick with the 27mm for now.

As others, especially Tom Bellemare have stated, the Domino500 only accepts the 27mm hose, which is more than enough because the Domino dust is as fine as from a sander. However, with the Domino the flexibility of the hose is very important. So by all means keep the 27mm AS hose which came with your CT26.

I only use my OF1400 and OF2200 for routing jobs which produce not only dust but near planer-size chips. I bought my first OF2200 before the OF1400 was available and always only used it with the stiffer 36mm hose. With practice you get used to doing so. When I finally bought the OF1400 it felt natural for me using the 36mm hose.

By the way, I have only used the 36mm hose with my TS55 and TS75. That does improve dust collection. Think about it, those saws are moving in a straight line on a guide rail. What you try to avoid is snagging the hose on the rail.

Guess what? The stiffer 36mm hose is far less prone to snagging on the rail. So that is a win-win.

The jig saws, the MFK700 and the OF1010 only accept the 27mm hose, but Tom B makes a marvelous adapter which plugs into a 36mm hose. Really kool.

All the Festool sanders need the 27mm hose and you should be within reach of the suction control when sanding because setting the suction is the secret to best sanding.